Jyuzaengi ~Engetsu Sangokuden~ 1+2 - Review

十三支演義~偃月三国伝~
Game: [Juuza engi ~Engetsu Sangokuden~ 1+2 ]
Genre: Otome Visual Novel.
Developer/Publisher: Otomate and Red entertainment.
Platform: PSP, PS Vita.
Official Site: http://www.otomate.jp/jyuzaengi/vita/
VNDB:https://vndb.org/v10289
Release date: 2015-08-27


Basically its Dynasty warriors with an otome spin to it, haha...
I can't say my original expectations were particularly high but I was pleasantly surprised
 it turned out to be mostly decent! (the first game atleast can't say the same about the second).
Thankfully the system wasn't annoying... it was decent, I liked the journey system.
RoTK with furries(as in cute animal ear and/or tail)... TBH out of all of them
Ryuubi is the cutest, maybe not romantically but you get the picture?
Not much plot spoilers for the first game atleast just quick thoughts and tbh
you can read elsewhere... I ended up writing more about part 2 because it was a step down
and I love complaining when I don't like things, it good to have opinion though.

This is by no means a loyal otome adaptation of ROTK and if you expect one you will be sorely
disappointed, I actually prefer Sangoku rensenki over this but that might be just me liking its tropes.
The writing is decent but it has issues at times, especially the 2nd game and I do not mind if
its not historically accurate but they make so many changes to turn it into an otome game this is one
of those you want everyone to be happy type of games... and thats what you get esp in the sequel.
This game isn't that bad but if you hate the I want everyone to be happy trope
and considering the setting expect something more serious give it a pass.

Jyuza engi 1, 8/10
I thought this was pretty solid, story is pretty good and great setup even tho they take too many liberties. The war scenes in this game are boring and drag the game on longer than it should
which makes me sleepy, cuz 70% of the time its just boring ossans talking about war tactics
but everything else was A++ and playing Jyuuza2 right after this was a bad idea and I regret
doing so since I loved every route and the continuety of the ends is not there except 1.
Jyuuzaengi 2, 5/10
Story is so-so but once again they take many liberties to change it into an otome game, I didn't
like Chounn & Chouryuu's route this time, plot there was pretty bad, compared to the other route.
 I only really ended up liking 3/4 routes out of 8 at the sequel so I am really disappointed.
The major problem with Jyuza2 is that they want you to forget all of the endings in
th first game cuz it continues from Ryuubi's route, yeah thats right and fine.
Ryuubi's route was still decent and finishes up the overall story nicely in my opinion.
But most of the other routes like Chounn, Chouryuu, Sousou and Kakouton were a drag
since it was a pain seeing Kanu fall in love again, still Chouhi's route was a huge improvement
over what he had in the first game though and Kakouton wasn't that bad.
Shokatsuryou ended up being my favorite in the sequel and Shuyu was eh.
S-e-r-i-o-u-s-l-y don't play these two games back to back, its my one and only mistake.
Though if I had to give it a rating overall it gets a 6.5/10 rating from me
which is a seven at best which is not bad at all.

Pro's
- Overall it has an interesting story and setting.
- Kanu was a pretty awesome heroine.
- Most if not all the guys are likeable (depend on taste tho).
Art and Bgm.
- Seiyuu's A++.
- Kakouton was moe the best boy, even in the sequel which I disliked in general.
- Shokatsuryou.
- Chouhi redeemed himself in the sequel, he was such a cutie pie there.
(I'm just glad it did one thing right at this point.)

Con's
- Ossans talking about boring war tactics, this is just sleep inducing, I can handle stuff like
dynasty warriors and history do interests me but in a visual novel esp otome its just a big no.
(atleast the sequel had less ossans).
- Enshou and Guo Jia are T R A S H.
- Bacho should have had more presence.
- In the 2nd game became too much of a damnsel in some of the routes.
(Huehue CHOUNN, she was still cool but she just wasn't as awesome as before...)
- In the 2nd game some of the routes, no the whole sequel had a weaker plot in general.
(In the case of Chouryuu, I was like I didn't ask for this did I? and for Chounn I was like wtf is this?)
- Sonken and the new guys should have had a route of his own instead of the old one.
(I was okay with Ryuubi's route since he was the OTP but the rest of returning cast are back 
to square one, why not turn them into sub chara and give Sonken and others a chance?).

 So basically TL;DR the sequel was kinda poor with the exception of Shokatsuryou, Shuyu and
Ryuubi's route. I didn't even like Shuyu but his route was OK compared to others.
Tbh I don't hate Jyuza Engi 2, I just feel that some routes like Chounn,Chouryuu,Sousou
aren't worth my time after playing the first game, ESPECIALLY RIGHT AFTER PART ONE
but don't worry I still like this series its great and the protag kicked ass where she could.
Overall I am biased for Ryuubi, Kakouton and Shokatsuryou, I liked Chouryuu route more in the 1st game though in p.2 they turned the fantasy elements up 9000% and I regret doing him last in the sequel. Playorder... for the first it doesn't matter except Ryuubi should be done either first
or last cuz continuity why first? he doesn't have much romance and the thing he has could be jarring.
For part 2 some routes unlock on 2nd play so may as well do Shokatsuryou first, the rest
don't matter much and if you want to end the sequel in a good yet bittersweet way
 I recommend doing Sousou last, definitely not Chouryuu. -_-
Sure it was sweet but... it left a bitter taste in my mouth considering some stuff, seriously
i'd rather have Sousou to end the game with than... whatever the fuck even was Chouryuu's best end.

