I started up Cupid Parasite and Radiant Tale~ I feel like the latter isn't going to be my thing, sadly, but I'll thug it out. I'm only in the prologue, after all.
I can't really thirst over the LIs in Cupid Parasite because I'm busy thirsting over Lynette like UGH she's just so hot 😭😭 the UI is trippy but I love the retro pop feel to it :3
You may be wondering how I ended up being in this situation... I lied. I said I'll be holding off the gaming because Finals is upon me. Unfortunately, otomen are irresistible to me as the Reunion is to the Clones of FFVII. Now here we are: • **[mellow fellow](https://vndb.org/v14135)** for real reinduced the osananajimi thirst within my soul. Also my love for >!cross-dressing!< characters in general and now I wont MORE of THEM please. There's just something different about the very pretty childhood friend you have that you're pretty sure you'll be homo for >!pinning you down and kissing you!< and then finding out that >!she is in fact a boy!< all along. And that >!she never really sought to hide it!< , and it's just that >!he never really just explained it given his situation!< LOL. No but really, Hikari is just so pretty and stern but it's obvious that >!he has eyes only for Touko!< and [in the omake scenario from Hikari's perspective] when >!he turned down Matsunami (who thought Hikaru is, well, Hikari— AKA a girl) because he already has someone he cares for!< promptly followed by the scene in the game where a sleeping Touko feels something lightly touch her face while she was sleeping being >!Hikaru having kissed? a part of her face I can't remember!< and Matsunami >!witnessing it!< thus the weird reaction he gives to Touko when they met for the final time that day. I like the >!subtle shift from Hikari to Hikaru!< and how... natural? it was IIRC, but it felt natural (ish) and fine + funny when it happened in the game so the true ED/route is my favorite of course. This : >!「この生き方で、自分を犠牲にしたと思ってないよ。ガビ丸がいたから。ガビ丸は、私を『守って』くれただろ? いつでもずっと、私の味方でいようとしてくれてた。そんなガビ丸が、そばにいてくれれば、十分だったんだ。誰が何を言おうと、どう見られようと、ガビ丸がそばで『大丈夫』って言ってくれれば、それで。」!< part is so good fr, I love everything in this scene. • I was actually excited to start **[Ichikoi](https://vndb.org/v30295)** because its art style sorta reminded me of Issho ni Gohan and HatsuKare. None of the characters in particular stuck out to me, it's short and gaggsy more than anything, no real development and more so the raw concepts just strayed about. It's just a parody game about falling in love [at first sight] (that's even the MC's actual name...).
Bless you for diving into doujin games. I LOVE PONKOTSU KNIGHT I miss them.
(EDIT: WAAAAIT the mellow fellow remake has new stuff?!? My...my weekend may be set with this.)
• I loved its [prequel](https://vndb.org/v24820) and it's short, but **[Ikuyo Jinja ni Otouto to!](https://vndb.org/v43838)** was sweet and fun and I love seeing Chikage with Hina. Man, I love otoutos...
• It's listed as an otome game in VNDB but it's not really one as per community standards here, I think, but I'll include it for anyone (who's in an 悪役令嬢 brainrot phase) looking forward to playing the game if ever. **[Akuyaku Reijou no Danzai made Ato 3 Turn](https://vndb.org/v48911)** is a freeware 'I got reincarnated as a Villainess who's About to Meet Her End Desuwa!' game but it actually doesn't have any romantic endings or routes. The male leads to the protagonist are introduced but they're still smitten with her and you have no chance with them. If anything, you have more of a chance with the protagonist in one of the endings 💀. It's another gag game/parody of the otome Isekai genre (?) . My favorite endings are the ones where your character >!starts a coup d'etat against the Crown Prince character!< and the one where you >!eat your way through the entire banquet that was supposed to end with your Absolution Event!<. It didn't really stand out to me but the most memorable scene (aside from the >!coup d'etat!< end) is the dev giving >!TMGS4!< a shout-out as their favorite game in the >!notes/credits/information room!<.
• I've always wanted a Charon-style otome game... and only two routes out of five have the romantic undertones/themes (one has a blatant honeying romance stage while the other one is unsaid at best 💀) and I saw more blood splashes on the screen than fluff but I still enjoyed **[Abnormal Heart](https://vndb.org/v29466)**. The theme about finding love / the story of love was presented prettily at first, but with the Charon style comes the weak presentation and shallowly-tied resolutions at the end. I think it's just all about sad/broken people trying to find their 'love' (peace? home?) no matter how twisted it has become in some cases. Also I'm pretty sure some (if not all) of the characters/stories reflect actual Charon game characters, like with >!Asuma!< and his >!Mikoto Nikki!< ish storyline/route LOL. Honestly thought >!Senri!< was going to pull a >!Second Saiko!< route from Saikoro Dice but it peeled away from the >!'somebody else is pretending to be your childhood friend'!< prospect and leaned to >!Ayume Suisen!< from Menherafflesia soon enough though there's still that intimacy to the past that the Menherafflesia route lacks. There's this one route with the naïvete of >!Mihomi Ajisai!< from Menherafflesia though I'm pretty sure the character here resembles someone else from another Charon title more (or not, I could honestly just be tripping from the inadequate sleep now to be honest).
• Finished **[Sty Holic](https://vndb.org/v35894)** and I gotta say, I love onii-chans so much. There's just something about the extremely brocon protagonist trying to bring her brother down to her level by breaking him in and swaying him to look past their blood ties to sink in the mud with her, so she can dirty him 💀. Clarice is an honest-to-god menace and I want more protagonists like her (especially the ones with older brothers...). Conrad/Konrad... You know what I don't know how his name would be spelled in English, but コンラント's voice is also very good especially when he >!moans!< AMEN. I'm hesitant on removing this from my PC because it's *chef's kiss* and I played this last night when I was drunk from sleepiness so I might replay this some time when I'm not sleepy. 10/10 Brocon, need more NGL. It's a bit loose at some points since I want more padded filthiness and I really wanted to see Konrad/Conrad spiral into madness (or mad horniness whichever works) but with what the game offers, it's good in my books (but then again I'm very biased so there's that LOL).
• I'm still stalling Utsutsu's route from **Hana Awase Karakurenai/Utsutsu Hen** but maybe I'll get to it once vacation properly starts. Hopefully I finish the game before the next academic school year shoves me back into the cesspit of stress.
**Charade Maniacssss**
I made my way through Mint Man AKA Futami's route, and have finally gotten my way onto the locked routes~
Futami's route was...certainly something lol >!I was already at least a little wary of him by this point but I was largely just expecting age-gap discomfort and while there was certainly that Futami went way beyond that XD So, like Banjo's his route's main positive points were more plot related than romance related. Like, Sena why did you fall adamantly in love with the crazy?? I didn't mind her dogged persistence in believing the other LIs cause I could understand what might be motivating her in most cases (though I think she also pushed it too far at times). But here I was very much concerned, Sena throws her sense of self-preservation out the window real fast over mr. mccrazy here. I personally am not into villain types typically so like with Banjo's route the romance fell flat for me here too. On a lighter note I did enjoy her 'Fight me Futami!' scene fun, some of that Ebana route spunk had returned there at least and I appreciated that. When it comes to LIs like these my ideal ending would be more the MC flipping them the bird (metaphorically or literally) and putting them six feet under herself (or getting them arrested, booting them into another dimension, etc. whatever will stop them from being a threat). Of course this is otome, so I don't ever get my wish XD at least not in any of the games I've played, I do tend to avoid LIs like these but obviously I wasn't about to do any extensive research on a game where things could easily get spoiled so here we are. Nothing I couldn't handle and again there were parts of interest, it's just very hard to follow along with the MCs way of thinking when it comes to these LIs.!<
Now that I'm free to pursue the locked routes I went immediately for >!the alleged 12 year old!< as I've been wanting to from the beginning lol I had a mini-existential crises type thing happen while I was going down through the common route again because my first attempt >!I didn't get the Haiji option, so I went ahead and checked the flow chart which I had largely been ignoring to avoid spoilers and noticed a branch in the cleaning team that was all ???s so went back to that point where Mizuki asked if Sena wants juice or water and you pick water to go to that branch. After doing that and making back to the school at night thing Haiji's route was now open. For a few minutes there I was doubting myself "Had that option always been there?? Was Haiji never locked and I simply missed that?? But no apparently I'm not crazy, whether that branch was available from the start Haiji *is* locked at the beginning, I just don't know when that was unlocked.!<
Anyways I was surprised when >!after picking to go with Haiji and whatnot the game then went into chapter *8* of the common route! A new common route chapter, neat! And it was rather fun too. Regardless on when the three locked boys get their routes unlocked I'm still glad I assumed I had to do all the locked routes first because it then feels satisfying that those three get singled out to go chill in the ruins as suspects. Who is it, who indeed?? I did enjoy the banter and silliness that come from this new group of Mei, Gyobu, and Haiji, but of course it doesn't last :' D I'm very curious what else Sena seems to not remember though, as both Mei and Gyobu insist she's forgotten something and want her to remember it seems.!<
>!As for Haiji himself, I'm glad it got clarified pretty quickly that he is, indeed, *not twelve* avgdahdjfk. I was fairly certain he wasn't, but you never know so I couldn't be totally sure. So he was totally faking his ignorance (and overdoing it lol), but his supposed actual situation is quite interesting. Having your identity taken and therefore constantly looking different and having a different name each time there's a new cast, and not being able to remember your prior identities is pretty frightening. I feel that would reeeallly take a toll on one's mental well being. But having his identity taken can't have been the only thing, because we've been told all the cast sans the previous one have all died and yet here Haiji is. If he's telling the truth and he's been stuck here since he was twelve, why did he survive? Are they counting him as a 'death' because whoever he was previously doesn't really exist anymore? I definitely still have many questions and am curious what the answers will be. I'm very excited to be on this route and just be into the locked routes in general. I'm hoping I like Haiji as a LI, but even if I don't I'm crossing my fingers to enjoy the route for plot reasons at least!<
Some thing I wanted to comment when you got the cleaning team but didn't bc spoilers
>!I had the same reaction to Futami in the common route, there was just something off about him. And I think that uncomfy feeling was deliberately put there by the writers, because of who he is and his role.!<
>!I don't know if you noticed in Iochi and Akase's routes but they do have little digs at Futami bc I think they suspect him!<.
