[2015]Otome game release

[Sakimichi]

PC & PSP























R-18

 

[firelily]

This is the combined list of otome game releases from the other thread.
*Bold fonts are updates*
15/01/29 Vita 黒蝶のサイケデリカ Kokuchou no Psychedelica (Psychedelica of the Black Butterfly)
15/01/30 WinRe:BIRTHDAY SONG 恋を唄う死神 (Ai wo Utau Shinigami, pt. 1 to a trilogy)

15/02/11 Vita 学園ヘヴン BOY’S LOVE SCRAMBLE！ （Gakuen Heaven BOY'S LOVE SCRAMBLE!）
15/02/12 Vita 百華夜光 Hyakka Yakou
15/02/19 Vita 薄桜鬼 随想録 面影げ花　（Hakuouki Zuisouroku Omokage Hana）
15/02/19 Vita 男遊郭 （Otoko Yuukaku）
15/02/26 Vita DIABOLIK LOVERS DARK FATE
15/02/26 3DS 金色のコルダ3 フルボイス Special （Kiniro no Corda 3 Full Voice Special）
15/02/26 Vita OZMAFIA!!-vivace-
15/02/27 Win Photograph Journey～恋する旅行・新潟編＆北海道編～ (Koisuru Ryokou Niigata&Hokkaido)

15/03/05 3DS 新テニスの王子様 ～Go to the top～ （Shin-Tennis no Oujisama ~Go to the Top~ (New Prince of Tennis ~Go to the Top~）
15/03/06 Win 神足町人妖譚 ～迷イ子ノ章～ (Koutarichou Jinyoutan ~Maigo no Shou~)
15/03/12 PSP うたの☆プリンスさまっ♪All Star After Secret （Uta no Prince Sama! All Star After Secret）
15/03/12 PSP&Vita 遙かなる時空の中で6 （Haruka Naru Toki no Nakade 6）
15/03/13 Win ヴァルプルガの詩 (Walpurgisnacht no Shi)
15/03/26 PSV 新装版 お菓子な島のピーターパン ～Sweet Never Land～ (New! Peter Pan and the Island Of Sweets)
15/03/26 PSP 宵夜森ノ姫 （Yoiyomori no Hime）
15/03/26 Vita 剣が君 for V （Ken ga Kimi for Vita）
15/03/27 Win Un:BIRTHDAY SONG 愛を唄う死神 (pt 2)
15/03/27 Win DYNAMIC CHORD feat.Liar-S

15/04/09 PSV 華ヤカ哉、我ガ一族 モダンノスタルジィ (Hanayaka Nari, Waga ichizoku Modern Nostalgi)
15/04/02 Vita NORN9 ノルン+ノネット LAST ERA
15/04/23 Vita 新装版 クリムゾン・エンパイア　（Renewed: Crimson Empire）
15/04/23 PSP 明治東亰恋伽 トワヰライト・キス (Meiji Tokyou Renka Twilight Kiss)

15/05/** Win 大正×対称アリス episode Ⅱ (Taisho x Taisho Alice ep 2)
15/5/21 Win 絶対階級学園～Eden with roses and phantasm～ (Zettai Kaikyu Gakuen)
15/5/21 Vita アブナイ恋の捜査室～Eternal Hapiness～ (Abunai Koi no Chousashitu ~Eternal Happiness~
15/05/28 PSV 華ヤカ哉、我ガ一族 幻燈ノスタルジィ (Hanayaka Nari, Waga ichizoku Gentou Nostalgi)

[B]2015/6/11　Vita 「猛獣使いと王子様 Flower & Snow」 (Mojyutsukai to oujisama Flower & Snow)[/B]
2015/6/18　Vita 「新装版 魔法使いとご主人様」 (Renewed Mahoutsukai to Oujimasa)
2015/6/25　Vita 「5人の恋プリンス」 (Gonin no Koi Prince)
2015/6/25　Vita 「Vamwolf Cross†」
2015/6/25　Vita 「スクールウォーズ 全巻パック 本編＆卒業戦線」 (School Wars + sotsugou zensen)
2015/6/25　Vita 「Vamwolf Cross†」
15/06/26 Win Photograph Journey～恋する旅行・香川編＆宮崎編～ (Koisuru Ryokou Kagawa&Miyagi)
15/06/26 Win DYNAMIC CHORD feat.KYOHSO

