I’ve been playing videogames for most of my life and the majority of what I had played were adventure RPGs. That is common, and perhaps some even see it as the only acceptable kind of gaming that people can openly enjoy.
I beg to be different though. After all, we’re all just the same ‘nerds’ trying to enjoy the stuff that we could, which for me as of the moment, is otome gaming.
An otome game is a story-based videogame catered towards the female demographics. You can think of it as an interactive shoujo manga, usually with stat-raising features and dating simulation elements that determine whether you end up with the bachelor of your choice or not.
Here are some of the otome game titles that I’ve genuinely enjoyed.
Hakuoki
Platforms: Consoles, PC, Mobile
Undeniably one of the most popular titles in the history of otome games, Hakuoki follows the story of Chizuru Yukimura—a young woman who traveled to Kyoto, with the hopes of finding her missing father. During her search, she was attacked by a group of ‘mad’ ronins and was saved by the members of the mysterious Shinsengumi.
Hakuoki is the title that introduced me to the world of otome games, and thanks to its compelling plot and stunning art, I never had any regrets playing it. Each of the love interests’ (LI) route is an emotional rollercoaster that only gets sadder as you play along.
It is a franchise that has been remastered and released in multiple platforms already, which it undoubtedly deserves.
Mystic Messenger
Platform: Mobile
In Mystic Messenger, you play as the heroine who accidentally downloaded a top-secret messaging app—leading you to join the RFA (Rika’s Fundraising Association), a charity organization. You then take the role as a party coordinator left behind by Rika, the deceased founder of the said group.
Mystic Messenger became an instant hit the moment it was dropped in 2016, garnering more than one million players to the present. It’s free to play and more so, provides you with a way to obtain in-game currency to unlock all of its story modes.
It has a lot of very compelling features, and the twists in the game are something to behold, as it only gets darker the more you play through each character’s route.
Samurai Love Ballad: Party
Platform: Mobile
Set during the warring states period in Japan, you play as the commoner daughter of a restaurant owner in Kyoto. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, you were sent to become a poison taster for one of the notable Sengoku warlords. In whose castle will you go and who is the lord that you will serve?
The Sengoku Jidai may be an overused plot when it comes to otome games but that shouldn’t stop you from playing Samurai Love Ballad, as it is definitely one of the best ones out there. The stories so far are enjoyable and has piqued my interest to learn more about the era. Though the LIs seem like they fit the mold for character tropes, each one actually has their own quirky side that you’d either find adorable or relatable.
Ikemen Sengoku: Romances Across Time
Platform: Mobile
Rewrite the pages of history with a romance across time!
A terrible storm caused a time slip and brought you into the alternate timeline of the Sengoku Period, where you accidentally saved the life of Oda Nobunaga. In the heat of all the confusion, he offered you a place in his entourage as he sets out to conquer the nation!
Ikemen Sengoku lived up to its hype with a bunch of adorable warlords that felt like they’ve stepped out of some crack comedy skit. It’s fun and refreshing, a balanced mix of fluff and angst that don’t disappoint. It’s definitely one of those games that you wouldn’t want to stop playing, once you’ve started it.
Overall, playing otome games can be quite overwhelming at first—but once you get the hang of it and found the perfect title for your taste, it’s all fun from then on.
Just don’t forget to support the companies that localized your favorite titles by not pirating the games. If it’s a paid one, then pay for it. It is only right to compensate the developers for their hard work.
Login with Google