Wand of Fortune R - Review

Wand of Fortune R, the R stands for RNG.

ワンドオブフォーチュン

Game: [Wand of Fortune R]

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

Platform: PS Vita.

Official Site: http://www.otomate.jp/wandoffortune/vita/

Release date: 2016-03-17

Wand of Fortune is an otome game which has yet again a magic school setting

 like Mahoutsukai to Goshujin-sama a game I played last year, which  I also liked it

 but that game suffered from many ending variations that weren't worth my time. -_-

Also I do not really like normal school settings so stuff like WoF & Goshujin-sama is

something that appeals to me more and I did hear good things about Wand of Fortune except
that the original PS2/PSP versions had a shitty system, so I refrained from buying it all this time
till it got a remake for vita. Oh and apparently this also includes the FD Mirai e no Prologue.

Now otomate pls don't leave me hanging here & port the sequel + its FD as well pretty please.

 For the most part this WoF didn't disappoint me, which is a good thing!

So Lulu has to get a magic element and a partner by the end of the 24th week or else
 her magic gets sealed, to do so she has to stalk errr- stick around with one of the male students.
Game flow is like this, make schedule, train atleast 3 or 4 days and have a mission
with the guy you're going for if one is available and take a day off every once in a while.
Cue random RNG events and magic card games...RNG events are nice the first time but when you keep getting the same one multiple times like Bilal*puppy eyes* begging for help, it just becomes boring, I  get it that
they try and keep school life INTERESTING but have more variety then.
In the end you have no choice but to skip them if  you've seen em once.

Sadly not much is happening the first few ingame weeks other than studying, doing missions and dating the guy if you set it up properly also I highly recommend Choro's guide even tho I noticed a mistake in Bilal's route which is easily fixed.

Pro's

 - Story was interesting.
 - Art, do I even need to add something on this?

 - Heroine is so cute and adorbs... T~T
- The Guys are all likeable dorks.

- Route while short doesn't overlap.
-Everyone gets new CG's even the side route in the vita port.

 Con's

 - This game can become boring and repetitive.
- System, monotonous at best.

- Audio quality.
- Ye olde, idea factory bgm, Tbh its kind of forgettable in WoF.

I like this game but due to the system(even if easier) can get monotonous, its not even funny, it
took me until Est's route to actually appreciate the system more, lol.
The cast is still amazing though, so I can't say it isn't worth it!
Once you get through this game once and you want to do another route it really is a case of rinse and repeat.
Ami and Elberts route suffer the most as they aren't as interesting as the main guys but good thing is they only take around 4 hours of having to put a schedule, skip through most of the week and every 6th day look into your scrapbook and finding nothing new cuz they aren't the main guys.
I wish they wouldn't boot me into the scrapbook menu every damn time though...
 Going through this game multiple times still feels like a chore, I admit its easier from
what I heard of the PS2/PSP version but still I think I do not like stat-raisers all that much afterall.

7.5/10
I love WoF R, its good and a long game even though the system is eh.

 Oh and for anyone wondering how to get a certain CG variation of Varona...
It was the last one I needed and its easy to forget about her.
These were my stats when I went to visit her when I got it, I do not know
the exact requirements but these should be it when going for Lagi.

 Anyway CG,  rambling's and possible spoilers after the jump.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moshi, Kono Sekai ni Kami-sama ga Iru to suru Naraba - Review

もし、この世界に神様がいるとするならば。

Game: [Moshi, Kono Sekai ni Kami-sama ga Iru to suru Naraba.]

Genre: Otome game Visual Novel.

Developer/Publisher: Rejet.

Platform: PS Vita.