2015/7/02　Vita 「薄桜鬼 黎明録 思馳せ空」 (Hakuouki Shinkai Omohasesora)
2015/7/16　Vita 「 I DOLL U」
2015/7/30　Vita 「新装版・ハートの国のアリス」 (Renewed Heart no Kuni no Alice)

2015/8/20　Vita 「ロミオVSジュリエット・全巻パック」 (Romeo vs Juliet full pack) [/B]

2015/9/24　Vita 「源氏恋絵巻」 (Genji Koi Emaki)

Release Dates Undecided as of Jan 2015:
Spring Vita プリンス・オブ・ストライド (Prince of Slide)
Spring Vita Starry☆Sky ～Spring～(仮) (Starry Sky Spring -temporary title-)
08/** Win 大正×対称アリス episode Ⅲ (Taisho x Taisho Alice Ep 3)
Summer Vita Rear Pheles - Red of Another -
11/** Win 大正×対称アリス episode Ⅳ (Taisho x Taisho Alice Ep 4)
2015年 PSP 神々の悪戯 InFinite (Kamigami no Asobi Infinite)
2015年 Vita CLOCK ZERO ～終焉の一秒～ ExTime (Clock Zero ~Shuen no ichi byou~ Extime)
2015年 Vita 忍び、恋うつつ (Shinobi Koi Ututu for PSV)
2015年 Vita KLAP!! ～Kind Love And Punish～
2015年 Vita レンドフルール (reinedesfleurs)
2015年 Vita POSSESSION MAGENTA
2015年 Vita SWEET CLOWN ～午前三時のオカシな道化師～
2015年 Vita SA7
2015年 Vita/PSP アンジェリーク ルトゥール (Angelique Retour)
2015年 Win/Mac 華アワセ 唐紅／うつつ編 (Hana Awase Kara Kurenai/ Ustustu)

 

[hype]

How is the Vita games doing in Japan?

 

[firelily]

Well, I took some time to research:
1. There were 18 Vita games released last year. And the top 2 best selling games of 2014 were both Vita games: "Hakuouki SSL" (32,663 copies sold) and "Amnesia World" (17,178 copies.)
(Side note: Average otome games sell around 3,000~4,000 copies. An otome game can be considered a "best seller" if it sells more than 10,000 copies.)

Spoiler: Details of Actual Copies Sold

*32,663 14/03/27 Vita 『薄桜鬼SSL ～sweet school life～』
*17,178 14/05/22 Vita 『AMNESIA World』
*11,578 14/11/27 Vita 『Code:Realize ～創世の姫君～』
**9,333 14/12/04 Vita 『DIABOLIK LOVERS VANDEAD CARNIVAL』
**7,464 14/11/20 Vita 『戦場の円舞曲(ワルツ)』
**6,102 14/10/30 Vita 『DRAMAtical Murdere re:code』
**5,988 14/11/13 Vita 『MARGINAL#4 IDOL OF SUPERNOVA』
**5,318 14/10/16 Vita 『AMNESIA LATER×CROWD V.Edition』
**3,964 14/09/04 Vita 『Binary Star』
**3,575 14/10/02 Vita 『熱血異能部活譚 Trigger Kiss』
**3,527 14/07/24 Vita 『RE:VICE［D］』
**3,391 14/09/25 Vita 『花咲くまにまに』
**2,379 14/07/17 Vita 『爽海バッカニアーズ!』
*Note: There are four games I couldn't find the data for*

2. Also, many games are also being offered as downloadable copies, which can be played on the PSP and the Vita. So no one is quite sure how many copies were sold to Vita users.