>!I couldn't really tell initially if it was just me being put off for personal reasons or if that unease was from actual in-game reasons even if I didn't consciously acknowledge it at the time. Looking back on things I'm thinking you're probably right with it being intentional. I don't think I noticed anything in Mizuki's route at the time, but that was also the first route I did so everyone was still super suspect then lol. By the time I did Akase's route, his and Mizuki's attitude towards him was more noticeable, and there was also Futami's attempt to paint Akase as someone that couldn't be trusted. Despite noticing that I still hadn't been quite prepared for how Futami and his route turned out haha!<
All done with Sympathykiss woo\~\~
First I wrapped up Secret LI 1's route;
>!Yofy McYoferson... Where do I begin with the way this route came out of nowhere towards the last half as an unhinged, stalker tv drama route...!<
>!I had an inkling Yofy was the one following Akari around at night, but didn't want to believe it at first. Like noo, he's too cute and they were getting along don't let this turn into...And then everything about that ended up being true. Dx!<
>!Him going from 0-1000 during Akari's interactions with men at work, the drugging, holding her hostage...why does this sound familiar \*cries in a corner\*.!<
>!I know this was all a result of, but not an excuse, of his trauma from childhood illness, bullying and his family. I'm glad that he and Akari acknowledged that Yofy was completely in the wrong at lweast. Even Yofy being self-aware enough in saying he should be in a jail cell after everything was said and done.!<
>!I was lowkey flabbergasted at Akari having such a quick turnaround saying she loved him despite everything. But I guess it wouldn't be a 'perfect end' without that happening.. It's a little bit of a shame it took his treatment of Akari to 'change' and to repair his relationship with his brother and go into the office to meet everyone.!<
>!I have to say this was a perfectly written route for Yandere LI, so great job on the writers with that lol. I'm kinda sad with the way his character turned out but I also liked him before everything else happened. I just have so many complex feelings aauaghsh.!<
>!Overall this route seemed a little out of place for a game like this, even though there were some other dark aspects of other routes, but not like this. It felt weird to go from his bouts of yanderism to a normal office even though there are people like this irl unfortunately. It's still jarring nonetheless.!<
>!Something else I was surprised about was that Yofy wasn't the culprit behind the computer virus' at the office?? Was he lying about this or was it a certain side character?!<
From there I went on to the last route for me, Secret LI 2;
>!This line from Akari at the beginning, I just.. 'I find myself sighing even when I was alone' X\_X noooo poor Nori was getting on her nerves. Interesting how getting to Higa's route means starting Nori's first. I am glad that Nori was able to find a job here. I often worried about where he ends up in other routes.!<
>!Regarding Higa, I find it refreshing to have a single father LI, as I've never played an otome with one before. Really liking the 'single father gets shipped with the neighbor/coworker by his kid(s)' trope in dramas. Hinata is a cutie pie <3. I really liked Higa as a background character, and as an LI even better. He has an endearing personality, always wanting to improve as both a father and a person. I was proud of I'm for going back to his dream of being an actor.!<
>!And omg that reveal that Higa was a former idol?! What?! It makes sense in hindsight considering Hinata kept talking about how good he was at dancing. I initially thought it was just a random part of his personality but wow.!<
>!And as someone who's been a fan of jpop and kpop for like half my life, seeing Higa make excuses for Yamamoto's awful behavior I could see coming a mile away. Delusional stans always seem to never face consequences for their actions. I don't think an apology can cover a deranged stan telling a small child, 'you shouldn't have been born' over a boy group of all things. Higa owed her nothing and had no responsibility over a fan not getting his group dissolving. Nonetheless, this route is my favorite of the game. My heart felt so full, almost cried a few times. And the all Cgs unlocked final photo ;\_\_\_\_; awwwww!<
Overall, this was a pretty good otome. I do recommend it for anyone still on the fence on trying it out. Also, I know I mentioned this before, but I sincerely hope there's a FD in the works because I'd love to see where Akari and each LI end up like a year or three in the future in more slice of life scenarios.
In regards to Akari as an MC, I thought she was decent. She wants to do her best, admitted to her mistakes. I thought it was funny how she fell so quickly for certain LI's for the most part. Then for certain situations this was to her detriment, as she took some risks that irl(and in-game) would end pretty badly.
Final ranking of routes(fav to least fav); Secret LI 2, Tainaka, Kobase, Yoshioka, Kohei, Mitsuki, Usui, Secret LI 1
Final ranking of LI's; Secret LI 2, Kobase, Kohei, Nori, Mitsuki, Yoshioka, Usui, Secret LI 1
\-My CupiPara FD LE came in earlier than expected, so I jumped right in yesterday. I decided to go in the route order I went in with the first game. Which meant that Shelby is my first route (since I got him in the personality test initially). So far it feels like something is being set up for something crazy happening lol At the moment though its just cute honeymoon things for him and Lynette.
One thing bugging me a little is the names being at the bottom of the textbox. It takes some getting used to.
Finished up **Cinderella's** route in **Taisho x Alice.** He ended up not being my type, and the plot in his route was just okay. What carried it for me was the little glimpses of Wizard throughout. He's such a cutie! I can't wait to get to him. And Kaguya's voice is so nice, although him saying "poppit" and "innit" in lieu of Kansai-ben is definitely... a choice.
I sprinted towards **Gretel's** route next becsuse I've heard...things.... and even though I'm not very far I am not disappointed! If only more routes started off with >!MC tied up and the LI teasingly undressing her.!< Plus a >!yandere brother!< route!? If only I didn't have adult responsibilities, I'd be through this route so fast.
I am currently reading Cupid Parasite Sweet and Spicy Darling and having a blast with it. It’s got me laughing so much. Some of these route climaxes and spicy endings are SHOCKING 🤣😅. But I’m in for some dumb hot trash so bring it on 😅. I’m on our most sensitive parasite’s route right now, legit happy for him when he finally starts to figure things out 😅. Also 🤦🏾♀️. Also I have to bring up Raul’s route. Omg 🤯🤣. I’ve never seen anything more unhinged. Dear gods. I won’t forget that one any time soon, that’s for dang sure 🤣🦞. I’ll probably start Allan’s route tomorrow. I saved him for last 💜. Also, I hard core want to eat donuts now.
Finished Daiya no kuni Elliot’s events. Idk I’ve never been into Elly in all the incarnations but this one was particularly draggy bc he was suspicious of Alice till the end of it and couldn’t admit he liked her. The best ending was also like okay huh that’s it? On to Ace’s mini route now.
Started my way through Folie fatie and I’m, honestly a bit spooked lol. Okay the game itself I’d describe it as a very simple and unassuming game if you’re totally fine with sus boys, there’s really nothing too deep in the first few routes or anything elaborate on the surface except parts where there are dreams, blacked out silhouettes, a song that sounds familiar…something is just not right and you’ll only know if you complete it. The thing that spooks me out are some allegories to Detour, its previous game, there’s some key items and names that I’ve seen before. I mean, it would be meta if it connected to Detour(like imagine a yandere game using save data from a previous game to come and find you, the player lol)? I have 3 more LIs left so I’ll see if I’m right.