FAQ
Q: Is the PS Vita port worth it? if I played the PSP versions?
A: Do you like replaying or should I say rereading VN in better resolution? and do you like trophies?
Q: I only played the first game years ago, should I buy this port?
A: Do you remember liking it? by all means go for it if you want the complete experience.
Q: Are there any new additions to the PS Vita version?
A:There are new additions, there is a new epilogue for every character in the first game but
its really short, its hard to say if a 5-10 Minute scene with a CG is worth your time
it may be good for die-hard jyuuza fans but if not... its a pass?
I don't think it is worth it especially if said epilogues are retconned om the sequel.
If you agree like/agree with most of those answers then I say yes go for it.
(I can by no means guarantee you'll like this as a whole, maybe you will, maybe you won't...)
TL;DR/end

Characters ★★★★☆
Art  ★★★★☆(Great.)
Scenario/plot. ★★★★☆(First game 4 star... 3 star for sequel.)
Music★★★☆☆ (Average but no complaints.)
System  ★★★★☆ (Comfy...)
Enjoyment overall ★★★★☆(Good but do not think too hard about it.)

 More ramblings after the jump.

Ayakashi gohan Oomori - review

あやかしごはん ~おおもりっ!~

Game: [Ayakashi gohan Oomori]

Genre: Otome Visual Novel.
Developer/Publisher: Asgard/Honeybee

Platform: PC, PS Vita.

Official Site: http://www.honeybee-cd.com/ayakashi_vita/
VNDB: https://vndb.org/v14759

Release date: 2015-10-08

Ayakashi Gohan... what can I say?  its the one game that renewed my hope for this genre..
Yep I really enjoyed this game!

My play order was > Uta > Manatsu > Suou > Yomi > Ibuki > Asagi.
I probably strayed  from the official play order but i tried to keep Human & Ayakashi routes varied.

 TL;DR
9/10
I loved this game, in the end I liked all of the guys. 
 This game got a special place in my heart.

Pro's
- Likeable cast.
- Tearjerker.
 - The overall story is interesting.
 - Voiced heroine.
- Heroine has two different personality based on choice in the prologue
 - Art and BGM.

Con's
Long common route.
- Not many CG and they're not in the place you want them.
 - Extra short scene in the best ending after completing Asagi's locked route.
(This was annoying, the only best end  where I say it was worth it to go back for was Manatsu's and
in the case of Ibuki a whole new ending, the other best ends? lol honeybee please stop.)
- Guren. (Yeah this guy pissed me off to no end.)
- PS Vita version has bugs, but some can be overlooked like touch support.
(I mean stop complaining you can just use the buttons?)

Utawarerumono Itsuwari no Kamen - Review and Impressions

うたわれるもの 偽りの仮面

Game: [Utawarerumono Mask of Deceit]

Genre: Visual Novel, Strategy RPG.
Developer/Publisher: Aquaplus

Platform: PS3, PS4,PS Vita.

Official Site: http://aquaplus.jp/uta/itsu/
VNDB: https://vndb.org/v7721

Release date: 2015-09-24

Well these are just my personal thoughts about the game and when I look back
it might have been the best game I played all year despite its cliffhanger.
Tokyo Xanadu comes close but eh... that one honestly had one too many cliches.

TL;DR
8/10
Story is a bit slow at first but it takes its time to introduce everyone and sets the stage
for its inevitable sequel because this game Utaware2: Itsuwari no Kamen is designed to
bridge the gap between the first Utawarerumono game and Utaware3: Futari no Hakuoro.
This game might have SRPG elements but don't buy the game for that because
you'll spend more time reading than in battle, sadly the SOL part is going to be an absolute
hit or miss this game much like falcom's kiseki series is very slow in getting to
the good parts, if you can stand it and have played/watched the original then go for it.


Kuon~~

Reine Des Fleurs - impressions/Review

レンドフルール

Game: [Reine des Fleurs/Queen of Flowers]

Genre: Otome Visual Novel.
Developer/Publisher: Otomate/Idea factory.

Platform: PS Vita.

Official Site: http://www.otomate.jp/reinedesfleurs/

Release date: 2015-08-20

This is the general outline of the story:
Violette has to leave her sheltered life behind since she is the candidate
 to become substitute Reine aka french word for Queen because the world
needs grace and she's the only one who can do so.
The knights don't want to go along and don't trust her cuz of the absence of a Reine/Queen
all this time so Violette has to come to their countries and have a fabulous talk with them
 like the ye olde french nobels did as it the only way to get grace so she can give it to the world
which is already quite drained so it won't perish, all in all this sounds promising right?

TL;DR this is a Kusotoge (maybe that is too harse) with way too much dramatique
and mystical mumbo jumbo, theres not many characters for a story set on such a grand stage.
If you want to get it don't fall for the synopsis or the pretty art, keep your expectations low
if anything the characters might save it for you and well I did like atleast two routes.
It doesn't fail being at what it tries to do, the gothic style and despairing plot is good
but most happy endings aren't satisfying for what you have to sit through which was pretty boring.
This game did not at all feel like it was an otome game to me, infact it feels more like a theatrical play.
I kid you not, this is all I can remember no... want to remember from this game.
Sorry if this sounds like a complaint/rage post but I just have to put it out there.

Anyway here are the pro's and con's if you don't care about my rant.

 Pro's
 - The setting and story is interesting at first sight.
- Art and Music
- The guys/characters are still likeable despite the weak story.
- Seiyuu did a wonderful job.
- Setting.
- Heroine, I liked that Vio is selfish... enough to know what she wants and takes it.
- Leon was moe.

 Did I push it with the pro's? lol.

