I played PSU recently

[Raikomaru]

I loathed the voice-acting and cut-scenes, but the gameplay was alright, but I don't want to play as Ethan. Do I have to beat the game first or something, or is there some other way to actually enjoy the game?

[TierrenZX]

Don't think you have much of a choice you have to play as Ethan.

If it wasn't for the achievement-whore in me, I wouldn't have finished the game.

[Raikomaru]

Sooo, if I play the game then I can make my own character after I beat it?

[Lolitron]

Man I can't even REMEMBER the last time I played PSU, must've been years ago!

You can play PSU Ambition of the Illuminus. You get to make your own loli and travel with Laia. No Ethan for you.

But you can also make your own char in Episode I. Beating story mode unlocks more free missions.