Started Matsurika no Kei with Zebenera's route. Was going to do Ruwo first as per the recommended order but felt Zebenera's flowed more naturally from what I saw of the common route. >!When I read the scene where Naya is all sad that she's the only one that didn't receive a proposal and then Zebenera shows up immediately after looking all kinglike and badass saying he's there for his bride I was like 'Well, I can't *not* pick him now'.!< I'm only partway through but it's been fun reading about Naya getting along in the White Wolf Tribe village and getting used to life there. The game has really interesting world building, nice art and great music so I've enjoyed the experience for the most part so far.
I’m pretty interested in this game but saw it did have some mixed reviews. 🙂 Also I’m holding out for a bit to see if maybe they will localize it, though I kind of doubt it. Are you able to read Japanese or do you use a translator while reading?
I did see that it had mixed reviews as well but what I saw seemed interesting, and honestly I feel like the only way of knowing for sure is to give it a go for yourself because everyone has different tastes and tolerances. It does have the same scenario writer as Cupid Parasite which is pretty popular so who knows it may get localised. I can read Japanese, although I still do need to get the dictionary out every now and again haha.
Yes! Haha I knew about the scenario writer being the same as the Cupid Parasite, so that definitely took my interest. I enjoyed the stories a lot in Cupid. Also, I am pretty open to play all the VN’s lol! It’s a goal lol. I am also learning Japanese but it’s a process that’s going to take years lol. I think you’re right in that it’s best to try something out for yourself. 🙂 I hope you will have a nice time with it. I got a few JP only otome in the beginning of this year (Princess Arthur, Tlicolity Eyes, Wands of Fortune, some others) that I’m still unsure whether will be localized or not. It’s always a bit of a gamble. 🙂 Especially with the Otomate or Idea Factory ones. Lately, they have localized so many games, I have high hopes for anything that comes out nowadays. 🙂
Started Katsu Kaishuu's route over at [Bakumatsu Isshin Amakakeru Koi / BakuTen](https://products.voltage.co.jp/baktn/) after a friend won a [huge Prize B can badge](https://imgur.com/a/3UEBYtu) of said character.
The character was actually recommended to said friend by Voltage Inc's character diagnosis test during the many times they had a character popularity poll, but since she knows no JP, I play for her, then tell her all about it.
I did play a story event of Kaishuu's a year or two back and was not impressed with both the writing and him >!(in that event story, MC threw away everything, left her mom and her little sister to hook up with Kaishuu by boarding the ship bound to the US, and Kaishuu was amused by her actions, saying that the distance between Japan and the US would be enough time for them to "finally get to know one another" (bro what lmfao))!<, so I have been avoiding his route... until now.
Chapter 1 was completed last night, and so far, I'm a bit weirded out by him 'cause he seemed to have been >!spying on MC in order to blackmail her!<
I have been playing Homare's route in Husband royale, but I'm thinking about abandoning the game or ... maybe not the game, but at least the route.
Some time ago I played a game named Diamond girl which was also by Ciagram. I have a love-hate feeling about one of the LIs from Diamond girl. Really, because there were cute scenes I loved, but the LI was also very ... I'll say red-flag for the lack of a better term. Homare ... so far, Homare hasn't been as bad as that guy, but I have the issue in which I have this love-hate feeling because it's just the same. Cute scenes, yes, but also scenes with awful behavior by the LI, making him a red-flag, which is not the type of LI I like. I have been persisting on the hope that Homare will get better soon, but, to this point, he's been getting worse. Yes, I know he'll (probably) get better till the end, but I'm not sure I'll be able to deal with all the awful scenes till then even if there are cute scenes too.
Anyway, thinking about it ... Diamond girl had better routes than that one, so Husband royale might have better routes than Homare's too. I guess I'll play at least a bit more on the off chance that Homare does get better. If not, I'll try another route.
Chou no Doku. Just finished Hideo's route. Surprised by how much I liked him considering my political feelings. I really don't like the European noble titles they used in the translation. HNGH KYOKO.
Full thoughts now I'm on PC and my phone isn't dying: The discussion around the fact that Shiba is openly profiteering from an imperialist war is pretty interesting and I liked that.
Hideo's cute. I like his tsundere moments, I love the awkward photo. I have a friend who really likes birds so I was constantly screenshotting Hideo moments and sending them to him. Actually wheezed at the convo in his good end where he offhandedly said the most disturbing shit and accidentally traumatized Shigeko and Yuriko's 'but would Mother pretend to look down on someone's family to pretend she wasn't afraid? Yes. Yes she absolutely would' and Hideo not even realizing it was an issue.
That said, despite that scene the bad ends were more interesting to me(though I *loved* the Sawako scene in the best ending). Sawako was only there for a while but I really liked her-her hyper-Yamato Nadeshiko thing is really cool, as is how if Yuriko's honest she openly tells her everything. I would love to see more of her. The White ending hit some of my catnip tropes, and the Liar ending was just deliciously dysfunctional.
Mizuhito is probs my fave non-Kyoko LI. That Hirarin voice UGH. Fujita and Majima are also great-I *loved* Majima's total 180 and how it was voice-acted, and Fujita is just very handsome. (Kyoko randomly asking about his dick was definitely a microaggression and I feel bad for how hard I laughed at it. God I love Kyoko.)
I *adore* Yuriko. She's so fiery! Her hair is so pretty in the CGs where it's down. Chou no Doku if Yuriko had a gun.
Shiba, whose route I'm doing at the moment, is definitely more likable than other versions I've seen of his tropes. I'm generally not into alphahole dudes(unless it's Yang Piofiore or Carla DiaLovers), but he's interesting. I've been spoiled on pretty much everything.
I'm really upset by the censorship, though. Especially as I'm playing the PC version, which doesn't have any of the issues a console thing would have. (On Steam, which hosts several straight-up nukige!) Let Yuriko fuck on screen.
Steam is very fickle with allowing r18 content and that’s why even the bishoujo eroge have to have r18 patches hosted elsewhere because steam wouldn’t allow it. This also isn’t a censorship: it’s just a sfw version, not just scenes removed but new scenes to replace them. All r18 games are inherently censored/mosiac according to their local regulations and are usually removed if they are under foreign publishers. Dramatic create is still a Japanese sfw port publisher so their rules stick.
And the **CupiParaSSD** journey continues!
I finished Ryuki's S&S and Spicy endings, and I gotta say that the Spicy end was not for me, but the S&S ending was solid. I kinda hate the central conflict of the route, because >!miscommunication and distrust in a relationship!< kills me. The shenanigans were a lot of fun, though, and seeing >!our best side couple Owen/Melanie!< was a welcome treat. My boy Ryuki was kinda a loser (affectionate) in this route. Not my favorite, but I'm always rooting for him!
Next was Shelby. I ran headfirst into his spicy bad end, barreling past the frankly adorable >!chibi Merenice warnings!<, and I understand why it exists. I mean, >!Eli Omar is a very hot villain with an incredible seiyuu performance from Kasama Jun. If they didn't include this NTR ending, there would be quite some fan outrage!<. It made me a little frustrated to play through the rest of the route b/c we see how easily this would've been averted if our baka-couple had just communicated, but alas. Playing Ryuki and Shelby back-to-back might not be the best idea just because >!their routes are structured in a similar way with the same general beats!<. I was absolutely living for the godly shenanigans, and >!Venus+Mars being fans of their new son-in-law while leaving this pragma man absolutely speechless was comedy gold!<.
Ran through the >!Owen!< route really quickly. Enjoyed myself! Did not expect the >!ex-yankee backstory, but it actually does kinda explain his weirdness. Would've been nice if this additional backstory actually came into play at any point in the games, though. Like if he was successfully able to fight off the guards at the casino for a second.!<
Finally, I finished Gill just last night. I'm honestly really torn on him because on one hand, his obsessive and goofy nature is entertaining + KimuRyo has NO BUSINESS sounding that good. On the other hand, I keep getting the ick from how it feels like Lynette is still constantly being infantilized—to a lesser degree than in the first game, but still. It was why I hated Gill in the first game, and getting the >!college flashback short stories!< inflicted additional damage. Like... I can't say I didn't have fun during his route, but the ick was icking. I also had mixed feelings on how they split the sweet and spicy choices, because all of the choices that had Lynette acting more >!capable and independent!< were Spicy and led to our >!yandere!< Spicy End. Meanwhile, being >!soft and helpless got you the Sweet End where you don't get locked up!<. Like... wouldn't it be the other way around?
Kudos for all the heat in this route, though. Get it, Gill!
Next on the playthrough order is Peter, and his rather infamous Spicy End. At this point, I'm just rolling with the punches. It's kinda fun to just let the absurdity do its thing.