Official Site: http://rejetweb.jp/moshikami/

VNDB: https://vndb.org/v16770

Release date: 2016-02-25

Oh boy I don't know what I should've expected or signed up for because this otomege
 sure was something else with all the shit that happened in the common route I almost wanted
to drop it cuz I had enough, but I'm glad I didn't cuz it was actually pretty decent in the end
that is if you do not mind the horrifying twist in Neji's route among other things.
Hey atleast you can skip through all the shit that happens in the common route later, lol.
Anyway please do not play this game if you think this is a fluffy highschool
otome game with fantasy themes because it is not, all that and the light novel-ish title
are false advertisements, Moshikami has a lot of stuff somet people could not want in their otomege's.

My play order was Ace > Normal end > Shuri > Kyo > Neji > Masato.
 This was kind of a bad order and not ideal so...
 I did Ace aka the poster boy's route first I don't know if that was a good idea though
but after I did everyone's route, in my opinion its better to do the normal ending first
followed by Ace and then Shuri both are likeable plus Ace's perfect after normal end
then do Kyo and finally Neji since his route has the most horrifying twist related to Masato
whom's route is locked til last, well if you like twisted onii-chans you may like him
but boy Masata really sets the bar since not many come close to that level of kimoi.

I recommend this play order:
Normal ending  > Ace > Kyo > Shuri > Neji > Masato.
Not much different from mine but whatever do Neji before Masato because PLOT, seriously
You could probably switch the first three routes a bit around, depending on your taste.

 For the order of endings I recommend:
Do 帰還エンド first, followed by  混沌エンド then  滅亡エンド and finally 真相エンド.
Also most of the endings aren't that happy, most of them are heartbreaking.

Anyway let's get the pro's and con's out of the way!

 Pro's
- Interesting setting and sad story.
- Fantasy elements.
- Heroine was interesting and likeable but she might be hard to understand at times.
- Characters, the four main guys are all likeable.
- Seiyuu, despite the popular bunch they did an amazing job.
-Art, while some sprite may look derp(looking at you Kyo), its still pretty.
- BGM is fantastic, I also love the different vocal ED themes.
- Routes do not overlap.

Con's
- Dummy head mics are gonna be the end of me... (wait why is this a con?)
 - Skip is so slow, Jump isn't reliable cuz it jumps right passed unread text, oh and also lag.
- Long common route.
 - Longwinded, ermahgerd I get it m8... TL;DR.
 - Bullying, drugging, kidnapping and attempted rape.
-Blood/gore/horror elements.

Eikoku Tantei Mysteria the Crown - Ex story/After stories - Review

So if anyone wanted to know what the sequel content was like well here you go!

This post is for the extra content in the PS Vita version, I didn't

feel like including them in the main post and I am glad I did cuz it would ruin some of it, lol.
Besides I don't want to make my posts too long anymore.
I used the same play order as the main game.

Akechi > Watson > Holmes > Jack > Lupin > Grand After.

The most noticeable change is the art for CG's, they used the Oyayubi hime artist

instead of the original artist who worked on the PSP game, then there's Watson's new sprite
maybe the old file went corrupt so the current artist had to redraw it but now it looks ... different.

They also changed a few voice actors but I can't hear the difference that much
so they did try to sound like the originals.

 Can't say I'm happy with that, but it cannot be helped.

My summary is pretty shit as always but either way enjoy the memes.
 Spoilers after da jump.

Eikoku Tantei Mysteria the Crown - Review

英国探偵ミステリア The Crown

Game: [Eikoku Tantei Mysteria the Crown]
English title: English Detective Mysteria.

Genre: Otome game Visual Novel.

Developer/Publisher: Karin entertainment.

Platform:  PSP, PS Vita.

Official Site: http://www.mysteria.jp/

VNDB: https://vndb.org/v8243

Release date: 2016-02-11

So here we go, my 2nd Karin otomege, I have to say that I really like the setting and everything for this one.

 Apparently for the vita port's new content they replaced some seiyuus with newer ones.

Farewell Kimura Ryouhei.

 Honestly I have no clue why, but I do like that they give newer seiyuu's a chance.

TL;DR
8/10
I really liked Mysteria, but still no otomege is perfect also let me add that
this game is so unfinished its not even funny. 