Con's
- Story is rather weak and fails to keep the reader interested at times.
- Most love endings are not satisfying.
 - Ravir system.
- Too many bad ends.
- The locked route was not satisfying. 
(It also didn't have the true end revelation I was hoping for.)

My expectations were too high for this game, I didn't enjoy most of it at all, I'd love to
someday replay it because sometimes I think its better than what people make it out to be
and its not that bad but yeah... I agree there's too much ''negativity'' which believe it or not infects others. I ended up ranting about things I usually do not care about out of shear

frustration that is the game system, feel free to ignore the rest of the review.
Gothic fantasy can be an interesting genre but only if they don't make the story a complete mess.

Too much drama, a paper-thin plot to waste your time away, the prologue specifically
while it had this nice feel of introduction  I couldn't keep my attention to it at all, I mean
Leon was cute and most guys were charming but the introduction went on for far too long
and not much was even going on till the end of the prologue.
Later all the talk of glass made my eyes glaze over... pun intended.
Honestly I never expected this to a 3rd rate gothic fantasy, I was expecting this to be
a fun yet serious story but sadly the plot never took itself serious in my eyes.
The Ravir system was draining me of my energy too... probably one of the worst systems
ever next to wand of fortune! hey its also the same dev team.
I know they try to emulate what french nobles used to but in a VN this is just boring...
ATLEAST the art was good, despite me raging about this game
I would love a FD that make the endings in this game more worthwhile or an AU FD would be nice.
Violette as a heroine is great she knows what she wants and takes it but
the way the plot was told made me shake my head way too many times.
Still she was a cool heroine who kept her head high  and I sorta
appreciated her being selfish but it felt like such a waste in the end...

I don't hate dramatic games but Ravir was such a drag and most of the endings weren't satisfying
or like Orpheus for example it end in such a way to only make you wonder wtf is even  next.
Also I don't mind if people die in games but the way it happened in some routes! sigh...

Characters ★★★☆☆
Art  ★★★★★(A saving grace.)
Scenario/plot. ★★☆☆☆(Too much mystical mumbo jumbo... and drama)
Music★★★★☆ (Good.)
System  ★☆☆☆☆ (Stressful and too many bad ends...)
Enjoyment overall ★★☆☆☆(What did I expect? too much that's what.)

 So you may like this game if:
Gothic fantasy is your jam and like the insanely pretty art.
Do not mind the game being a mine field of bad endings.
 Like the utsuge type of visual novels where the outcome may not be perfectly happy.
Do not mind certain things just not making any sense.

Rear Pheles ~Red of Another~ - Review

リア フェレス ~レッド オブ アナザー~

Game: [Rear Pheles ~Red of Another~ ]

Genre: Otome Visual Novel.
Developer/Publisher: Matatabi

Platform: PS Vita.

Official Site: http://matatabi.tv/rearpheles/roa/

Release date: 2015-08-27

TL;DR
I liked this otomege for what its worth, its story is nothing special but if you
can get passed the long loading and minigame its quite fun, like a game should be.
The higher the difficulty the bigger the maps get and Pro is literally a fricking maze with
too many locked doors. Easy and Normal are doable and Hard is okay... I guess.
The difficulty trophies are BS though, you have to like sit through the common route of
Blanc,Toujou and Itsuki's(maybe Ayame sorry I forgot) on EVERY difficulty and there are four.
Thankfully both the escape and hunting minigames during the actual route
can be done through chapter select, still a pain to platinum 
and there are only a few who managed to do it, I raged quit twice but when I came
back I was one minigame away from completing pro difficulty(lmao) so I only had Hard left.
 I can't really recommend this game... story's average if anything.

 Pro's
 - Semi-interesting story based on red riding hood.
- Most guys are likeable.
- Romance was decent but kind of cringy in some route.
- Guys are Yandere but this is mostly reserved for bad ends, though some of it
 can be seen during normal play, atleast to me the best ends were satisfying.

 Cons
- Heroine is sorta stupid.
- Game is rather short.
- Minigame is a bit unforgivable, aka its difficult at first because no good tutorial.
- Long loading for minigame.
- Lag during minigame.
- BGM while some can be creepy like the one during the minigame but overall its forgettable.
 Btw the BGM during the minigame doesn't loop after 30 sec it just ends.
 

More rambling and possible spoilers after the jump.

Moujuutsukai to Ouji-sama Flower & Snow PS Vita port - Review

Minor CG spoilers, so be warned.

Game: [猛獣使いと王子様 ～Flower ＆ Snow～]

English: Beastmaster and Prince

Genre: Otome Visual Novel.
Developer/Publisher: Otomate

Platform: PS2, PSP, PS Vita & iOS/Android.

Official Site: http://www.otomate.jp/beast/flower_snow/

VNDB: https://vndb.org/v4540
Release date: 2015-06-11

D'awww these cuties...

TL;DR
9/10
A rather quick review with not much spoilers, except complain about small things.
This is a really charming otomege with a decent plot and one of otomate's gems
personally I love the medieval theme and the music is fitting even if its the typical 2008/2010 era
ye olde idea factory themes, back then they recycled or rearranged a lot for same-ish themes. >_>
Honestly its far from perfect but imho it has alot of things which make it really enjoyable
from a heroine who isn't afraid to backdown from a somewhat great written plot.
I think the same-ish common part just with different guy is what brings it down
a little but atleast the rest was unique so its not that bad?
There won't be much I can write about without spoilers so I keep it simple and if you want to
read the routes they can be found in other peoples reviews, this is a port afterall.