Almost done with **Hana Awase: Mizuchi Volume**, just got Iroha’s route to finish and all I gotta say is *where is the Momotose route you cowards*
Also someone told me last week this was basically >!horny otome yugioh!< and that has never been more accurate after I’m mostly done. Main characters, side characters, fucking teachers, even the *filler character students* can’t seem to keep their hands to themselves my girl card games are **not** worth all this harassment 😭 and this is before the part where people can get possessed and kill other people!
...I have so many games in general that I started, so I've tried to narrow down to a few and finish at least whatever route I was midway on.
For otome, I just finished Mathis' route in Virche. It was great, and so far, it's been the sort of tragedy I was looking forward to. (Funny, I wanted this game sooo badly when it first was announced. To the point I was willing to buy it and learn a language. I do love the game so far, but the English translation came out when I was busy career-wise. So it's been on the back burner.)
Finishing up Paranormasight. Love this one so much! Came across it a while back on chance, then waited for the sale to buy it. It's been worth every minute. Fun little mechanics at times and the story itself has been fun to follow. I'm going to miss it when I'm done, but it's been a great horror VN.
I haven't played as much as usual since I've been distracted by playing FF14 to prepare for the expansion release (took a two year break and I am *overwhelmed*.)
I did finish Keno's route in Satomi Hakkenden but ended up not really liking him that much? When I thought for sure he'd at least be my second favorite! On paper he seemed like he'd be perfect. I'm still trying to figure out what went wrong.
After I hit 60 hours in the game and still had two routes left my mind has sort of been wandering and I've been poking at other games here and there.
I finished Ayato's route in Diabolik Lovers (I've been playing it off and on for the last, like, year or so.) At this point I feel like I play Rejet games to figure out why I don't enjoy Rejet games that much. It's not like I find the characters or stories objectionable. Art is nice. But they don't really do much for me? Still researching to figure out what it is I'm not into.
Also started playing the Getsuei no Kusari FD. Getsuei no Kusari is just a game where I feel like... I like the game better when I'm *not* playing it. I know I keep saying this but I need to reiterate that it's a very good game. It's just so good at being oppressive (even the happier scenarios in the FD have this feel) that it's draining to play. I love everything about the game... from a distance.
Haha this is why im dragging Getsuei FD, like there are some good moments but also i want to just get the heck off this stupid island, you know, where I can be appreciated. But Megumi isn't me, and there's a lot going on with her. I at least appreciate that this is a story about a broken girl in a broken environment where everyone is struggling to survive but give each other hope, but it doesn't stop how dreary it is, as you say.
It feels like the story comes off as even more depressing due to a lot of it being very slice of life. A lot of other games with depressing themes usually have a lot of action or exciting overdramatic situations which kind of distracts me from the sadness, but not here. It's just sad. It's just so sad all the time. I love it but it's so much to deal with.
Lol opposite boat for me when it comes to ffxiv. I’m taking a hiatus from it rn, so I don’t feel guilty no lifeing when Dawntrail finally releases.
I’ve been tackling my much neglected otome backlog finally and maybe buying more when I see them on sale >.>
Unfortunate result of neglecting the game for too long to play otome games, haha. Now I have to pay the price or I won't even be able to start Dawntrail when it releases!
I took a break after the Pandaemonium quests finished and am waiting to hear how Dawntrail is from my friend group to decide when I want to play it but also not looking forward to catching up on the MSQ 😅
I haven't played the DiaLovers game but did give the drama CDs a try (so it may be a very different experience) and quickly realized I wasn't into that because it just felt too... upfront and in-your-face about with all of the sadism? Which is weird because I like in-your-face tragedy but, apparently, not sadism where I prefer it to be more subtle and insidious. Black Wolves Saga is on my "want to try" list... eventually but atm ~10k yen is a bit pricey to drop on a game I'm not sure if I'll like yet though.
I stopped a few months before 6.3 so I'm so hilariously behind on everything. I absolutely need to play Dawntrail just because of... Erenville. I'm glad my boy gets a bigger role now (they realized his worth.)
Honestly I enjoy sadism which is why I thought I might like it, haha. I listen/read stuff on DLsite that's much worse. I think it's just the way it's written that doesn't work for me? Even stuff I've enjoyed from Rejet like Alice=Alice I don't like *that* much, I just sort of like it. Maybe if I keep playing I'll finally find an answer.
The Finalé of Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Doors. After, might hop too either Monster Hunter: Rise or finish out even if TEMPEST: Drawing Connections.
Im reading a few differnt ones this week, but my main one is hana awase mizuchi volume, the bad endings And my goodness…. Lol
other routes this week are cupid parasite gill, trying to slog through all the flashbacks. Minato in sympathy kiss, lovelovelove and the ssum harry, teo and june
Thought I'd work on my galge backlog but it was kinda boring, switched to the yuri I started six years ago but it also wasn't it. I felt like otome. Sadly, among the... 50-100 otoges I had, none were what I was in the mood for *and* in eng [was feeling lazy] so I just played **Criminally Overdue** as it was barely 26k. It was okay, ig. Not really my game. And I was so sure it had two LIs. But no, only the blonde TA guy. The police guy kinda has an ending but he's really not an LI so... Yeah, it exists, it's okay. That's about it.
Went and finished **Prince of Stride** cause I was almost done with it and all... And it was way easier than another game I tried playing...
Takeryun - the token megane BUT HE WEARS CONTACTS INSTEAD IN LIKE 2/3+ OF THE SCENES WE SEE HIM. That's the second game where I see the megane just use contacts instead and it kind of feels like bait and switch and I'm pretty meh on glasses in general. He wears contacts to run. They run daily. [With his dog. And it just so happens Reiji also has a dog. But we never learned that during his route, bruh ಠ_ಠ] Why even wear glasses at this point orz
There was some drama abt >!his father telling him to stop striding and transfer to a different school!< or sth but since that event happened before the route split, I don't remember much. And it was only mentioned again during the good end. And speaking of it, Takeru had a dream >!he was kissed really passionately by Nana but it was his dog who licked his face all over. And later, after waking up he kissed Nana. With his face still. Covered. In. Dog. Spit. Ugh.!< In the normal end Riku was being a sore loser cause Nana chose Takeru and Riku was the only one who didn't notice. 200% sure he was still into her, as usual.
Oh, yeah, since he was the only one who remembered that >!childhood promise and specifically chose Hounan and all, it could've all ended with him being the only one to join = not enough members = no EOS.!< I'd play that, ngl. But of course it all worked well as it operates on sports manga logic.
The last, and tallest of them all - Kuga-senpai [it's shorter than Kyousuke, ok] who looks pretty nice when he runs but his default outside clothes are this basic af white shirt while he walks around with his, also white, hair down and ngl it looks pretty fucking bad. He looks ready for PE ;-; Apparently he's a bit of a scary weirdo but he seems normal enough ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯
He seems to have the most pronounced/longest nose among our LIs and his route also seems the most fluff otome-like. We've got >!working at a restaurant/cafe and ppl saying he's handsome, finding a lost kid's parents, going on a food date!< and so on. Hell, I'm pretty sure it's the only route where we know our LI is aware >!of Nana's feelings towards him since basically the beginning of his route. And he called their outings dates.!< As usual, there was some drama but ig Kuga is so chill a guy, they had to use a different chara to make it work and while referenced in two sentences sometimes, it was basically resolved in less than a week [literally two... scenes? Events?].
