Bakumatsu Renka SHINSENGUMI
Dimmi quando Kondo Kondo
The one route I was able to get was with Kondo, it was great, but I haven’t been able to get any other different routes. I like the idea that you can date Kondo, and I really like the voice actor. I also was able to get Yamazaki’s route, at least one, which I liked also. For me personally, I don’t like the way Harada looks and Heisuke (looks like a girl). I do like the storyline and the comic scenes and, of course, the voice actors are wonderful. I am looking forward to a guide in English, so I can continue playing this game. I bought this game when it was on sale for $30, I just could not wait. Maybe $25 would have been a better price, but if you like Shinsengumi, Edo Blossom, etc. I do recommend this game.
– Real player with 60.9 hrs in game
Read More: Best Drama Visual Novel Games.
I can sum up this game in one word: disappointing. While the voice acting and artwork are acceptable, it’s more the plot that’s the problem. For an otome game, I expected a certain level of romance, and the romance is basically non-existence in this game. After finishing up three routes in the game, I find myself bored and not caring about the characters. If you want to play a romance story about the Shinsengumi, I suggest playing Hakuouki.
– Real player with 14.2 hrs in game
Lost in Secular Love
I noticed this game long time ago while searching for cute backgrounds and it’s finally translated into English! I’ll say right off the bat the translation is very decent. It’s my first voiced Chinese visual novel. It sounded quite new and peculiar for my ear but soon enough I really fell for it! I know one developer who is creating a Chinese learning game right now and I’m eager to try it, that’s how much I enjoyed the voice acting here. Not only the language but also music (the opening is amazing) and visuals are creating a unique atmosphere of a different culture.
– Real player with 17.7 hrs in game
Read More: Best Drama Visual Novel Games.
Rating: 7/10 (“Good”)
Recommended for: People who enjoy romance. I would recommend this for a first time VN reader.
My route order: ZhiKong ZiQing HuiHai. I didn’t have a least favourite guy, but my favourite route was probably ZiQing’s.
Lost in Secular Love is a Chinese visual novel where you play as QiYe, a young girl from a noble family. Unfortunately, her family has fallen in status and become quite impoverished. As a result, QiYe disguises herself as a man and works at a restaurant. Her mother devises a plan to get her married to a monk; this would bring status back to their home as well as ensure that QiYe does not live on the streets. In addition, QiYe will be able to support her family by sending them an allowance.
– Real player with 16.7 hrs in game
Magical Otoge Iris
Important Note
Even without reading this review, I highly recommend that you download the demo prior to purchasing this game. It helps give a good feel with how the game runs.
Save files from the demo will be transferred over to the full game when purchased and you also have the option to skip the events from the demo.
Overview:
Reiterating what was stated in this game’s description, “Magical Otoge Iris” is an otome visual novel. The player takes the role of the female protagonist, Iris, who works as a “purifier” – a person who helps move spirits onto the afterlife. There are four main routes (Rieffe, Lanneis, Reqieu, and Septem) and four best friend routes (the mechanics of these routes will be explained further in the Gameplay section). As I continue on with this review, I may shorten “Magical Otoge Iris” to “MO Iris.”
– Real player with 37.9 hrs in game
Read More: Best Drama Visual Novel Games.
First of, I never played any other games of the series. I just jumped into the game without further knowledge of the other games.
Additionally, my actual playtime is not as long as it is shown, since I sometimes left the game open, while I was not even on the PC.
However, it’s still not a short game.
I’m a bit struggling whatever I would recommend the game or not.
It’s not like I didn’t enjoy the game - though there were some parts I really did not like.
I would’ve probably enjoyed the game a bit more, if I had been younger :)
– Real player with 31.3 hrs in game
Yakuza Kiss
A really intriguing game so far. I am excited at the idea of having only one romantic interest in an Otome. As much as I love choice, this gives the game much better opportunity to fully flesh out this relationship. Also, it’ll be interesting to see how player choice effects the story, possibly in ways outside of the main romantic plotline.
This is very short as of yet. I was disappointed when it ended! The themes are dark and heavy and the setting immediately leaves an impression. I think a lot of players will be able to sympathize with some of what Jeong is going through right away, setting her aside from the common shallow player-insert or overly pure otome protagonist. Art and music help set the stage quite nicely and this early chapter is well paced. I was engrossed, and usually VNs take some time to catch my full attention.
– Real player with 21.9 hrs in game
I got this game because: I was curious about visual novels, the art style looked interesting, I like futuristic settings, and I wanted a story told in a way that had a female audience in mind. I feel satisfied with my choice. The story and the characters have pulled me in so far and I’m curious to find out what happens next. There was an enjoyable amount of tension and building of relationships. I really like the art style and the overall color palette. The music and sound effects did a good job with helping set the tone. The rainy scenes were kinda relaxing despite what was happening. The touch of animation on some of the scenes and character portraits added to the mood or intensity of the scene. It also helped bring the characters to life. As of right now, the game is early access with 3 chapters so far, but I checked their social media and it’s still being worked on. No idea how many chapters there will be, but I’m ready for whichever ones drop. I suck at writing reviews, lol, but wanted to show support.
