I've recently started Muv-Luv, and so far it's pretty average at best. It has a lot of what I dislike about anime culture, and overall it's not something I enjoy beyond maybe getting some amusement out of how silly it is.
The VNDB vote stats on it are rather average as well:
But then why am I even putting up with it at all?
Simple, it has a sequel called Muv-Luv Alternative, and the vote stats on that one speak for themselves:
Yeah. That's reason enough for me to put up with Muv-Luv original for now. But it got me thinking, is it worth the time to sit through subpar titles with the promise of then being able to fully appreciate and enjoy an outstanding sequel?
For me, I'd say so, yes. The promise of anything potentially on-par with or surpassing my current favorites is motivation enough for me. And if Alternative lives up to its hype, I'll gladly recommend others to go through Muv-Luv to then be able to experience Alternative, even if the original stays as unmemorable as it is right now.
Do you agree? Or is it not worth your time to be possibly bored for up to a few dozen hours before you get to the really good stuff?
(I would've posted this in General Gaming, but it does very much apply to books/movies/series/etc. as well)