A particular love triangle request

[Desulishor]

This request is based on a specific mood or line of thought that hit me recently. I realize that while I've been aware of VNs for years, I still haven't played too many, so there might an army of these games just waiting for me, but here goes...

A story where the love triangle is a central part of the main plot, and it needs to have fulfilling arcs, separate endings and aftermaths for all of the characters involved, preferably with a fair share of drama thrown into it all. (I know love triangles are a quite common, but in animes and mangas at least, they tend to have a clearly established 'right' ending that a wizened, cynical reader can recognize all too easily way before reaching the end.)

The question that first hit my mind was along the lines of:
"When you realize that this person is already a part of someone else's story, would you still keep pushing yourself into their story?"
It feels 'wrong', when you first think of it, but you still want to keep struggling and in the end, there's no real, right answer, just one's personal choice.

Other specifications:
- Can have more central characters than just the love triangle (if done well, of course)

- All types of pairings
- No genre limitations, though I actually prefer stories with more 'average' settings.
- OELVN or VN

- Translated or commercialized in the West (I can't read Japanese, you know.)
- Available on PC
Comments and discussion on love triangles as story element are also welcomed, or rather, I'd enjoy more specific recommendations, rather than just lists of every love triangle game ever.

[BookwormOtaku]

Off the top of my head Crescendo has that

[Vario]

School Days? It has a love triangle and this part of the story is very important. There is drama, jealousy and you can get the ending for every girl (there are bad ends too).

Though, SD is a "love or hate" type VN and I can't say for sure that you'll definitely like it. But it fits your request.

[Yuuko]

According to VNDB Da Capo 1 and 2 both have love triangle but I haven't read them myself so can't say for sure. They are both quite popular also so you might enjoy them.

[edwd2]

君望 and WA2 are probably best known in this category, both are quite serious, heavy, and focused on relationship problems. Other examples include: MO2, WA1, ef, 君と彼女と彼女の恋, Lunaris FIllia, the original muv luv, school days, etc.

 

[Permagate]

君望 and WA2 are probably best known in this category, both are quite serious, heavy, and focused on relationship problems.

 

Agreed with this. In particular, Kimi ga Nozomu Eien very much fits OP description. Since he asked about translated VN however...

 

• One route in Da Capo II also has love triangle as the major theme. I really liked the side ending in that route too. Though if you enter the other heroine's route, it's not as important.
• iirc, one route in A Profile involves love triangle a central plot point. Though I don't think it sounds like what you want. Rather than central plot point, it's more like plot device I feel.

[sanahtlig]

School Days is the only English VN I can think of with a love triangle focus.  I'm kind of fond of such drama (and I really liked the KimiNozo anime) so I wish there were more.

[Desulishor]

First of all, thanks for all the recommendations!

Hmm... I've actually watched kimi ga nozomu, da capo, school days and white album(s) as animes so I'm a little reluctant to re-visit them as partially spoiled, but I'll give 'em a thought anyhow.

I'll probably try Crescendo and A profile first, though I must say Crescendo looked kind of off-putting, with that writing style. (could be the translation, I guess, or the screenshots in question.) In third person and present form, simple and purely descriptive narration--- (this happens now, then this happens etc.) Meh.

[OVHunter]

A profile's a little dark (I'm a no go with something dark)..

If you prefer something 'sweeter' like me, try Princess Evangile (ENG).

I'd rate it 8/10 (Good) by my standards.

 

-My Salute Friend-