Nintendo Switch otome games are making their mark on the system, with new games and ports of older ones all finding a new home. There’s a lot to peruse, and not all of it is good. Some games are definitely better than others, and you want to jump in with a title that will provide an enjoyable and optimal experience. No sense being alienated from the outset!
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One of the finest otome series is about to return. Konami is preparing Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side 4th Heart. But, very little is known about it at the moment. People are aware of the six classmates the heroine will be able to date and have learned who her homeroom teacher is, but that’s it. Fortunately, the Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side games are rather predictable. While lots of things remain a secret, there are certain elements we can count on to appear!
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Otome games, be they visual novels or other sorts of titles with relationship-building elements, are finding more and more of a place for themselves. It is easy to find something new to play. This is especially true if you have a phone or tablet. Tons of mobile otome games are out there. However, they’re not all worth your time. Finding the right sort to play can be tricky. Fortunately, Michibiku is here to help you find the perfect kind of virtual love.
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It isn’t uncommon for Japanese forms of media to showcase a story where humans transform into animals. Ranma 1/2 has a number of cast members who bounce between bipedalism and quadrupedalism. Fruits Basket is a series where its cast needs to be careful when hugging other people. Kitty Love: Way to Look for Love is an otome novel offer its own take on that sort of situation. It is an absolutely pleasant thing, though some technical issues and translation errors keep it from being something fans of the genre need to play.
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We are seeing a sense of growth, when it comes to Nintendo Switch otome games. The system is starting to find a niche for itself, especially with companies like D3 Publisher, Idea Factory and Digimerce porting over existing titles to the system. The OperaHouse and Digimerce titles are ones that may give some pause. If you play in Japanese and can understand the language, things are fine, but the English localizations range from adequate to difficult to understand. There are sometimes trappings left over from the mobile versions, such as a UI that relies on touch-screen controls or preset routes. But with Iris School of Wizardry: Vinculum Hearts, the company’s latest worldwide Nintendo Switch otome release, we are seeing some positive growth.
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There is a name people caught up in the otome game craze should know: Otomate. This is the branch of Idea Factory that devotes itself to making games for women. These tend to be visual novels with dating sim elements, though Library Cross is a mobile RPG and I Will Protect You was an Otomate Forte Metroidvania. Lots of Otomate games have been released in English for people to enjoy! Depending on the system you own, you could have at least one title to try.
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The Charming Empire is an otome visual novel that does not shy away from darker elements of life as a member of the royal family. While these are themes that can come up in many of its storylines, it is especially evident in Kei Yoshimine’s storyline. After all, he is a kidnapped prince who was brought to Japan in the Taisho era, held as what is basically a prisoner and is left to act as a tutor to players’ avatar as the story begins. The sides of court life players see here and the lessons learned offer an insight into a plausible world that is not as bright and lavish as people might expect.
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Most otome games tend to be rather straightforward affairs. You have a heroine, someone who is often devoid of personality so the player can better envision themselves in the role, and an excuse for her to be exposed to multiple men she could plausibly romance. It is rare for other story elements to appear around this and be explored, but it does happen from time to time. The Charming Empire is one of those games that offers a little extra exposition. Yes, the heroine is suddenly exposed to five men who all happen to be single, but players also get to deal with the troubles that can come from being thrust into a royal life.
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Hachiro Iba is in a unique situation in Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms. As a new bachelor, he has an entirely fresh storyline. There is also the fact that he is a childhood friend of Chizuru Yukimura, since this provides new background on her life. But there is one more important way in which Hachiro is a game changer. Through him, we have an entirely new look at the Fury situation.
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