Personally, I don't think it's not about how well Vita's are doing right now, because whether we like it or not, the gaming industry is going to sell Vitas until they sell well.

 

[Sakimichi]

I saw the top sellers in B's Log and PSVita dominated.
Good news for Prince Pia PC version because it was doing well.

 

[shroov05]

So many released, so Hakouki and Kamigami No Asobi will get a new game released huh ? That's great. May i ask what Vita is ? I don't quite understand

 

[firelily]

A Vita is a new gaming console after the PSP. It has a touch screen, improved graphics & sound, and a camera on both sides. It's pretty lightweight too.

 

[LaCaL]

Well, I took some time to research:
1. There were 18 Vita games released last year. And the top 2 best selling games of 2014 were both Vita games: "Hakuouki SSL" (32,663 copies sold) and "Amnesia World" (17,178 copies.)
(Side note: Average otome games sell around 3,000~4,000 copies. An otome game can be considered a "best seller" if it sells more than 10,000 copies.)

Spoiler: Details of Actual Copies Sold

*32,663 14/03/27 Vita 『薄桜鬼SSL ～sweet school life～』
*17,178 14/05/22 Vita 『AMNESIA World』
*11,578 14/11/27 Vita 『Code:Realize ～創世の姫君～』
**9,333 14/12/04 Vita 『DIABOLIK LOVERS VANDEAD CARNIVAL』
**7,464 14/11/20 Vita 『戦場の円舞曲(ワルツ)』
**6,102 14/10/30 Vita 『DRAMAtical Murdere re:code』
**5,988 14/11/13 Vita 『MARGINAL#4 IDOL OF SUPERNOVA』
**5,318 14/10/16 Vita 『AMNESIA LATER×CROWD V.Edition』
**3,964 14/09/04 Vita 『Binary Star』
**3,575 14/10/02 Vita 『熱血異能部活譚 Trigger Kiss』
**3,527 14/07/24 Vita 『RE:VICE［D］』
**3,391 14/09/25 Vita 『花咲くまにまに』
**2,379 14/07/17 Vita 『爽海バッカニアーズ!』
*Note: There are four games I couldn't find the data for*

Thanks for the info, it's always interesting to see how sales went. Depressing, yet interesting.

You know, SSL is a sad reminder that releasing the same stuff over and over again as well as copying other people's successful ideas really pays off. In SSL's case, REALLY pays off. 3x as much! All they had to do was "draw inspiration" from Princess Crown's popular Hakouki high school AUs:

Kuchihatenu Sakura no [2011]: Hakuou Academy, where sakura petals drift everywhere. Chizuru entered the school as its only female student.
SSL [2014]: Yukimura Chizuru knocks on the gates of a private academy, which has since been a boys' school. However, as of this year, Hakuou Academy opens its gates to co-education and Chizuru is the only female student enrolled.

Jesus, Otomate, at least have the decency to change the name of the high school! Sure, Princess Crown's idea is far from original, but with these similarities, it'd be hard to argue that Otomate wasn't "inspired" by Kuchihatenu (i.e. its success) at all. Then, as if to reference or capitalise on SSL's explosive success, Princess Crown released their latest Hakouki high school AU fic game entitled SSV ~School Summer Vacation~. Who's willing to bet that we'll see another release by Otomate closely relating to SSL? Only time will tell if they decide to blatantly rip-off one of Princess Crown's ideas again and make depressing amounts of money off of it...

In addition, when I look at the top 5 sellers, it further depresses me. When only 2/5 games are original games- in other words, not fandiscs, ports, re-releases, remakes, etc.- it pretty much reinforces that (at least Japanese) otome fans are content with playing the same stuff over and over again.