– Real player with 16.1 hrs in game
Sacred Curse
Genre
Visual novel, fantasy, romance, otome, drama.
❖︎❖︎❖︎
Story
After awakening from a deathlike dream, Charlotte’s life turned into a terrible tale.
Her memory is corrupted.
Her heart will stop beating without the strange, unbearably bitter medicine.
Her body is altered by the forbidden skill of the Darkland.
She shouldn’t even leave the mansion into the garden.
Also, she shouldn’t go down to the underground laboratory, enter the West Wing, and approach the mirrors.
Constantine is Charlotte’s guardian. He is an alchemist, necromancer, master of the forbidden arts, and master of pale black-eyed servants.
Constantine says that Charlotte is special, but who is she really to him?
❖︎❖︎❖︎
Features
❖︎ Several different endings
❖︎ A story about love and loneliness
❖︎ Beautiful artwork
Made Marion
DEMO AVAILABLE! Check the lil' download button on the right!
What do you do when your best isn’t good enough?
Lady Marion of Glastonbury is going to have to figure that out, and fast. Removed from her position of power and thrust into an unwanted arranged marriage, she finds herself careening through Sherwood Forest toward the troubled town of Nottingham.
Released from the confines of her previous life, who will Marion become? A freedom fighter? A knight-at-arms? A reluctant spy? Will she help create peace in Nottingham or hasten the coming confrontation between the strict Sheriff and the rebel Robin Hood?
And will a woman who resisted marriage end up finding love where she least expects it?
Find out when you’re… Made Marion.
A Romantic Action-Adventure Story
Made Marion is an otome visual novel - a romantic story primarily aimed at women, though of course all genders are welcome to play! It’s inspired by the tales of Robin Hood, but with many of its own twists.
Welcome to Avalon, an alternate-world Medieval kingdom in which humanity exists in a sometimes-uneasy balance with the mystical fae folk. Avalon’s hero-king Richard has gone missing, the nation is deep in debt from a recent war, and the commoners are agitating for more representation in government.
Step into the shoes of the proud young noblewoman Marion and guide her adventure in a richly-detailed fantasy world thick with political machinations and mystical intrigue. Decide who to trust and who to love. Can Marion make the right choices to save Nottingham from a dire fate?
Features:
Gorgeous Graphics with a Celtic Flair: Enjoy our beautiful, expressive characters and a unique world inspired by a variety of Northern European cultures. Celtic design elements are threaded through our character and background designs.
Proactive Heroine: Her name is in the game’s title for a reason! Marion isn’t just along for the ride; she drives the plot forward in many ways and has her own goals and desires.
One Big Choice, Two Different Worlds: After the game’s prologue, you’ll make a big choice that either sends you to Sherwood Forest or the city of Nottingham. Each side has a different cast to romance, and the two sides have a different feeling to them. Sherwood is a swashbuckling action-adventure, while Nottingham has more political intrigue and spy hijinks.
Role-Playing Choices: Instead of using a traditional affection meter, you’ll be making major role-playing choices in each route that lead to two possible happy endings. Choose to be clever or straightforward with the flirtatious Robin. Make idealistic or pragmatic choices with Geoffrey and Gui. It’s up to you, and you won’t be punished with a bad end for your personality choices.
Meaningful Bad Ends: Our bad endings are designed to be logical and interesting, giving hints about the wider story and world or showing a different side of the game’s characters. They’re also easily reversed, as they come from one-off choices.]
Made for Adults: We’re a sex-positive, LGBT-friendly otome game aimed at adult readers, with an over-18 cast. We aim to be mature without being “edgy” and to portray sex as a part of the characters' developing relationships.
New Features Incoming
Thanks to our successful Kickstarter (we love our backers!), Made Marion will be receiving a number of enhancements beyond what’s shown in the demo. We’re already implementing them in the full game, and we’re very excited about them!
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5 CG illustrations per love interest (35 total)
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Ambient Sound
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Cut-in illustrations to add interest to longer scenes
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Sprites for animals and fae creatures (hug a greatstag!)
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Animations to spice up (literal) magical moments
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Improved glossary
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More accessibility options (always planned, but now being implemented)
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Alanna’s bard songs now have professionally recorded backing tracks and will be recorded in a sound studio instead of on an at-home mic.
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And more!
Meet the Love Interests
Robin of Locksley: A deposed lord who is leading a rebellion against the autocratic Lord Geoffrey of Nottingham. A strong and capable leader with a tendency to hide his true feelings behind a wall of jocularity.
John: Robin’s second-in-command, a gentle giant of a man battling inner demons from his tragic past.
Will, the Scarlet Blade: John’s half-brother, a daredevil swordsman with several large chips on his shoulder.
Lord Geoffrey: Known locally by the derogatory nickname of “The Sheriff,” this stern lord is determined to rule by law, even if the law entails some very onerous taxes. Can Marion uncover the reasons behind his harsh policies?