Recommended play order: Matheus > Alfred > Erik > Lucia > Klaus / Silvio.
Klaus + Silvio are unlockable by doing IIRC Erik/Lucia.
 Matheus/Alfred routes share plot, same for Erik Lucia
Either split them up or do them right after the other, there's no avoiding eventual repeat content.

 Mini rant incoming because there isn't much to complain/write about other than this :P
I regret doing Alfred right after Matheus I really do, which made me sad because some of it was mostly the same! there are new bits but you have to sit through that fangirl mob, Tiana getting cursed
plus other repeat content first. This made me so sleepy because I already know most of it, I think the worst offender is that the game classifies it as new, because the character you're with is different. Luckily Erik/Lucia's path follows a different scenario so thats why taking a break from it
or perhaps split it up because by the time you finish Erik or Lucia, Alfred
might be a nice change of pace again but honestly it doesn't matter.
end mini rant.

As for the characters I liked everyone, Klaus had a really sexy voice though! especially
in the mofumofu minigame, it made me have to use headphones because its just THAT embarassing

or it made me embarrassed lmao.

For snow bride, same play order atleast for me, might be best to save your fav chara for last

or first if you really want to or can't wait/be bothered with others.
You select these scenarios individually after story, additional story, side story...
it a fd so not a straightforward VN, honestly I was a bit confused at first?
Franz memoirs is rather uh... nice but why? never really saw the point of it.
Storywise Snowbride is just something extra, nice after stories for everyone
and it also delves further into some things, the winter theme was great btw.
 I really liked it and have nothing to complain about except some minigame
that was first added in the PSP port... more on that below. ಠ_ಠ

Pro's
- Interesting story,setting & characters. 
The main story line in both games is great, there is a mystery thing going on, all
the guys are likeable and the voice acting is superb(like it should be). 
- Art. 
Nothing to add here, its pretty.
- MofuMofu minigame ♥
Do I even need to go into this? who doesn't want to pet bishonen in animal form?
-  Ex Another Story.
A nice side story for the original game added for the port, what's there to complain about?

Klaus voice is... too lewd I get embarrassed petting him.

 

Con's
- Repeat story content.
This is obviously the weak point of this otomege, no matter how you cut it, it just is.
But it could've been far worse so in the end it may not be that bad.
- Ye olde cheesy Idea Factory BGM.
Well this is from 2010 after all...its forgettable yet it does add to the setting.
- New Snowbride Minigame(First added in the PSP port)
This is just... wtf? why otomate? ( ಠ益ಠ)
I know otomate isn't known for its amazing minigames but this is ridiculous. 
It was apparently added with the PSP port, as it wasn't in the original PS2 version. 
Worst of all it has nothing to do with the actual plot... just extra content.

Seems lame right?

This was just silly, its a poor excuse for a minigame, its like something you
expect from a smartphone game...  I just can't get over how bad this new minigame is.
First thing first, the heroine isn't even Tiana, its basically a self insert, lol.
You have to help the guys earn 50000 money/gold so they can return to their human form or sth.
There is a day limit and you can only do it once a day...
Luckily you can adjust PSV time manually and continue the minigame whenever you want.
if that wasn't possible have fun doing that shit for a whole month with all characters.
In the end the last CG(see below) for other wasn't even all that nice...
No wonder no one bothered writing about it for the PSP version... I wouldn't
want to do that for a whole month just for this CG.

Thanks for the hideous CG you get for completing an awful minigame, i'm sorry but I don't find this cute.

Anyway I hope you don't mind my small complaint about the one crappy minigame and repeat content.

Its better to know before hand the story is split int two parts each allow you to romance 2 guys
so naturally the one that shares still has some of the same-ish events the worst part is
the game classify old dialogue as new just because the dude ur with is different.
Like I said before there is so little to complain about I can't help but nag about it or point it out.
The story for both games was atill pretty good, I have no complaints about that except that
some of it repeats in other routes, the way the romance developed was nice except maybe

Alfred other than that I love the whole fantasy theme in this.
At the end of the day they bundled two characters together and split the scenario there.
 A lot of VN have repeat story content or copy pasta scenarios so Moujuutsukai isn't that bad www.

Or maybe its because this was my first experience with it I can let it slide?
Character wise this game does have its stereotypes but everyone was likeable, some
people tend to have bias for the tsundere Lucia though but Mateus seems to be
the typical poster boy, Alfred is a bit of a loner the cute type and Erik the really nice guy
you just don't want to make angry? /sweat, I think  he's pretty close to yandere.

Klaus is like a good older childhood friend... and Silvio is the unfortunate cat boy suffering.

You just have to be careful with your play order, but honestly I don't think play order even matters.
Silvio and Klaus unlock by doing two of the main guys route and cuz I did those two last
I forgot which so sorry about that but the side routes are perfect for at the end.

Characters ★★★★★
Art  ★★★★★
Scenario/plot. ★★★★☆(Good stuff except that some repeats.)
Music★★★☆☆ (Average but fits... ye olde grating idea factory BGM.)
System  ★★★★☆ (Comfy, also who doesn't want to pet cute animal boys?)
Enjoyment overall ★★★★☆(Its a well rounded otome game.)
Moujuutsukai is definitely a gem from otomate and you should give it a go sometime and
I really hope it gets picked up for localization one day because its a really charming game.
Holy Silvio, Gloczus has announced there next localized will be this Beastmaster and prince!
They'll release it on PC(Steam) and iOS/android, I asked them if it will have voice acting and
it should be in but they can't say anything else because of licensing issues.
I'm glad and super excited about this is the next otome game being localized I really am!
 Too bad the localization kickstarter failed, I still hope it gets localized some day but it doesn't seem hopeful, I wish it did though because despite its repeat content 
this is really a charming and good otomege!!! it got a heartwarming story with a great heroine.