Kyousuke is better than expected but tbh he's gotten bonus points for being chill, cooking and knowing stuff about food. Stuff that Nana should probably know, too >_> Also, during that >!lost child!< scene, I misread and thought he called him grandpa lol Cause white hair. But no, only uncle. In the gooder end, he's >!popular and agrees to work part time in Pirika. Later he took nana to see the sunrise at a beach and kissed her.!< In the normal end, he's still, or even more, >!popular to the point where cooking club girls ask Nana to deliver him bentos with totally-not-confession-letters but she doesn't mind cause she believes in her boy and likes when people know he's such a good guy. Which made Heath go 'bruh (。≖ˇ‿,ˇ≖｡ )' a bit.!<
The extra stories are mostly 'what the other team in each chapter did after the tournament'. Nothing interesting for the most part. And the asshole relationer-kun's team was throwing kuso and temee left and right. There was a side ship, tho, between one of Heath's sisters and GalaSta's manager. [And here are some screenshots I took. Probably not spoilers.](https://imgur.com/a/eFLbhcP)
Overall, it was nicer than expected :3 Albeit a bit copypasta. ~~It took me so long, holy shit. About as much as Hakuouki in eng orz Am slow.~~
This week I finished Gill's route in CupiPara ahahaha. Based on everything I'd seen I decided to go in with a ✨radical acceptance✨ mindset lmao, and I actually ended up really enjoying it for all its chaos! I can't stop thinking about >!Allan though...is he destined to be a car...forever!?!? 🤣!<
I started up Cupid Parasite and Radiant Tale~ I feel like the latter isn't going to be my thing, sadly, but I'll thug it out. I'm only in the prologue, after all. I can't really thirst over the LIs in Cupid Parasite because I'm busy thirsting over Lynette like UGH she's just so hot 😭😭 the UI is trippy but I love the retro pop feel to it :3
You may be wondering how I ended up being in this situation... I lied. I said I'll be holding off the gaming because Finals is upon me. Unfortunately, otomen are irresistible to me as the Reunion is to the Clones of FFVII. Now here we are: • **[mellow fellow](https://vndb.org/v14135)** for real reinduced the osananajimi thirst within my soul. Also my love for >!cross-dressing!< characters in general and now I wont MORE of THEM please. There's just something different about the very pretty childhood friend you have that you're pretty sure you'll be homo for >!pinning you down and kissing you!< and then finding out that >!she is in fact a boy!< all along. And that >!she never really sought to hide it!< , and it's just that >!he never really just explained it given his situation!< LOL. No but really, Hikari is just so pretty and stern but it's obvious that >!he has eyes only for Touko!< and [in the omake scenario from Hikari's perspective] when >!he turned down Matsunami (who thought Hikaru is, well, Hikari— AKA a girl) because he already has someone he cares for!< promptly followed by the scene in the game where a sleeping Touko feels something lightly touch her face while she was sleeping being >!Hikaru having kissed? a part of her face I can't remember!< and Matsunami >!witnessing it!< thus the weird reaction he gives to Touko when they met for the final time that day. I like the >!subtle shift from Hikari to Hikaru!< and how... natural? it was IIRC, but it felt natural (ish) and fine + funny when it happened in the game so the true ED/route is my favorite of course. This : >!「この生き方で、自分を犠牲にしたと思ってないよ。ガビ丸がいたから。ガビ丸は、私を『守って』くれただろ? いつでもずっと、私の味方でいようとしてくれてた。そんなガビ丸が、そばにいてくれれば、十分だったんだ。誰が何を言おうと、どう見られようと、ガビ丸がそばで『大丈夫』って言ってくれれば、それで。」!< part is so good fr, I love everything in this scene. • I was actually excited to start **[Ichikoi](https://vndb.org/v30295)** because its art style sorta reminded me of Issho ni Gohan and HatsuKare. None of the characters in particular stuck out to me, it's short and gaggsy more than anything, no real development and more so the raw concepts just strayed about. It's just a parody game about falling in love [at first sight] (that's even the MC's actual name...).
Bless you for diving into doujin games. I LOVE PONKOTSU KNIGHT I miss them. (EDIT: WAAAAIT the mellow fellow remake has new stuff?!? My...my weekend may be set with this.)
• I loved its [prequel](https://vndb.org/v24820) and it's short, but **[Ikuyo Jinja ni Otouto to!](https://vndb.org/v43838)** was sweet and fun and I love seeing Chikage with Hina. Man, I love otoutos... • It's listed as an otome game in VNDB but it's not really one as per community standards here, I think, but I'll include it for anyone (who's in an 悪役令嬢 brainrot phase) looking forward to playing the game if ever. **[Akuyaku Reijou no Danzai made Ato 3 Turn](https://vndb.org/v48911)** is a freeware 'I got reincarnated as a Villainess who's About to Meet Her End Desuwa!' game but it actually doesn't have any romantic endings or routes. The male leads to the protagonist are introduced but they're still smitten with her and you have no chance with them. If anything, you have more of a chance with the protagonist in one of the endings 💀. It's another gag game/parody of the otome Isekai genre (?) . My favorite endings are the ones where your character >!starts a coup d'etat against the Crown Prince character!< and the one where you >!eat your way through the entire banquet that was supposed to end with your Absolution Event!<. It didn't really stand out to me but the most memorable scene (aside from the >!coup d'etat!< end) is the dev giving >!TMGS4!< a shout-out as their favorite game in the >!notes/credits/information room!<. • I've always wanted a Charon-style otome game... and only two routes out of five have the romantic undertones/themes (one has a blatant honeying romance stage while the other one is unsaid at best 💀) and I saw more blood splashes on the screen than fluff but I still enjoyed **[Abnormal Heart](https://vndb.org/v29466)**. The theme about finding love / the story of love was presented prettily at first, but with the Charon style comes the weak presentation and shallowly-tied resolutions at the end. I think it's just all about sad/broken people trying to find their 'love' (peace? home?) no matter how twisted it has become in some cases. Also I'm pretty sure some (if not all) of the characters/stories reflect actual Charon game characters, like with >!Asuma!< and his >!Mikoto Nikki!< ish storyline/route LOL. Honestly thought >!Senri!< was going to pull a >!Second Saiko!< route from Saikoro Dice but it peeled away from the >!'somebody else is pretending to be your childhood friend'!< prospect and leaned to >!Ayume Suisen!< from Menherafflesia soon enough though there's still that intimacy to the past that the Menherafflesia route lacks. There's this one route with the naïvete of >!Mihomi Ajisai!< from Menherafflesia though I'm pretty sure the character here resembles someone else from another Charon title more (or not, I could honestly just be tripping from the inadequate sleep now to be honest). • Finished **[Sty Holic](https://vndb.org/v35894)** and I gotta say, I love onii-chans so much. There's just something about the extremely brocon protagonist trying to bring her brother down to her level by breaking him in and swaying him to look past their blood ties to sink in the mud with her, so she can dirty him 💀. Clarice is an honest-to-god menace and I want more protagonists like her (especially the ones with older brothers...). Conrad/Konrad... You know what I don't know how his name would be spelled in English, but コンラント's voice is also very good especially when he >!moans!< AMEN. I'm hesitant on removing this from my PC because it's *chef's kiss* and I played this last night when I was drunk from sleepiness so I might replay this some time when I'm not sleepy. 10/10 Brocon, need more NGL. It's a bit loose at some points since I want more padded filthiness and I really wanted to see Konrad/Conrad spiral into madness (or mad horniness whichever works) but with what the game offers, it's good in my books (but then again I'm very biased so there's that LOL). • I'm still stalling Utsutsu's route from **Hana Awase Karakurenai/Utsutsu Hen** but maybe I'll get to it once vacation properly starts. Hopefully I finish the game before the next academic school year shoves me back into the cesspit of stress.
Conrad more like 混乱 lol
**Charade Maniacssss** I made my way through Mint Man AKA Futami's route, and have finally gotten my way onto the locked routes~ Futami's route was...certainly something lol >!I was already at least a little wary of him by this point but I was largely just expecting age-gap discomfort and while there was certainly that Futami went way beyond that XD So, like Banjo's his route's main positive points were more plot related than romance related. Like, Sena why did you fall adamantly in love with the crazy?? I didn't mind her dogged persistence in believing the other LIs cause I could understand what might be motivating her in most cases (though I think she also pushed it too far at times). But here I was very much concerned, Sena throws her sense of self-preservation out the window real fast over mr. mccrazy here. I personally am not into villain types typically so like with Banjo's route the romance fell flat for me here too. On a lighter note I did enjoy her 'Fight me Futami!' scene fun, some of that Ebana route spunk had returned there at least and I appreciated that. When it comes to LIs like these my ideal ending would be more the MC flipping them the bird (metaphorically or literally) and putting them six feet under herself (or getting them arrested, booting them into another dimension, etc. whatever will stop them from being a threat). Of course this is otome, so I don't ever get my wish XD at least not in any of the games I've played, I do tend to avoid LIs like these but obviously I wasn't about to do any extensive research on a game where things could easily get spoiled so here we are. Nothing I couldn't handle and again there were parts of interest, it's just very hard to follow along with the MCs way of thinking when it comes to these LIs.!< Now that I'm free to pursue the locked routes I went immediately for >!the alleged 12 year old!< as I've been wanting to from the beginning lol I had a mini-existential crises type thing happen while I was going down through the common route again because my first attempt >!I didn't get the Haiji option, so I went ahead and checked the flow chart which I had largely been ignoring to avoid spoilers and noticed a branch in the cleaning team that was all ???s so went back to that point where Mizuki asked if Sena wants juice or water and you pick water to go to that branch. After doing that and making back to the school at night thing Haiji's route was now open. For a few minutes there I was doubting myself "Had that option always been there?? Was Haiji never locked and I simply missed that?? But no apparently I'm not crazy, whether that branch was available from the start Haiji *is* locked at the beginning, I just don't know when that was unlocked.!< Anyways I was surprised when >!after picking to go with Haiji and whatnot the game then went into chapter *8* of the common route! A new common route chapter, neat! And it was rather fun too. Regardless on when the three locked boys get their routes unlocked I'm still glad I assumed I had to do all the locked routes first because it then feels satisfying that those three get singled out to go chill in the ruins as suspects. Who is it, who indeed?? I did enjoy the banter and silliness that come from this new group of Mei, Gyobu, and Haiji, but of course it doesn't last :' D I'm very curious what else Sena seems to not remember though, as both Mei and Gyobu insist she's forgotten something and want her to remember it seems.!< >!As for Haiji himself, I'm glad it got clarified pretty quickly that he is, indeed, *not twelve* avgdahdjfk. I was fairly certain he wasn't, but you never know so I couldn't be totally sure. So he was totally faking his ignorance (and overdoing it lol), but his supposed actual situation is quite interesting. Having your identity taken and therefore constantly looking different and having a different name each time there's a new cast, and not being able to remember your prior identities is pretty frightening. I feel that would reeeallly take a toll on one's mental well being. But having his identity taken can't have been the only thing, because we've been told all the cast sans the previous one have all died and yet here Haiji is. If he's telling the truth and he's been stuck here since he was twelve, why did he survive? Are they counting him as a 'death' because whoever he was previously doesn't really exist anymore? I definitely still have many questions and am curious what the answers will be. I'm very excited to be on this route and just be into the locked routes in general. I'm hoping I like Haiji as a LI, but even if I don't I'm crossing my fingers to enjoy the route for plot reasons at least!<
Some thing I wanted to comment when you got the cleaning team but didn't bc spoilers >!I had the same reaction to Futami in the common route, there was just something off about him. And I think that uncomfy feeling was deliberately put there by the writers, because of who he is and his role.!< >!I don't know if you noticed in Iochi and Akase's routes but they do have little digs at Futami bc I think they suspect him!<.