As some have theorised, many companies are testing the waters by seeing how many units they can sell by using low-cost ventures like ports and fandiscs. At first, I thought that this was a shit way to go about things because high sales would only result from title familiarity... Now that they can see that most otome games can safely reach the average sales mark, and with enough publicity and marketing, best-seller (or near that), I hope that more original content on my barely-used-for-otome-games console will see use.

 

[Sakimichi]

Jesus, Otomate, at least have the decency to change the name of the high school! Sure, Princess Crown's idea is far from original, but with these similarities, it'd be hard to argue that Otomate wasn't "inspired" by Kuchihatenu (i.e. its success) at all. Then, as if to reference or capitalise on SSL's explosive success, Princess Crown released their latest Hakouki high school AU fic game entitled SSV ~School Summer Vacation~. Who's willing to bet that we'll see another release by Otomate closely relating to SSL? Only time will tell if they decide to blatantly rip-off one of Princess Crown's ideas again and make depressing amounts of money off of it...

Haha I feel you. I wonder how princess crown handles this, but if I'm in their shoes I'd be really sad that they took off far better than what I'm doing and not crediting inspiration even if its blatantly obvious. But then again Otomate owns the rights and all.. *rolls eyes*

it pretty much reinforces that (at least Japanese) otome fans are content with playing the same stuff over and over again.

Maybe because of Seiiyu-mentality. Where Seiyuu>Plot.I could never understand that kind of fandom but everyone is entitled to their opinion..I guess.
I never enjoyed watching how JP female gamers over there rank their games. I observed that the English speaking party pretty much likes Plot > Seiyuu.It's a challenge to tell the otome companies to produce games with good plots when majority of the JP fans (who can afford to support the community) wants to pander on plotless licking and torture games.

 

[kareshi]

Can't wait to play Shinigami Kareshi games.

 

[firelily]

I observed that the English speaking party pretty much likes Plot > Seiyuu.It's a challenge to tell the otome companies to produce games with good plots when majority of the JP fans (who can afford to support the community) wants to pander on plotless licking and torture games.

Ahahaha! Diabolik Lovers! Everything about it was painful. I've never felt so bad for the voice actors.
There's actually "torture" game game that's coming out called, "KLAP," where this time the Main Character, uh, tortures the guys.

Personally, I'm rather depressed by how recent otome games are all about pointless "doki-doki" moments and not about how the relationship builds up.

 

[hype]

Ahahaha! Diabolik Lovers! Everything about it was painful. I've never felt so bad for the voice actors.
There's actually "torture" game game that's coming out called, "KLAP," where this time the Main Character, uh, tortures the guys.

That looks absolutely bull. I am not well-versed with their culture, but that is pretty sick to me. I am also not a fan of diabolik lovers, the story could have been interesting but it was focusing too much on fanservice. It is the type of fanservice that I loath.
We got interesting titles on PC this year thanks to Honeybee and other companies that did not risk their development on Vita. I look forward for the Birthday series, Dynamic Cord, Clover Library. I won't expect something good in R-18., ive never encounter a good story.

 

[White Toreador]

Ahahaha! Diabolik Lovers! Everything about it was painful. I've never felt so bad for the voice actors.
There's actually "torture" game game that's coming out called, "KLAP," where this time the Main Character, uh, tortures the guys.

Okay, out of curiosity I went to the official site of "KLAP" and saw a gamefied torture of these guys, I mean, as skinship mode in TMGS but with do-S twist
I want to unsee it now (>_<)

 

[LaCaL]

Haha I feel you. I wonder how princess crown handles this, but if I'm in their shoes I'd be really sad that they took off far better than what I'm doing and not crediting inspiration even if its blatantly obvious. But then again Otomate owns the rights and all.. *rolls eyes*

Maybe because of Seiiyu-mentality. Where Seiyuu>Plot.I could never understand that kind of fandom but everyone is entitled to their opinion..I guess.
I never enjoyed watching how JP female gamers over there rank their games. I observed that the English speaking party pretty much likes Plot > Seiyuu.It's a challenge to tell the otome companies to produce games with good plots when majority of the JP fans (who can afford to support the community) wants to pander on plotless licking and torture games.