  ♥

Prince of Stride - Review

Game: [プリンス・オブ・ストライド]

Genre: Otome Visual Novel, fictional sport.
Developer/Publisher: FIFS/Kadokawa 

Platform: PS Vita.

Official Site: http://posweb.jp/

Release date: 31-7-2015

TL;DR

 Pro's
- Sports, not every otome game tackles this theme.
- The overall story had some interesting bits but very character driven.
- Characters, the main guys are likeable and fun to be around.
 - Seiyuu cast, Art and Music.
- Minigame is fun.

Con's
- Long common route+stat raiser, so after one route it becomes skipskipskip.
- The guys don't have much of an actual route. T_T
- Copy pasta.

Babby's first sport otomege...
At the end of the day this wasn't that much of an otome game but
I still like it alot, they focused more on the sport than the romance.... which
might be a huge miss for some people but I still thought it was really good overall.
Its really going to be a hit or miss... but I still think the way they pulled it off was fine
I thought it was fun for what its worth and there's not much of negatives for me.
9/10
On the bright side all the characters were amazing except some of the neon pink team but 
even then they managed to redeem themselves, except Shiki ok maybe he did become better. :P

 Let's stride!

Harukanaru toki no naka de 6 - Review

Game: 遙かなる時空の中で6

English title: Beyond the stream of time 6.
Within the Expanse of Distant Time 6.

Developer/Publisher: Ruby Party/Koei Tecmo

Platform: PSP/PS Vita.

Genre: Otome Game, Visual Novel, RPG.

VNDB: https://vndb.org/v16060

Official Site: https://www.gamecity.ne.jp/haruka6/

Release date: 12-03-2015.

I bought this game on a whim along with Clock Zero.
Both games have something to do with time too but aren't similair in the slightest.
I didn't review CZ, firstly because there is enough review and positivity about it
and secondly my feelings for it are summed up for it at the recommendation section.

Pro's
- Heroine is likeable.
- Interesting story.
- All of the characters are likeable even if to me some were you know less interesting?
- Seiyuu cast, Art and Music.
- If your attention span is low, Haruka6 may be just right since its not a straigh-forward VN.

Con's
- System, its like an rpg with a bit of time managment, So if you're not up for that avoid.
- There are eight routes, this combined with the above can lead to a long otomege.
- When I really think about it the story is a bit weak but as a whole I think its still okay
and gotta add that it wasn't bad or anything.
- One of the obtainable guys is a 35 year old, ossan... yeah thats right almost 20 years older than the heroine.
Just saying but Murasame is my favorite ossan so far. :P

My play order was:
Darius > Arima > Kohak > Shuhei > Murasame > Tora > Ludo > Normal > Kudan > Finale.
Every route was worth doing... and no route will spoil another chara's so play order won't matter
but some aren't tied to the overall plot that well. 

I have never played a Harutoki game before and I was relieved you didn't need to play the previous entries.
I started this while taking a break from Clock zero, which turned out to be just what I needed
to completely finish CZ after I finished a route, cuz oh my god that had a heavy plot >_>
 Harutoki 6 is surprisingly light compared to it and its great to come back to after a while.
 I Absolutely love how this otome game balances gameplay and story so well!
and I really have a thing for this sort of setting maybe its because I like RPG, history
or more like alternate world/timeline and the fantasy of being swept away to the past of an alternate world?
The gameplay is satisfying too and those who don't have a long attention span may
enjoy koei games more, even I get tired of regular VN where its just text after text...

Anyway one fine day our heroine Azusa was about to visit her grandma at the hospital but
she gets warped to an alternate world similair to the Taishou era, there she is told
she is the priestess of the black dragon, however the demon-clan snatches her away from the imperials whom are the ones who summoned her to this world.
 Kyaah Darius-sama sugoi sugoi! erm fangirling aside I started with Darius
which probably means I spoiled myself badly on some things luckily there are
still routes with interesting revelations like Murasame or Kohak, this makes it fun to do everyone.

Still this otomege also makes me go  ¬_¬ sometimes but not in the bad way!
I don't think this or any harutoki game had that of an amazing plot-line but it still OK...

I have my complaints and that the battle system is too simple for its own good is one of them.
and wish we could actually use skills and items...and that it was more fleshed out like a real srpg.
The art is good though, some of the backgrounds do feel cheap but the scenery is still is nice to look at.
 ~
Even when after a few route I couldn't be bothered and went back to something else, unless you are really enjoying yourself you may end up finishing it without doing other games etc.
Story is decent but not the best ever, also if you look up some IRL taishou period event
you might end up facepalming because these guys do know their stuff, and know how to
make it into something yes even if its an alternative world some things are strangely similair!
Even if there's not much of an individual route I like how all the endings in this game are different
from each other and TL;DR it just a bunch of character events during the main plot then beat the last
boss and thats it, atleast there's actual VARIETY in turn of events and add to the story
to make it worthwhile doing all routes some may be less interesting but its still good.
Like depending on the guy events leading up to the finale the events do change if only a little.
 I might not like all of the endings in this game but its not bad to do it like this, feels like an rpg
with multiple ends for characters and you have to get flag events to get said endings. So yeah this is 👍
 Sadly the endings of each character are just endings... I think I only really liked Darius, Kudan
and Ludo's yet in others they leave so much to our imagination and that fine
but for example Arima or Shuhei's post credit scenes while cute just felt a lil empty to me.
The other reason this game stands out from the other entries?
Azusa the heroine is the black dragon priestess as opposed to being
 the white dragon priestess in like every other entry.
Officially you do not get your hachiyou's till the end of the game but by that point
you should realize who they are and the game makes that hilariously obvious
anyway who says the black dragon priestess can't save the world? this one sure can.