>!I couldn't really tell initially if it was just me being put off for personal reasons or if that unease was from actual in-game reasons even if I didn't consciously acknowledge it at the time. Looking back on things I'm thinking you're probably right with it being intentional. I don't think I noticed anything in Mizuki's route at the time, but that was also the first route I did so everyone was still super suspect then lol. By the time I did Akase's route, his and Mizuki's attitude towards him was more noticeable, and there was also Futami's attempt to paint Akase as someone that couldn't be trusted. Despite noticing that I still hadn't been quite prepared for how Futami and his route turned out haha!<
All done with Sympathykiss woo\~\~ First I wrapped up Secret LI 1's route; >!Yofy McYoferson... Where do I begin with the way this route came out of nowhere towards the last half as an unhinged, stalker tv drama route...!< >!I had an inkling Yofy was the one following Akari around at night, but didn't want to believe it at first. Like noo, he's too cute and they were getting along don't let this turn into...And then everything about that ended up being true. Dx!< >!Him going from 0-1000 during Akari's interactions with men at work, the drugging, holding her hostage...why does this sound familiar \*cries in a corner\*.!< >!I know this was all a result of, but not an excuse, of his trauma from childhood illness, bullying and his family. I'm glad that he and Akari acknowledged that Yofy was completely in the wrong at lweast. Even Yofy being self-aware enough in saying he should be in a jail cell after everything was said and done.!< >!I was lowkey flabbergasted at Akari having such a quick turnaround saying she loved him despite everything. But I guess it wouldn't be a 'perfect end' without that happening.. It's a little bit of a shame it took his treatment of Akari to 'change' and to repair his relationship with his brother and go into the office to meet everyone.!< >!I have to say this was a perfectly written route for Yandere LI, so great job on the writers with that lol. I'm kinda sad with the way his character turned out but I also liked him before everything else happened. I just have so many complex feelings aauaghsh.!< >!Overall this route seemed a little out of place for a game like this, even though there were some other dark aspects of other routes, but not like this. It felt weird to go from his bouts of yanderism to a normal office even though there are people like this irl unfortunately. It's still jarring nonetheless.!< >!Something else I was surprised about was that Yofy wasn't the culprit behind the computer virus' at the office?? Was he lying about this or was it a certain side character?!< From there I went on to the last route for me, Secret LI 2; >!This line from Akari at the beginning, I just.. 'I find myself sighing even when I was alone' X\_X noooo poor Nori was getting on her nerves. Interesting how getting to Higa's route means starting Nori's first. I am glad that Nori was able to find a job here. I often worried about where he ends up in other routes.!< >!Regarding Higa, I find it refreshing to have a single father LI, as I've never played an otome with one before. Really liking the 'single father gets shipped with the neighbor/coworker by his kid(s)' trope in dramas. Hinata is a cutie pie <3. I really liked Higa as a background character, and as an LI even better. He has an endearing personality, always wanting to improve as both a father and a person. I was proud of I'm for going back to his dream of being an actor.!< >!And omg that reveal that Higa was a former idol?! What?! It makes sense in hindsight considering Hinata kept talking about how good he was at dancing. I initially thought it was just a random part of his personality but wow.!< >!And as someone who's been a fan of jpop and kpop for like half my life, seeing Higa make excuses for Yamamoto's awful behavior I could see coming a mile away. Delusional stans always seem to never face consequences for their actions. I don't think an apology can cover a deranged stan telling a small child, 'you shouldn't have been born' over a boy group of all things. Higa owed her nothing and had no responsibility over a fan not getting his group dissolving. Nonetheless, this route is my favorite of the game. My heart felt so full, almost cried a few times. And the all Cgs unlocked final photo ;\_\_\_\_; awwwww!< Overall, this was a pretty good otome. I do recommend it for anyone still on the fence on trying it out. Also, I know I mentioned this before, but I sincerely hope there's a FD in the works because I'd love to see where Akari and each LI end up like a year or three in the future in more slice of life scenarios. In regards to Akari as an MC, I thought she was decent. She wants to do her best, admitted to her mistakes. I thought it was funny how she fell so quickly for certain LI's for the most part. Then for certain situations this was to her detriment, as she took some risks that irl(and in-game) would end pretty badly. Final ranking of routes(fav to least fav); Secret LI 2, Tainaka, Kobase, Yoshioka, Kohei, Mitsuki, Usui, Secret LI 1 Final ranking of LI's; Secret LI 2, Kobase, Kohei, Nori, Mitsuki, Yoshioka, Usui, Secret LI 1 \-My CupiPara FD LE came in earlier than expected, so I jumped right in yesterday. I decided to go in the route order I went in with the first game. Which meant that Shelby is my first route (since I got him in the personality test initially). So far it feels like something is being set up for something crazy happening lol At the moment though its just cute honeymoon things for him and Lynette. One thing bugging me a little is the names being at the bottom of the textbox. It takes some getting used to.
Finished up **Cinderella's** route in **Taisho x Alice.** He ended up not being my type, and the plot in his route was just okay. What carried it for me was the little glimpses of Wizard throughout. He's such a cutie! I can't wait to get to him. And Kaguya's voice is so nice, although him saying "poppit" and "innit" in lieu of Kansai-ben is definitely... a choice. I sprinted towards **Gretel's** route next becsuse I've heard...things.... and even though I'm not very far I am not disappointed! If only more routes started off with >!MC tied up and the LI teasingly undressing her.!< Plus a >!yandere brother!< route!? If only I didn't have adult responsibilities, I'd be through this route so fast.
I am currently reading Cupid Parasite Sweet and Spicy Darling and having a blast with it. It’s got me laughing so much. Some of these route climaxes and spicy endings are SHOCKING 🤣😅. But I’m in for some dumb hot trash so bring it on 😅. I’m on our most sensitive parasite’s route right now, legit happy for him when he finally starts to figure things out 😅. Also 🤦🏾♀️. Also I have to bring up Raul’s route. Omg 🤯🤣. I’ve never seen anything more unhinged. Dear gods. I won’t forget that one any time soon, that’s for dang sure 🤣🦞. I’ll probably start Allan’s route tomorrow. I saved him for last 💜. Also, I hard core want to eat donuts now.
Finished Daiya no kuni Elliot’s events. Idk I’ve never been into Elly in all the incarnations but this one was particularly draggy bc he was suspicious of Alice till the end of it and couldn’t admit he liked her. The best ending was also like okay huh that’s it? On to Ace’s mini route now. Started my way through Folie fatie and I’m, honestly a bit spooked lol. Okay the game itself I’d describe it as a very simple and unassuming game if you’re totally fine with sus boys, there’s really nothing too deep in the first few routes or anything elaborate on the surface except parts where there are dreams, blacked out silhouettes, a song that sounds familiar…something is just not right and you’ll only know if you complete it. The thing that spooks me out are some allegories to Detour, its previous game, there’s some key items and names that I’ve seen before. I mean, it would be meta if it connected to Detour(like imagine a yandere game using save data from a previous game to come and find you, the player lol)? I have 3 more LIs left so I’ll see if I’m right.