You're correct; Princess Crown can't do anything about it 'cause Hakuouki isn't their idea. Funnily enough though, we could see the two start to become silently dependent upon each other for ideas, but more Otomate spying on Princess Crown.

I'm in the frustrating position of buying the majority of otome games I play, but since the only way to "complain" to those companies in a way they'd listen is to be super-honest in the polls... I'm still left sifting through the hay to find a decent game; the needle. Given that the squees in those polls are way more plentiful than giving the company genuine critique and "intelligent" opinions... Sometimes I wonder why I bother. Like Sakimichi mentioned, this seiyuu > plot (I'd even amend the hierarchy to seiyuu > art > chara-moe potential > plot) mentality is a big problem when it comes to originality, but I'd also add moetard fanservice to the mix.

Ahahaha! Diabolik Lovers! Everything about it was painful. I've never felt so bad for the voice actors. There's actually "torture" game game that's coming out called, "KLAP," where this time the Main Character, uh, tortures the guys.

Personally, I'm rather depressed by how recent otome games are all about pointless "doki-doki" moments and not about how the relationship builds up.

That looks absolutely bull. I am not well-versed with their culture, but that is pretty sick to me. I am also not a fan of diabolik lovers, the story could have been interesting but it was focusing too much on fanservice. It is the type of fanservice that I loath.

We got interesting titles on PC this year thanks to Honeybee and other companies that did not risk their development on Vita. I look forward for the Birthday series, Dynamic Cord, Clover Library. I won't expect something good in R-18., ive never encounter a good story.

Can't agree with firelily more about how bad I feel for the seiyuu. I used to feel happy when I see my favourites get heaps of work in the otome world, but now I feel sorry for them 90% of the time since most games are mediocre or outright not worth my time. They're made to play the same kind of characters (I'm looking at you, Yonaga Tsubasa) dozens of times. Otherwise, they're reading the same cliched lines over and over again. They probably can't even choose their jobs unless they're freelancer- which most of them are not. I feel even more sorry for the ones that are made to play a character from a popular game that get a zillion spin-offs, fandiscs, sequels, etc.

I agree again with firelily about the "doki-doki" moments over building up relationships being depressing as hell. Then again, most otome media authors (again, MOST, not all) are no better than fan-fic writers IMO. The bad writing is most evident in filler games or quick cash-grab games. ALICE=ALICE was pretty terribly written, even for a filler game. Makes you wonder if there is ANY kind of quality control in regards to characters and plots with most otome games. You know, beyond if they're "hot", "do-S", "tsundere", etc.

In regards to KLAP... I can only hope that kind of otome game doesn't become the norm. I think my IQ dropped a few points after reading the plot summary on the official website. Do they really think all otome fans don't have standards? Between the shoehorned premise and the characters that don't resemble the mystical creatures they're based on, I just... *sighs* What's the point of adding ayakashi into this setting, again? To cash in on the current ayakashi trend? *double sighs*

hype, I agree with you in that it's rarely a good idea to expect a decent story in R18+ otome games. However, some of the best otome games I've ever played were R18+. Chou no Doku Hana no Kusari (has an all-ages PSV port) and Koezaru wa Akai Hana (has an all-ages PSP port) are really good games. If you ever want your faith restored in R18+ otome for whatever reason, I'd start there.

 

[vanillagreentea]

are there many good otoge besides tokimeki memorial girl side 1st love, 2nd season, and the third one?

 

[firelily]

are there many good otoge besides tokimeki memorial girl side 1st love, 2nd season, and the third one?

There are quite a few of them out there, but it really depends on your preference.
For example, if you like Visual Novels then, I'd say, Geten no Hana (for example)
But if you like simulations, I'd recommend Kiniro no Corda.