One other thing though I wish Koei would stop being inconsistent with Kiss CG's, there's kissing but
they always seem to leave it up party to our imagination or its the lips almost touching thing. -_-
I get that they try and aim this at pure twelve year old girls but when
we look at Ludo and Murasame's routes I am like KOEI PLS
you can do it just fine, its an otome just give everyone the same treatment...
I mean come on there have been cero B games with normal kiss CG's like clock zero.
Its sort of tiring having to use imagination because in some there was kissing in the text..

If you need a guide I recommend Momokan.
Choro's guide for this was or is still incomplete, Momokan has charts for individual route.
So I have to recommend Momokan to you instead of Choro because this game suffers
from a long common route wait was there even an individual route?

I tried to follow Choro's guide on my first play w/ Darius and on my 2nd play
I did not get any new events till like later in the 3rd chapter thus making it a skipfest
since it tried to group characters which is nice but I felt its better to separate in this one?
Seriously do not do recommend unless you want/need to finish this quickly...

 Terms of overall enjoyment of route/ending:
Darius > Kudan > Murasame > Kohak > Ludohane > Tora >, Arima & Shuhei(tie)
Imho Darius, Murasame and Kudan have definitely the most interesting route/paths...
and are well balanced interms of romance/plot stuffbut that doesn't mean the others aren't worth doing, its just that the ones at the end barely gave me a good and memorable impression. :P

 My favorites at the time of finishing this game would be:
Darius > Murasame > Kudan  > Kohak / Ludohane > Azusa > Chiyo > Tora > Shuhei > Arima.
Wait what was the point it almost the same as above.
None of the characters are bad its just that some just aren't my type or that the route
 just didn't wow me enough, in this game Shuhei and Arima are my least fav with Tora following
even tho the latter is a hot stud.

 

The Harutoki series has been known as a hit or a miss but i think this entry is a solid one!

its also one of the oldest ongoing otome series next to angelique.

 

Some ramblings about the series from what I could find at this point:
Basically from what I gather from other reviews it was like don't bother with Harutoki 4 while it has
 great points and a 3d battle part with actual models it seems to fall apart at the second half.

I could even get behind the heroine but I doubt I will ever get to it the game seems to work

on a hellish flag system so hahaha no.
As for other entries haru2 sseems to be a step up in terms of stuff from haru1 but the characters
and seiyuus from haru1 are copy pasted under a different name... with different personalities. 😓
I think back then Koei was experimenting so its better to only play haru1 or haru2 not both. 
Unless you absolutely love this series to try out every game...
Harutoki 3 was were its at and apparently 3 is called a masterpiece, I can't
fully agree with that yet but it seems like an enjoyable otome RPG atleast...
Harutoki 5 may be good if love fushigi yuugi I plan to check it out some day

but most of the older games were only partly voiced this changed starting with haru6.

 

Anyway spoilers only after the jump.

I Doll U Review

 Amiami limited edition

Game: I Doll U

Developer: Otomate.

Platform: PS Vita.

Genre: Otome Game, Visual Novel, Music, idols.

Summary: https://vndb.org/v15772

Official Site: http://www.otomate.jp/i_doll_u/
Release date: 16-07-2015.
  This post contains slight spoilers

I need you...
 I Doll U is an otome game about a girl named Aika whom's brother
was assigned to a couple of idols but he ditched them and he sended a letter
to Aika to please take his place and now Aika has to pretend to be a boy...
 and lead five miserable fruitcakes to stardom.
The heroine while cute she looks like an elementary school girl.
So if you don't like a loli-heroine best stay away from this one.
There's also a lack of choices and I felt that at certain times the interaction with the guys was forced.
Or to put it differently this game was trying too hard.

 Pro's
- It seems interesting but.. its pretty much a moege and not much else.
- Characters are fun, especially Seiya, though Tsubasa and Itsuki might need an acquired taste.
- Art and Music.

Con's
- Weak story, not many choices and interaction feels forced at times..
- Minigame is pretty bad.
- Loli heroine, this can make or break this game for you,
- In the end some things just don't make any sense.

TL;DR I give this Otomege a 6.5 out of 10.
One thing that this game kindly reminded me of was that:
AIDORUS ARE SUFFERING  
 Well I know for certain that I won't be bothering with Idol themed otome games again
atleast for a little while, sigh what were my expectations anyway? lol.
It was decent at best because it was rather fun but you shouldn't expect much out of the story.
TBH if you absolutely love the otome idol genre this might be worth a pick but
if you expect a decent story you best look elsewhere, I would even recommend you utapri repeat over this.

Prince of Stride 40 minute demo/trial for JP PS+

Game: [プリンス・オブ・ストライド]

Genre: Otome Visual Novel.
Developer/Publisher: FIFS/Kadokawa 

Platform: PS Vita.

Official Site: http://posweb.jp/

If you have a Japanese PSN and PS+ you can try out Prince of Stride right now if you want.
From my 40 min experience sadly the heroine is not fully voiced...
The only voiced lines she had are at the beginning, seems like it only certain scenes then. :(
Also I think 40 minutes is too short for a VN trial, make it one hour and 30 min atleast...
Also I don't really like demo's that expire... except the JP Ar nosurge trial as it was like five hours!
 Which was long enough for me atleast.
Turns out this trial is no longer available as it was only there for like a week
before the game came out, so there is no way to try it out anymore.
So now you got two option check out the anime which is an alternative version of the game or
buy the game, I recommend checkingout the anime first to see if it interests you.
If you think its worth it to buy the game by all means go for it, I highly recommend it.