Meissa: A mysterious, mischievous sage from an enemy land. Kind and compassionate, they harbor a dangerous secret.
Alanna Dale: A merry bard in Geoffrey’s court. Easy to fall in love with but difficult to truly know, she guards herself with layers of lies.
Gui la Londe: A gorgeous, graceful chevalier who is a confidant of Lord Geoffrey’s despite their very different worldviews. He would like to recruit Marion for an important mission of behalf of the Crown.
Demonheart
(Note: This review was written after chapter 4’s release. If the final fifth chapter impacts this review, I will update it accordingly. I am also a man.)
Female-driven visual novels have become increasingly common among western audiences. Unfortunately, these games are also peppered with groan-inducing young boys seeking to win the hearts of adolescent girls through affection. Where are the games with dark storytelling and evil men, and why is it taboo for women to fantasize about them? Demonheart wisely accommodates this void with a cast of evil love interests and a thought-provoking dark narrative.
– Real player with 40.8 hrs in game
Demonheart is a dark fantasy tale about a young woman, who has her life taken completely out of her own hands, in the most unusual circumstances. Follow this aberrant tale as she is lead down a dark path of no return.
Plot: Step into the role of Bright, a young red-headed maiden as she goes about her everyday life. She lives with her parents in a tiny house as the three of them try to scrape together to simply put food in their stomachs. That is, until one fateful day, an unexpected job offer reaches her. The town’s famous healer wishes to extend an invite to Bright to work alongside her in her shop as her assistant. This could be the break Bright and her family so desperately need, but is it too good to be true? Well, of course, it is or the story would end pretty quickly, wouldn’t it?
– Real player with 36.9 hrs in game
Café Rouge
I wish there was a middle-ground in whether to recommend the game. At least not until some of the bugs have been fixed such as being stuck after one of the endings and some minor adjustments as well.
While I did feel some nostalgia for the old game and was really excited to see how the reboot plays out, it feels slightly off-putting. While It does have beautiful artwork and the visual presentation looks divinely polished, it doesn’t seem to have some of the charm the old one has.
Don’t get me wrong; the artwork may have been inconsistent in the old version and those cooking mini games were hard AF, I thought the way it was made was very innovative and I always wonder what it would be like if those aspects were polished and brought back to the reboot or just something to add after unlocking a chapter.(I can only just dream about it lol)
– Real player with 21.4 hrs in game
3rd edit, probably final. I’ll reiterate ; My review may seem harsh but due to the polished look of the art and characters it gives the impression it’s a very polished game - It is not.
I don’t recommend this game.
You can play it for free on a browser I believe via the publisher for 3 of the routes. Try that/the demo first - then decide.
Honest suggestion ; You name your character “Ebony Darkness Dementia Raven Way”, the Ebony Darkness part being just the first name. You’ll have a better understanding of how this game reads if you’re familiar with the name.
– Real player with 11.7 hrs in game
Game of Love
Overview
In this story we follow the life of Alice, an unremarkable student other than for her position as a valuable member of the school volleyball team. For the last couple of years, Alice has had a crush on her long-time friend Mark, and she suspects he feels the same, but he never makes the move to ask her out; leaving her unsure of his feelings and intentions.
Most of the girls in the school are infatuated with Raphael, the handsome and mysteriously alluring idol and member of the boys' volleyball team; including Alice’s best friend Emily. As the story progresses, Alice is approached and asked out by Raphael, marking her as a target for jealous looks, back-biting and even threats of violence against her.
– Real player with 7.6 hrs in game
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Game of Love
Developer: Golden Castle Studio
Publisher: Golden Castle Studio
Pros:
1. The store page says its realistic and well, it pretty much is. It has happened in reality and has potential to happen again. To summarize the plot, Alice is the protagonist and is a normal girl aside from being a part of the volleyball team. The popular guy Raphael starts to talking to Alice and things eventually go on a series of events from walking Alice home to a more affectionate actions such as kissing. When this starts happening, Alice receives a barrage of threats that get worse over time and she’ll have to start getting to the bottom of things if she wants to make it stop.
– Real player with 5.0 hrs in game
High Elo Girls
FEATURING:
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5 MMG Team Roles to Play (Top Lane, Jungle, Mid Lane, DPS, and Support)
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5 MMG Teammates to Befriend, Romance, or Antagonize
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MOBA Simulations featuring crucial narrative-changing choices
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A newcomer-friendly tour of the MOBA esports scene
Navigate competition from all directions to become starter for your new esports team!
Play as Rafaela, a college dropout turned substitute for Momentum Gaming (MMG), an ambitious team of five amateur players competing for a coveted spot in a closed esports league. Become an MMG starter by navigating fraught relationships with your new team members, or take a backseat to their ambitions.
Will you find purpose in friendship or victory?
High Elo Girls is an esports visual novel about embracing hopes and dreams.
Taking place over 12 weeks, this tale of teamwork explores themes of new adulthood, team relationships, and the heights reached when we embrace the climb.