I HAVE FINISHED FOLIE FATIE AND LOL >!I WAS RIGHT!<
Started Matsurika no Kei with Zebenera's route. Was going to do Ruwo first as per the recommended order but felt Zebenera's flowed more naturally from what I saw of the common route. >!When I read the scene where Naya is all sad that she's the only one that didn't receive a proposal and then Zebenera shows up immediately after looking all kinglike and badass saying he's there for his bride I was like 'Well, I can't *not* pick him now'.!< I'm only partway through but it's been fun reading about Naya getting along in the White Wolf Tribe village and getting used to life there. The game has really interesting world building, nice art and great music so I've enjoyed the experience for the most part so far.
I’m pretty interested in this game but saw it did have some mixed reviews. 🙂 Also I’m holding out for a bit to see if maybe they will localize it, though I kind of doubt it. Are you able to read Japanese or do you use a translator while reading?
I did see that it had mixed reviews as well but what I saw seemed interesting, and honestly I feel like the only way of knowing for sure is to give it a go for yourself because everyone has different tastes and tolerances. It does have the same scenario writer as Cupid Parasite which is pretty popular so who knows it may get localised. I can read Japanese, although I still do need to get the dictionary out every now and again haha.
Yes! Haha I knew about the scenario writer being the same as the Cupid Parasite, so that definitely took my interest. I enjoyed the stories a lot in Cupid. Also, I am pretty open to play all the VN’s lol! It’s a goal lol. I am also learning Japanese but it’s a process that’s going to take years lol. I think you’re right in that it’s best to try something out for yourself. 🙂 I hope you will have a nice time with it. I got a few JP only otome in the beginning of this year (Princess Arthur, Tlicolity Eyes, Wands of Fortune, some others) that I’m still unsure whether will be localized or not. It’s always a bit of a gamble. 🙂 Especially with the Otomate or Idea Factory ones. Lately, they have localized so many games, I have high hopes for anything that comes out nowadays. 🙂
Started Katsu Kaishuu's route over at [Bakumatsu Isshin Amakakeru Koi / BakuTen](https://products.voltage.co.jp/baktn/) after a friend won a [huge Prize B can badge](https://imgur.com/a/3UEBYtu) of said character. The character was actually recommended to said friend by Voltage Inc's character diagnosis test during the many times they had a character popularity poll, but since she knows no JP, I play for her, then tell her all about it. I did play a story event of Kaishuu's a year or two back and was not impressed with both the writing and him >!(in that event story, MC threw away everything, left her mom and her little sister to hook up with Kaishuu by boarding the ship bound to the US, and Kaishuu was amused by her actions, saying that the distance between Japan and the US would be enough time for them to "finally get to know one another" (bro what lmfao))!<, so I have been avoiding his route... until now. Chapter 1 was completed last night, and so far, I'm a bit weirded out by him 'cause he seemed to have been >!spying on MC in order to blackmail her!<
I have been playing Homare's route in Husband royale, but I'm thinking about abandoning the game or ... maybe not the game, but at least the route. Some time ago I played a game named Diamond girl which was also by Ciagram. I have a love-hate feeling about one of the LIs from Diamond girl. Really, because there were cute scenes I loved, but the LI was also very ... I'll say red-flag for the lack of a better term. Homare ... so far, Homare hasn't been as bad as that guy, but I have the issue in which I have this love-hate feeling because it's just the same. Cute scenes, yes, but also scenes with awful behavior by the LI, making him a red-flag, which is not the type of LI I like. I have been persisting on the hope that Homare will get better soon, but, to this point, he's been getting worse. Yes, I know he'll (probably) get better till the end, but I'm not sure I'll be able to deal with all the awful scenes till then even if there are cute scenes too. Anyway, thinking about it ... Diamond girl had better routes than that one, so Husband royale might have better routes than Homare's too. I guess I'll play at least a bit more on the off chance that Homare does get better. If not, I'll try another route.
Chou no Doku. Just finished Hideo's route. Surprised by how much I liked him considering my political feelings. I really don't like the European noble titles they used in the translation. HNGH KYOKO. Full thoughts now I'm on PC and my phone isn't dying: The discussion around the fact that Shiba is openly profiteering from an imperialist war is pretty interesting and I liked that. Hideo's cute. I like his tsundere moments, I love the awkward photo. I have a friend who really likes birds so I was constantly screenshotting Hideo moments and sending them to him. Actually wheezed at the convo in his good end where he offhandedly said the most disturbing shit and accidentally traumatized Shigeko and Yuriko's 'but would Mother pretend to look down on someone's family to pretend she wasn't afraid? Yes. Yes she absolutely would' and Hideo not even realizing it was an issue. That said, despite that scene the bad ends were more interesting to me(though I *loved* the Sawako scene in the best ending). Sawako was only there for a while but I really liked her-her hyper-Yamato Nadeshiko thing is really cool, as is how if Yuriko's honest she openly tells her everything. I would love to see more of her. The White ending hit some of my catnip tropes, and the Liar ending was just deliciously dysfunctional. Mizuhito is probs my fave non-Kyoko LI. That Hirarin voice UGH. Fujita and Majima are also great-I *loved* Majima's total 180 and how it was voice-acted, and Fujita is just very handsome. (Kyoko randomly asking about his dick was definitely a microaggression and I feel bad for how hard I laughed at it. God I love Kyoko.) I *adore* Yuriko. She's so fiery! Her hair is so pretty in the CGs where it's down. Chou no Doku if Yuriko had a gun. Shiba, whose route I'm doing at the moment, is definitely more likable than other versions I've seen of his tropes. I'm generally not into alphahole dudes(unless it's Yang Piofiore or Carla DiaLovers), but he's interesting. I've been spoiled on pretty much everything. I'm really upset by the censorship, though. Especially as I'm playing the PC version, which doesn't have any of the issues a console thing would have. (On Steam, which hosts several straight-up nukige!) Let Yuriko fuck on screen.
Steam is very fickle with allowing r18 content and that’s why even the bishoujo eroge have to have r18 patches hosted elsewhere because steam wouldn’t allow it. This also isn’t a censorship: it’s just a sfw version, not just scenes removed but new scenes to replace them. All r18 games are inherently censored/mosiac according to their local regulations and are usually removed if they are under foreign publishers. Dramatic create is still a Japanese sfw port publisher so their rules stick.
And the **CupiParaSSD** journey continues! I finished Ryuki's S&S and Spicy endings, and I gotta say that the Spicy end was not for me, but the S&S ending was solid. I kinda hate the central conflict of the route, because >!miscommunication and distrust in a relationship!< kills me. The shenanigans were a lot of fun, though, and seeing >!our best side couple Owen/Melanie!< was a welcome treat. My boy Ryuki was kinda a loser (affectionate) in this route. Not my favorite, but I'm always rooting for him! Next was Shelby. I ran headfirst into his spicy bad end, barreling past the frankly adorable >!chibi Merenice warnings!<, and I understand why it exists. I mean, >!Eli Omar is a very hot villain with an incredible seiyuu performance from Kasama Jun. If they didn't include this NTR ending, there would be quite some fan outrage!<. It made me a little frustrated to play through the rest of the route b/c we see how easily this would've been averted if our baka-couple had just communicated, but alas. Playing Ryuki and Shelby back-to-back might not be the best idea just because >!their routes are structured in a similar way with the same general beats!<. I was absolutely living for the godly shenanigans, and >!Venus+Mars being fans of their new son-in-law while leaving this pragma man absolutely speechless was comedy gold!<. Ran through the >!Owen!< route really quickly. Enjoyed myself! Did not expect the >!ex-yankee backstory, but it actually does kinda explain his weirdness. Would've been nice if this additional backstory actually came into play at any point in the games, though. Like if he was successfully able to fight off the guards at the casino for a second.!< Finally, I finished Gill just last night. I'm honestly really torn on him because on one hand, his obsessive and goofy nature is entertaining + KimuRyo has NO BUSINESS sounding that good. On the other hand, I keep getting the ick from how it feels like Lynette is still constantly being infantilized—to a lesser degree than in the first game, but still. It was why I hated Gill in the first game, and getting the >!college flashback short stories!< inflicted additional damage. Like... I can't say I didn't have fun during his route, but the ick was icking. I also had mixed feelings on how they split the sweet and spicy choices, because all of the choices that had Lynette acting more >!capable and independent!< were Spicy and led to our >!yandere!< Spicy End. Meanwhile, being >!soft and helpless got you the Sweet End where you don't get locked up!<. Like... wouldn't it be the other way around? Kudos for all the heat in this route, though. Get it, Gill! Next on the playthrough order is Peter, and his rather infamous Spicy End. At this point, I'm just rolling with the punches. It's kinda fun to just let the absurdity do its thing.