Recommended play order:
Akechi > Kobayashi > Sara > Normal end > Watson > Holmes > Jack > Lupin > Truth.

 Pro's
 - Setting.
- The main cast is likeable.
- Interesting story even though its unfinished.
- humor.
- Character route is decent in length and does not overlap.
- Unique Seiyuu cast.
- Voiced heroine.
- Art and BGM.
- Holmes and Jack are moe as hell.

Con's
- Long common route.
- Kobayashi and Sara deserved a longer route or just a better ending.
- In most routes the romance and plot is not very well balanced.
- There might be some things you will go huh oh is that so at.
 - Pendleton.
- Not all of the choices are integrated into the mystery part of the plot which is a disappointment.
(For example like in Akechi's route and others, there aren't a lot of choices... I hope you get what I mean)
- Why was Lupin the only one who got a decent route, that is not fair.

Spoiler warning for the rest of the post. 

Sangoku Rensenki ~Otome no Heihou!~ Omoide Gaeshi - Review

Spoiler warning just incase.

三国恋戦記 ~思いでがえし~ CS Edition -

Game: [Sangoku Rensenki ~Otome no Heihou!~ Omoide Gaeshi].

Genre: Otome game Visual Novel.

Developer/Publisher: Daisy2

Platform: PC,PSP, PS Vita.

Official Site: http://www.prot.co.jp/psv/omoide/index.html

VNDB: https://vndb.org/v12438

Release date: 2016-02-04

This is the fandisc of Sangoku Rensenki, with after stories, minigames and such...
Wait minigames? I didn't find any in the Vita port though? maybe thats a PC exclusive?

I played vita port the original game last year, sadly I had to settle for the digital download via jp psn.
However for the FD I was able to secure a physical copy. :D
~

I greatly enjoyed the original Sangoku Rensenki, it was a fun otome game adaption of the 

sangoku period, which made me really excited after hearing the FD would also get a vita port.
Sangoku Rensenki is kind of like fushigi yuugi but it only borrows the book theme
everything else is basically unique, there are of reviews for the first
game available and none of them say its bad so if you're interested go pick it up.
I think the only flaw is too many characters but there should be atleast one that suits your taste

I really recommend to play the original sangoku rensenki, its really fun!
its quite light-hearted but does take itself serious in some moments.
If you end up liking that alot it you should really pick up the FD! 

TL;DR

 Pro's
- Fun after stories, though one of them was a bit depressing.
 - This FD makes me want even more, which is a good thing I suppose? T_T

Con's
- Its rather short, only get this if you want more and absolutely loved Sangoku Rensenki.
- The gag scenario while funny the first time is a waste of time on repeated playthrough's.

9/10
If you really liked the original Sangoku Rensenki the FD is definitely worth your time.
Especially if you also like Fushigi Yuugi as it borrows the book theme, between this game
and Jyuuza Engi I have to say I prefer Sangoku Rensenki much more, I'm all for
 heroines who can kick ass like Kanu but Hana still manages to be a A++ heroine 
despite being a little generic.
However if you've never played the original game don't even bother, but if Sanren
strikes your interest and you love the swept away to a distant land type of plot device
and chinese history by all means please do give the original Sangoku Rensenki a chance.

Getsuei no Kusari Sakuran Paranoia - Review

 月影の鎖 -錯乱パラノイア-
Game: [Chains of Moonlight Confusion Paranoia].

Genre: Otome game Visual Novel.

Developer/Publisher: Takuyo

Platform: PSP, PS Vita.

Official Site: http://www.takuyo.co.jp/products/getsuei/index.html

VNDB: https://vndb.org/v11469

Release date: 2016-12-23

TL;DR
8/10
This is like Spice and Wolf the otome game it gets close but not its quite similair, lol economics!
I guess it gets close to Clannad too due to ts tragic/depressive nature...
  Its not all that bad but this otomege is going to need an acquired taste as it isn't light-hearted
in the slightest, its probably the most realistic and mature otomege I've played thus far.
Also this game isn't for beginners of japanese language, you should've figured from
the old timey setting, economical crisis, talk of morals and politics...