 

[Sorata]

hype, I agree with you in that it's rarely a good idea to expect a decent story in R18+ otome games. However, some of the best otome games I've ever played were R18+. Chou no Doku Hana no Kusari (has an all-ages PSV port) and Koezaru wa Akai Hana (has an all-ages PSP port) are really good games. If you ever want your faith restored in R18+ otome for whatever reason, I'd start there.

Gonna second what you said about Chou no Doku Hana no Kusari and Koezaru. They're hands down one of the best otome games I've played, despite them being R18. On the topic of Koezaru, did anyone full comp Sachi no Tenbin - operetta's newest game? I love this company cause their writing is great and their heroines are seriously the best otome heroines I've come across, but the premise of this one isn't as grabbing. It seems pretty short with only two routes as well. I'd love to hear people's thoughts on it if they've played it.

I know this is an otome topic, but Lamento, Sweet Pool and Lucky Dog 1 have incredible plots as well in different ways. Sure they're BL and that might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I adored them to bits.

Maybe because of Seiiyu-mentality. Where Seiyuu>Plot.I could never understand that kind of fandom but everyone is entitled to their opinion..I guess.
I never enjoyed watching how JP female gamers over there rank their games. I observed that the English speaking party pretty much likes Plot > Seiyuu.It's a challenge to tell the otome companies to produce games with good plots when majority of the JP fans (who can afford to support the community) wants to pander on plotless licking and torture games.

Sakimichi, you have no idea how much I agree with this. I honestly don't understand the seiyuu obsession. Sure I prefer voiced games since it gives the characters life.. but it ends there. It's a pity our opinions are of the minority in the otome fandom.

It also makes me sad that while it's true that in the English otome fandom, plot > voices. But when I see so many people in the fandom do LPs or post about playing the games, they have the voice option turned off because it "sounds weird".. that just makes me go :S Like why.....

At the same time, I also feel sad that the English fandom goes head over heels over voltage games or any otome game that's available in English. I admit, when I first started in otome, I was similar in that I spent way too much money on those apps. Voltage is seriously making a fortune with their rather mediocre apps and taking advantage of this audience. Then again, who could blame them? Though I must say, In Your Arms Tonight is a gem. I really love that one from voltage and still do. Too bad, that and Kiss of Revenge don't even get updated since their sales pale in comparison to their other games (KoR updates have been cancelled completely).

At the end of the day, I just feel my tastes don't match with Japanese nor English otome fans for the most part; pity really. Moreover, my interest in otome is still there, but I can feel it slowly start to fade away the past year. I'm not going to make the move to the PSvita, which is good since I can catch up on my tremendous backlog. The only games I currently look forward to are the rest of the hana awase games (one of my huge favourites and it has to be a tetralogy), taisho alice and the shinigami kareshi games (honeybee better not screw up haha).

Woah, I went on so many random tangents there. I'm gonna go sleep now, I have school tmrw lol

 

[hype]

But if you like simulations, I'd recommend Kiniro no Corda.

I am interested in Kiniro but can't find good english guide on how to play.

However, some of the best otome games I've ever played were R18+. Chou no Doku Hana no Kusari (has an all-ages PSV port) and Koezaru wa Akai Hana (has an all-ages PSP port) are really good games. If you ever want your faith restored in R18+ otome for whatever reason, I'd start there.

Thank you for recommendation LaCal, it's my first time hearing Chou no Doku Hana I keep hearing Akai Hana praises though.

Moreover, my interest in otome is still there, but I can feel it slowly start to fade away the past year.

That's sad. I am worried that the english otome fandom is dwindling. If only english companies would make a move soon to raise the fandom. I meet a lot of otome fans in tumblr but they only join bandwagons and never really play Japanese game. In the end most of them are just all for the hype and would fade away.
Only a few can really find comfort with the machine translation problem and dedicate in playing and finishing game.

 

[Sakimichi]

I am worried that the english otome fandom is dwindling. If only english companies would make a move soon to raise the fandom.
I meet a lot of otome fans in tumblr but they only join bandwagons and never really play Japanese game. In the end most of them are just all for the hype and would fade away.
Only a few can really find comfort with the machine translation problem and dedicate in playing and finishing game.