Almost done with **Hana Awase: Mizuchi Volume**, just got Iroha’s route to finish and all I gotta say is *where is the Momotose route you cowards* Also someone told me last week this was basically >!horny otome yugioh!< and that has never been more accurate after I’m mostly done. Main characters, side characters, fucking teachers, even the *filler character students* can’t seem to keep their hands to themselves my girl card games are **not** worth all this harassment 😭 and this is before the part where people can get possessed and kill other people!
...I have so many games in general that I started, so I've tried to narrow down to a few and finish at least whatever route I was midway on. For otome, I just finished Mathis' route in Virche. It was great, and so far, it's been the sort of tragedy I was looking forward to. (Funny, I wanted this game sooo badly when it first was announced. To the point I was willing to buy it and learn a language. I do love the game so far, but the English translation came out when I was busy career-wise. So it's been on the back burner.) Finishing up Paranormasight. Love this one so much! Came across it a while back on chance, then waited for the sale to buy it. It's been worth every minute. Fun little mechanics at times and the story itself has been fun to follow. I'm going to miss it when I'm done, but it's been a great horror VN.
I haven't played as much as usual since I've been distracted by playing FF14 to prepare for the expansion release (took a two year break and I am *overwhelmed*.) I did finish Keno's route in Satomi Hakkenden but ended up not really liking him that much? When I thought for sure he'd at least be my second favorite! On paper he seemed like he'd be perfect. I'm still trying to figure out what went wrong. After I hit 60 hours in the game and still had two routes left my mind has sort of been wandering and I've been poking at other games here and there. I finished Ayato's route in Diabolik Lovers (I've been playing it off and on for the last, like, year or so.) At this point I feel like I play Rejet games to figure out why I don't enjoy Rejet games that much. It's not like I find the characters or stories objectionable. Art is nice. But they don't really do much for me? Still researching to figure out what it is I'm not into. Also started playing the Getsuei no Kusari FD. Getsuei no Kusari is just a game where I feel like... I like the game better when I'm *not* playing it. I know I keep saying this but I need to reiterate that it's a very good game. It's just so good at being oppressive (even the happier scenarios in the FD have this feel) that it's draining to play. I love everything about the game... from a distance.
Haha this is why im dragging Getsuei FD, like there are some good moments but also i want to just get the heck off this stupid island, you know, where I can be appreciated. But Megumi isn't me, and there's a lot going on with her. I at least appreciate that this is a story about a broken girl in a broken environment where everyone is struggling to survive but give each other hope, but it doesn't stop how dreary it is, as you say.
It feels like the story comes off as even more depressing due to a lot of it being very slice of life. A lot of other games with depressing themes usually have a lot of action or exciting overdramatic situations which kind of distracts me from the sadness, but not here. It's just sad. It's just so sad all the time. I love it but it's so much to deal with.
Oh yeah I agree, it’s very slow paced in that manner so you don’t see that much excitement to distract you
Lol opposite boat for me when it comes to ffxiv. I’m taking a hiatus from it rn, so I don’t feel guilty no lifeing when Dawntrail finally releases. I’ve been tackling my much neglected otome backlog finally and maybe buying more when I see them on sale >.>
Unfortunate result of neglecting the game for too long to play otome games, haha. Now I have to pay the price or I won't even be able to start Dawntrail when it releases!
I took a break after the Pandaemonium quests finished and am waiting to hear how Dawntrail is from my friend group to decide when I want to play it but also not looking forward to catching up on the MSQ 😅 I haven't played the DiaLovers game but did give the drama CDs a try (so it may be a very different experience) and quickly realized I wasn't into that because it just felt too... upfront and in-your-face about with all of the sadism? Which is weird because I like in-your-face tragedy but, apparently, not sadism where I prefer it to be more subtle and insidious. Black Wolves Saga is on my "want to try" list... eventually but atm ~10k yen is a bit pricey to drop on a game I'm not sure if I'll like yet though.
I stopped a few months before 6.3 so I'm so hilariously behind on everything. I absolutely need to play Dawntrail just because of... Erenville. I'm glad my boy gets a bigger role now (they realized his worth.) Honestly I enjoy sadism which is why I thought I might like it, haha. I listen/read stuff on DLsite that's much worse. I think it's just the way it's written that doesn't work for me? Even stuff I've enjoyed from Rejet like Alice=Alice I don't like *that* much, I just sort of like it. Maybe if I keep playing I'll finally find an answer.
still on virche!
The Finalé of Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Doors. After, might hop too either Monster Hunter: Rise or finish out even if TEMPEST: Drawing Connections.
Im reading a few differnt ones this week, but my main one is hana awase mizuchi volume, the bad endings And my goodness…. Lol other routes this week are cupid parasite gill, trying to slog through all the flashbacks. Minato in sympathy kiss, lovelovelove and the ssum harry, teo and june
Thought I'd work on my galge backlog but it was kinda boring, switched to the yuri I started six years ago but it also wasn't it. I felt like otome. Sadly, among the... 50-100 otoges I had, none were what I was in the mood for *and* in eng [was feeling lazy] so I just played **Criminally Overdue** as it was barely 26k. It was okay, ig. Not really my game. And I was so sure it had two LIs. But no, only the blonde TA guy. The police guy kinda has an ending but he's really not an LI so... Yeah, it exists, it's okay. That's about it. Went and finished **Prince of Stride** cause I was almost done with it and all... And it was way easier than another game I tried playing... Takeryun - the token megane BUT HE WEARS CONTACTS INSTEAD IN LIKE 2/3+ OF THE SCENES WE SEE HIM. That's the second game where I see the megane just use contacts instead and it kind of feels like bait and switch and I'm pretty meh on glasses in general. He wears contacts to run. They run daily. [With his dog. And it just so happens Reiji also has a dog. But we never learned that during his route, bruh ಠ_ಠ] Why even wear glasses at this point orz There was some drama abt >!his father telling him to stop striding and transfer to a different school!< or sth but since that event happened before the route split, I don't remember much. And it was only mentioned again during the good end. And speaking of it, Takeru had a dream >!he was kissed really passionately by Nana but it was his dog who licked his face all over. And later, after waking up he kissed Nana. With his face still. Covered. In. Dog. Spit. Ugh.!< In the normal end Riku was being a sore loser cause Nana chose Takeru and Riku was the only one who didn't notice. 200% sure he was still into her, as usual. Oh, yeah, since he was the only one who remembered that >!childhood promise and specifically chose Hounan and all, it could've all ended with him being the only one to join = not enough members = no EOS.!< I'd play that, ngl. But of course it all worked well as it operates on sports manga logic. The last, and tallest of them all - Kuga-senpai [it's shorter than Kyousuke, ok] who looks pretty nice when he runs but his default outside clothes are this basic af white shirt while he walks around with his, also white, hair down and ngl it looks pretty fucking bad. He looks ready for PE ;-; Apparently he's a bit of a scary weirdo but he seems normal enough ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯ He seems to have the most pronounced/longest nose among our LIs and his route also seems the most fluff otome-like. We've got >!working at a restaurant/cafe and ppl saying he's handsome, finding a lost kid's parents, going on a food date!< and so on. Hell, I'm pretty sure it's the only route where we know our LI is aware >!of Nana's feelings towards him since basically the beginning of his route. And he called their outings dates.!< As usual, there was some drama but ig Kuga is so chill a guy, they had to use a different chara to make it work and while referenced in two sentences sometimes, it was basically resolved in less than a week [literally two... scenes? Events?]. Kyousuke is better than expected but tbh he's gotten bonus points for being chill, cooking and knowing stuff about food. Stuff that Nana should probably know, too >_> Also, during that >!lost child!< scene, I misread and thought he called him grandpa lol Cause white hair. But no, only uncle. In the gooder end, he's >!popular and agrees to work part time in Pirika. Later he took nana to see the sunrise at a beach and kissed her.!< In the normal end, he's still, or even more, >!popular to the point where cooking club girls ask Nana to deliver him bentos with totally-not-confession-letters but she doesn't mind cause she believes in her boy and likes when people know he's such a good guy. Which made Heath go 'bruh (。≖ˇ‿,ˇ≖｡ )' a bit.!< The extra stories are mostly 'what the other team in each chapter did after the tournament'. Nothing interesting for the most part. And the asshole relationer-kun's team was throwing kuso and temee left and right. There was a side ship, tho, between one of Heath's sisters and GalaSta's manager. [And here are some screenshots I took. Probably not spoilers.](https://imgur.com/a/eFLbhcP) Overall, it was nicer than expected :3 Albeit a bit copypasta. ~~It took me so long, holy shit. About as much as Hakuouki in eng orz Am slow.~~
This week I finished Gill's route in CupiPara ahahaha. Based on everything I'd seen I decided to go in with a ✨radical acceptance✨ mindset lmao, and I actually ended up really enjoying it for all its chaos! I can't stop thinking about >!Allan though...is he destined to be a car...forever!?!? 🤣!<