Enjoy this trial while it lasts... because it most certainly wasn't very long.

I don't usually write this sort of news post though, only if I feel like it.

Mahoutsukai to Goshujin-sama ~Wizard and the Master~ - New edition- Review

Game: [新装版 魔法使いとご主人様]
Shinsouban Mahou Tsukai to Goshujin-sama ~Wizard and the Master~

Genre: Otome Visual Novel.
Developer: Quinrose.

Platform: PS Vita.

(Old version: PC, PSP)

 This is a remake of quinrose first game which originally released in 2005 for PC.
 Just like Crimson empire, it was remade for PS Vita.

The heroine Alicia is a princess but she's the only one in the family who can't use magic.
 So she ends up going to a magic acadamy in hopes of finding a suitable servant.
Alicia is an awesome heroine though, as expected from Quinrose.
 she's also pretty hilarious at times.

Pro's
- Heroine is fun and a bit of a sadist.
- Interesting setting and overall story.
- Most if not all the guys are likeable.
- Art, its a huge upgrade but there are some CG's that are eh...
- Meissen.

Con's
- Music, it's alright but some of it felt so bootleg-ish.
- Many ending variations, which might not be worth your time.
- Lot's of TL;DR, it can get long winded.
- PS Vita version might be hard to get by now since Quinrose went out of business.

I recommened to start with Sylphiel's route even if you don't care
about girl routes in otome games, honestly its mediocre at best but can hint at other matter.
You can do whoever you want after that except Howard since he is unlocked by doing Seras.
It might actually be good if you save Silas for later, his route spoils an important scene and
you might ruin the fun of it if you find out too soon so somewhere in the middle should be good.

TL;DR I give this otome game a score of 7.5/10
Its good! has an enjoyable story and cast but you might become tired trying to fully complete this
because of the many endings it has, if you do just skip through the Best/Good B/C variations
after seeing them elsewhere because while the difference is nice it just isn't worth it.
Only Best/Good A is worth it so is the Newend added for the port.
My  Recommended play order:
Sylphiel > Seras & Meissen > Lloyd > Silas > Miller & Hauranne> Ryuk & Nero > Howard.
You could save Ryuk & Nero for last but I think its better to end the game with Howard.

TBH the real reason I bought this otomege was because its set in the same world 

as Crimson Empire which interests me greatly, the other reason is ofcourse Meissen.

At first sight most of the guys in this otomege don't really interest me all that much

with exception of Ryuk, Seras & Howard., I still like most of them with the exception of Nero...

Nero's cute voice annoys me a bit and he's kinda creepy.

There are alot of endings Best/Good A B C do not differ that much from each other.
Basically its like this:
Best end: the guy of your choice becomes Alicia's slave err I mean servant.
 Good end the guy rejects Alicia, but he promises to be there for her someday.
If you saw Best and Good A, its not really worth it to do B&C, there is not much difference.
Honestly I only liked Seras's variation but I stopped caring after Lloyd's route.
There is also a new ending for each character, except Sylphiel and the side characters.
Which I think is a really nice addition.

While I had alot of fun during some routes... 
 I didn't enjoy this Quinrose otome game as much as Crimson Empire and well
I wasn't very enthusiastic about doing all routes because of copy pasta ending variations.
I also think there are way too many guys, I literally had to force myself to finish all routes.
Good thing is I did end up liking a character whom's route I did later on.

I think its still pretty good and worth playing if the story/world interests you and you like atleast
 three or more of the main guys at first sight, plus if you already played a game in this series then
 I absolutely recommend this as it also helps to build on the setting of all three continent games but
 you don't need to play in order just things related to Meissen & Michael will make more sense.
Meissen and Hauranne weren't as entertaining as in CE and their endings aren't that good
as there is no real romance or a CG and then we have Sylphiel whom's route could've been better.
Oh and about Nero who absolutely needed a route of his own as his ending was just rushed?

Husbando ranking:
Ryuk > Seras >  Lloyd > Howard > Miller > Silas > Nero.
Anyway... Its safe to say that I pretty much prefer the new ends over best/good.
With the exception of Silas new end because WTF was that, it was cringe worthy lmao.
 ~
My overall score of this otome game is 7/10 instead of maybe 8/10 or more.
Doesn't help that I managed to finish one newer otome game before I was finished with this
as Mahoutsukai took me a little over a month to complete...
because I lacked the motivation and it was just really long as there are alot of routes.
Meh those B/C ending variation by the time I did Lloyd I was like mmkay no more of this pls.
I don't have time for that kind of shit quinrose ಠ_ಠ

Oh and the skip button...!!!

Don't get me started on that! Quinrose please for the love of Meissen just make it so that

we only have to press it once kthnx? I tried tape but it didn't work out very well...

Anyway spoilers beyond this point so you might as well back off if ya don't want any.
 I don't really write that much detail about the routes so don't expect much.
~

Shinobi, Koi Utsutsu -Setsugetsuka Koi Emaki - Review

Game: 忍び、恋うつつ ― 雪月花恋絵巻 ― 通常版
 (Shinobi, Koi Utsutsu -Setsugetsuka Koi Emaki)
(Ninkoi)

Developer: Otomate.

Platform: PSP, PS Vita.
PSV has new routes and harem ending.

Genre: Otome Game, Visual Novel.

Summary: https://vndb.org/v12751

Official Site: http://www.otomate.jp/nin_koi/vita/
Release date: 25-06-2015.