It's as expected in tumblr, some people just jump on bandwagons to fit in.
But on the bright side it sometimes helps to at least pretend the otome game fandom is supportive, but in the end sales matter a lot!

I've posted tweets on the estimated number of average players in an otome game, and in popular games like Dandelion there were only 72 players peaking as highest and an average of 20 players per day that plays the game daily. One can assume that there are 72+ players that bought the game but it maybe up to 200 to 300.

Well thats quite small if compared to the male fandom , take Sakura Spirit they have 447 players as highest peak and an average of 40 players that plays the game daily. I'll estimate around 800+ copies sold which is already x4 higher than the otome games.

I believe in order for the western otome game to grow we need a breakthrough with the game mechanics to lure more people. Something similar to P3P (Persona 3 Portable). That was the most interesting game I've played so far, a combination of RPG and dating elements. Subtle but the build-up was there, the plot was a tear-jerker and the casts were loveable!

At the same time, I also feel sad that the English fandom goes head over heels over voltage games or any otome game that's available in English. I admit, when I first started in otome, I was similar in that I spent way too much money on those apps. Voltage is seriously making a fortune with their rather mediocre apps and taking advantage of this audience.

Oh god this. I spent my 50% of my life savings on this only to regret it.
When I became an android developer, we were required to root our devices to expand internal storage on our phones. Thats when all my purchased voltage games stopped working. It's awful DRM system and mediocre game made me realize how much I wasted. I could have bought Birthday Song right now if it weren't for my poor life choices. I did submit my concerns to them, but I didn't get a response. I will never ever recommend anything from them. I don't care about the positive reviews, I remind myself that they have positive reviews because of our thirst for a bloody english localization.

Also I'm working on some Otome games to port to Android. Once I graduate and get a stable job that is.

In regards to KLAP... I can only hope that kind of otome game doesn't become the norm. I think my IQ dropped a few points after reading the plot summary on the official website. Do they really think all otome fans don't have standards? Between the shoehorned premise and the characters that don't resemble the mystical creatures they're based on, I just... *sighs* What's the point of adding ayakashi into this setting, again? To cash in on the current ayakashi trend? *double sighs*

About IQ standards I'm starting to think the majority are...*ehem* There is no way to stop the female fans to embrace the moe era (and here I thought it'll only affect guys). Megane-bu and Bouei-bu..We can observe how majority of the female fans have succumbed to this type of fanservice and now..KLAP..HAH! And why do they like it? Because of Seiyuu...*facepalm* I really don't care anymore.

Every year we saw how the fandom plummets to half-assed fanservice and they seem to enjoy it. What makes these fans special is that they always give feedback in everything that they like, while fans that know better would only keep quiet about it.

The bad writing is most evident in filler games or quick cash-grab games. ALICE=ALICE was pretty terribly written, even for a filler game. Makes you wonder if there is ANY kind of quality control in regards to characters and plots with most otome games. You know, beyond if they're "hot", "do-S", "tsundere", etc.

For me Rejet just enjoys releasing mediocre PC games (with the exception of Black wolves saga and Ken ga Kami) just to lure fans to the console port. They were never interested in the PC fandom anyway. I can tell by their business patterns.
This makes me wanna buy 5 copies of Ozmafia if it gets release on steam to encourage pony-pachet to do more PC games.

 

[firelily]

I am interested in Kiniro but can't find good english guide on how to play.

I'm fluent in Japanese and I looked at multiple wikis, but still failed to get an ending for the first one. -__-; The third one and the Another Sky series doesn't involve too many aspects, so maybe you can start from there.