Pro's
- Mature and realistic story of people trying to survive through dark times.
- Interesting characters and all the guys are likeable in some way.
- Art.
- BGM is well used, you can clearly tell if the scene is going to be happy, sad or no good.
- Unique Seiyuu cast.

Con's
- Story is one tough cookie, as its not light hearted in the slightest.
 - The main villain reasoning might be difficult to understand.
- Not much sugar content.

Akai Suna Ochiru Tsuki - Demo Review

赤い砂堕ちる月

赤い砂堕ちる月

Game: [Akai Suna Ochiru Tsuki].

Genre: Otome game Visual Novel.

Developer/Publisher: Landkarte and Dramatic create.

Platform: PC, PS Vita.

Official Site: http://www.dramaticcreate.com/akasuna/

VNDB: https://vndb.org/v3820

Release date of demo: 2016-01-29

Release date of full version 2016-03-10

A demo for an otome game! I wish more companies did this!

Instead of like making us waste money... but then again from a demo it might still

be hard to judge the full game because who knows if it gets bad or better later, haha.

TL;DR
Check this demo out if you are unsure about this game, you might like it.

Zettai Meikyuu Himitsu no Oyayubi-hime - Review

Minor spoiler warning just incase~~

絶対迷宮 秘密のおやゆび姫

Game: [Zettai Meikyuu Himitsu no Oyayubi-hime]

Genre: Otome game Visual Novel.

Developer/Publisher: Karin entertainment.

Platform:  PS Vita.

Official Site: http://oyayubi.labyrinth-of.com/

VNDB: https://vndb.org/v15248

Release date: 2015-07-30

Oyayubi hime is my first Karin game and its apparently well received in japan, however
i've also read that the overall story was a mess, well now that doesn't bode well does it?
Anyway I am glad I got this game out of the way...

TL;DR
6/10
I liked this game as it was still decent but it had some issues...

Pro's
- Interesting setting and story for being a fairytail adaption.
 - Most of the characters are likeable.
 - Art and BGM.
 Lune,Svia and Esheru's routes are great and original.
- Not one but two yuri routes.
- Lune had the best route, his route balanced the plot and romance so well.
(Tsubame/Kuro kishi comes pretty close but eh...)
- Unique seiyuu cast.

Con's
- Doesn't feel like an otome game, IMHO only Lune and Tsubame/Kuro kishi routes did it right.
Like the otome bits came in too late, there was like almost zero development in the common route.
- The romance and plot in most of the routes is poorly balanced.
- The story has issues, mostly cuz of Freya.
- Long common route.
 - Only Lune,Svia and Esheru's routes are original, the rest of the route overlap with each other.
- Lupian's route was too short... I felt nothing yo! nothing but sadness he got the short end of the stick.
- Miracle Flower Power Magical Girl Freya saves the day in too many routes*.
*(Sirius,Lars, Lupian,Albireo, Tsubame/Kuro kishi and Nude king routes).*
 - Why does Truce not have a route?
- This otomege might only stand out if you haven't played that many yet.

Best and worst otome games I played during 2015

Uh oh its that time of the year... and well I've played alot Otome this year, I didn't review all of them.

So lets go over the ones I played in order before ranking them!

1, Ken ga Kimi for V.

 2, Sangoku Rensenki.

3, Crimson Empire New edition.

4, Clock Zero extime.

5, Possession Magenta.

6, Zettai Kaikyuu Gakuen ~Eden with Roses and Phantasm~

7, Harukanaru toki no naka de 6.

8, Soukai Buccaneers.

9,Amnesia.

10, Shinobi, koi utsutsu.

11, I DOLL U.

12, Mahoutsukai to goshujin-sama.

13, Prince of Stride.