 I enjoyed Ninkoi but when I think about it some more
in terms of story I honestly think it wasn't anything special.😅
Well I didn't really play this for the plot... I doubt anyone will really but atleast it was FUN.

Of course there is a story but this is still an extremly cute and mostly light-hearted otome game.
Strong points are probably all the sweet talking and stellar cast of seiyuus...
and the colorful cast of characters, it might be great to be cheered up if you're feeling down.

Pro's
- The heroine, Kaede is cute.
- Light-hearted story.
- There will be atleast one guy you'll like.
- Seiyuu cast, Art and music was charming/fitting.

Con's
 - Story is a bit on the weak side and can get predictable when going for other routes.
- Can get very redundant to do all characters due to scenario cut and paste.

TL;DR 8/10
It was really enjoyable but its still a little rough around the edges.
No matter how I look back on it, I feel this game is aimed at girls... who want
attention and be whispered sweet nothings in their ears(bonus point if it your fav seiyuu).

The only reason for such a high score is because it was really fun and I just had a good time
 in general which in my opinion makes up for whatever bad points it had.
When I think about it the only thing I liked was the shenanigans and romance with plot last
atleast the characters are decently written so that's a plus.
If I had to be really harsh... only the original game was worth it, the additional story arc
in this port just adds even more guys to the point there are just too many.😓
One last thing for the vita port additional stuff art looks off... like is it really the same artist?
I really thought everything in the original game looked better... compared to the new stuff.

If you want a ninja otome game with a story which takes itself seriously
its better to avoid this game unless you're not that old and want a lot of silly stuff
and absolutely love ninja stuff in general.

So basically its like this:
Want a old timey otome game with shinobi's and a good plot?
Geten no Hana and Hyakka Hyakuryou are recommended.
If you just want something fun and light-hearted I recommend this game instead.
There's nothing more to be said really but more ramblings and spoiler after the jump.

Soukai Buccaneers! - Review

Game: 爽海バッカニアーズ! (Soukai Buccaneers!)

Developer: Petit Reve.

Platform: PS Vita.

Genre: Otome Game, Visual Novel.

Summary: https://vndb.org/v14534

Official Site: http://www.p-reve.com/buccaneers/index.html
Release date: 17-7-2014.

 A simple impression/my thoughts on this Otomege.

Now you want to know if there are spoilers, YES this post contains spoilers
Don't expect full route summaries... or me dropping alot the plot here.

Pro's
- The setting! for an otome game a pirate setting isn't done often.
- Most of the guys are likeable.
- Art, especially the background art is amazing.
- System was interesting.

Con's
- Predictable and weak story, didn't feel like it was entirely worth my time.
- Heroine is voiced via DLC.

TL;DR I give this otome game a 6/10
Its a nice take on the pirate/navy setting but its not a must play.
Best to get it for cheap if you do want to try it out.

Possession Magenta - Review

Game: Possession Magenta.

Developer/publisher: Hunex/Comfort.

System: PS Vita.

Genre: Otome game, mystery.

 Official Site: http://www.comfort-soft.jp/products/pm/

Release date May 28, 2015.

Pro's
- Interesting plot mostly because of the mystery.
- Characters are all likeable.
- Music is really catchy.
- Art, Sarachi Yomi did an amazing job.
- System was pretty neat, its easy to use.

Con's
- While the plot was interesting at first, at the end of the game there was too much copy pasta
and no good individual end/route, if you're satisfied seeing the heroine end up with SOMEONE
anyone despite that yeah it good, personally its just kinda shallow.
- Copypasta.

TL;DR
6/10
Possession Magenta has alot of pro's which make it seem like its worth a shot and its true that it can
be fun but yeah if you expect a good mystery otomege /w romance look elsewhere.
I am sure there are better otomege with actual routes  out there worth your time and money, this one

is just not worth it, if you want it that much just wait for a sale cuz I cannot recommend it full price.

The following image sums up this game perfectly, Copy pasta gone wrong.

The rest of the post contains some spoilers and a few CG, just so you know.

Crimson Empire -New Edition- Review

Game: 新装版クリムゾン・エンパイア

 [Shinsouban Crimson Empire]

Genre: Otome Visual Novel.
Developer: Quinrose.

Platform: PS Vita.

(Old version: PC,PS2, PSP)

I am probably not even worthy of writing a little about this epic otome game
 but I doubt anyone really cares, anyway here's my impression/reviewof the game.

Pro's
- Heroine is cute and strong.
- This game is actually pretty dark but is still fun.
- Interesting setting and overall story.
- Most of the guys are likeable.
- Maids!
- Meissen.

Con's
-  Most of the best endings like for example Michael's aren't that satisfying.
- Some of the guys are assholes, sigh nobility.
 - PS Vita version might be hard to get by now since Quinrose went out of business.

TL;DR I give this otome game a 9/10
This is an amazing Otomege with a decent story, interesting and  fun cast of characters.
Oh and before I forget it has a strong heroine which is a nice change~~.
However please be warned some bits of the story may be extremely off putting and you gotta
give it to Sheila for being able to put up with it, its a fact she had no easy childhood.
That's not the only thing and you may be better off avoiding Justin's less happier ends...
if you want the plat that much force skip, its better off not knowing what he may be capable of.

More ramblings and potential spoilers after the jump.

Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler Book of Murder screenshot collection

The new two episodes, 2 hour long OVA was released recently, and is an adaption 

of the Book of Murder arc of the Kuroshitsuji manga it continues from Book of Circus arc.

I really liked it and am a huge fan of the series, it was a solid OVA to me.

Also I tried to keep the screenshots spoiler free, and omg charles is sooo adorable.