Gonna second what you said about Chou no Doku Hana no Kusari and Koezaru. They're hands down one of the best otome games I've played, despite them being R18. On the topic of Koezaru, did anyone full comp Sachi no Tenbin - operetta's newest game? I love this company cause their writing is great and their heroines are seriously the best otome heroines I've come across, but the premise of this one isn't as grabbing. It seems pretty short with only two routes as well. I'd love to hear people's thoughts on it if they've played it.

Sachi no Tenbin was my first R18 game, but I'm glad I played it. Like you've mentioned, there's only two characters and three endings for each, but it's definitely worth your while. The plot is solid and I really liked how the mystery unfolds in the end. Plus, after the ending you get to see some of the story through the guy's perspective, which is a big plus. (I actually like it more than Koezaru, but I've only seen one character's ending.)

Aah, and I shouldn't forget, I don't like how otome games are capitalizing through anime, merchandise, seiyu events, and releasing the same game for a different console. Like seriously, I wish the makers spend more time on their games instead trying to mooch money from the same ideas.

 

[Sakimichi]

Like seriously, I wish the makers spend more time on their games instead trying to mooch money from the same ideas.

They can't help it because of how the JP fans spend their money on it no matter how repetitive it is

it pretty much reinforces that (at least Japanese) otome fans are content with playing the same stuff over and over again.

Which reminds me that their poll for popular bishounens, Mikase Ai always tops it. These ladies can't let go of their fandoms that easily. Maybe loyalty is still in their blood after all these years.


Also, I'm not against on anime content for as long as it has the same production like Kamigami Asobi. That was really glorious despite being short. Brothers Conflict..was... ugh..so sad that they butchered oniichan.

 

[LaCaL]

I thought Kurusu Shou was topping those polls? Maybe they've grown bored of him? Mikaze Ai is a pretty guy, but looks alone don't top these polls and evoke such obsession... he's likely a Do-S, tsundere and/or kuudere, which would explain his popularity as they're character traits many otome fans have embraced for years. Admittedly, I like kuudere (and dandere even more), but at the risk of opening another can of worms, I think writers just don't know how to balance the "dan/kuu/tsun/yan" and the "dere" in a believable manner; even at a basic level. Can you even call these light novelist-wannabes "visual novel writers"? They've usually got two basic paths to choose from when working with these characters and they can't manage to walk down either very well.

Anyway, back on the topic of "2015 Otome Games", I'm looking forward to the doujin, Gunjou no Yuki. I really recommend the trial. It's worth the mammoth 2~3 hours of reading. By the end of it, you can really fairly decide if you're still interested or not. Gees, the fans in Japan weren't kidding when they're talking about doujin games catching up (or even being on the same level) as professional VNs...

 

[Sakimichi]

Anyway, back on the topic of "2015 Otome Games", I'm looking forward to the doujin, Gunjou no Yuki. I really recommend the trial. It's worth the mammoth 2~3 hours of reading. By the end of it, you can really fairly decide if you're still interested or not. Gees, the fans in Japan weren't kidding when they're talking about doujin games catching up (or even being on the same level) as professional VNs...

VNDB listed the full download edition as freeware too. Interesting

 

[LaCaL]

VNDB listed the full download edition as freeware too. Interesting

Yeah, the download edition is free, but is technically, not the the "full game". The free edition won't include a certain route or part of a route, apparently. I'm not entirely sure what this will mean overall, but either way, I'm placing enough faith into Stellatica to buy the packaged edition as soon as I'm able to (pre)order it. Doujin copies are way more limited than commercial, so I may have to be quick.

 

[Sakimichi]

Yeah, the download edition is free, but is technically, not the the "full game". The free edition won't include a certain route or part of a route, apparently. I'm not entirely sure what this will mean overall, but either way, I'm placing enough faith into Stellatica to buy the packaged edition as soon as I'm able to (pre)order it. Doujin copies are way more limited than commercial, so I may have to be quick.

Ugh , I want a copy but I'm saving up for Taishou Alice ;-;
It's the worst thing that ever happened to Otome games ..expensive over-all episodic releases..g*d damn that art ;-;