14, Beast master and prince/Moujuutsukai to ouji-sama.

15, Harukanaru toki no naka de 6.

16, Reine des fleurs.

17, Rear pheles red of another.

18, Ayakashi gohan Oomori.

19, Jyuza engi 1.

20, Jyuza engi 2.

Games bought but haven't played yet at the time of this post which i've finished by now.
(yay for backlog! so this'll be at next year's end list,)

Yunohana Spring. (decent game, its cute and fluffy but its not all that interesting)

Zettai Meikyuu himitsu no Oyayubi hime.(Finished, its decent but it has some issues)

Norn9 Var Commons.(I've finished this by now, great otomege despite translation issues)

So which of the 20 games I played would actually make it to my omg best i've played this year?

and the Oh my gawd I don't want to play this again everrrrrrrr.

Angelique Retour - Review

アンジェーリーク ルトゥール

Game: [Angelique Retour]

Genre: Otome game Visual Novel.

Developer/Publisher: Koei tecmo, Neo romance, Ruby party.

Platform: PSP, PS Vita.

Official Site: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/ange_retour/

VNDB: https://vndb.org/v2166

Release date: 2015-12-17

Here we go another koei game its a remake of one of the very first otome games!
Or more like Angelique helped to develop the genre a lot.

I find this game to be somewhat enjoyable, despite some of the RNG...

I guess it keeps things interesting? maybe i'm just not into simulation games.
Too bad I have no motivation to do more than one route...atleast at the time of finishing this post.
Because the system is just that boring and annoying to me not to mention there's no real conflict 'cept
the guys internal struggle thus nothing really happens outside of you competing to be the queen...
more on that soon.

I gotta be honest though, while I was sitting through the first few hour I thought that
Reine des Fleurs took alot of things from this game but not everything and they make it french. (lol)

I'm not bothered by it because things like this happen all the time in japan and even in the west, all those similair light novel or anime and even game? Yep it happens all-the-time, but enough about RDF being similair to Angelique cuz I don't give a single fuck, i'm just pointing it out and thats that.

Also for some reason I find that Koei's titles are less popular than otomate in the west?
Maybe its because they have zero presence in the west unlike otomate outside
of the old harukanaru tv anime and manga who ironically are now long out of print.
Koei should really step up their game now, the market is there and Aksys has shown that!
I do not care if Koei otome titles will be steam only because sadly the vita is a lost cause in the west.

PLOT
''A plain-ish girl named Angelique which we'll shorten to Ange is a chosen
candidate alongside Rosalia to become the queen of the cosmos.
The two girls compete for this role and the guys support them in their journey.''

UNFORTUNATELY that is all there is to it except love there is no real outside source to oppose them
the two candidates (except each other)which is actually really disappointing

it doesn't help that while the guys are appealing they aren't really interesting

until you get into their events and get to know them a bit more.
Other than that not even Rosalia was a nuisance, I expected bitchy rivalry behavior
but there was none of that (lol) which honestly made for a pretty boring game.
Why would you even want to become the queen of the cosmos anyway?
Ange isn't even capable of questioning this except when deciding to go with a guy or not...
IMO the plot of Koisuru tenshi angelique was more interesting because atleast
the protag had some history and the guys are all sad and emo over Ange becoming the queen
and the bias for Zephel there made me get this game and to be honest it wasn't worth it
except for him finally finding happiness with his first crush.😅

 Pro's
- No Date, No Life.
- All of the guys are sweethearts.
- The system is easy to understand.
- Interesting setting and worldview but...
- Art and BGM.
- Heroine was cute buut very basic.
- The heroine's rival Rosalia was likeable and not bitchy.
- Zephel was moe, best boy. (bias)

Con's
- The story is almost non-existant.
- Characters have cardboard personality outside of their events which takes a while to reach.
- Events and individual ending are on the short side.
(^This could be great if your attention span is short^)
- Its hard not to reach the goal of the story.
- Not a straight-forward visual novel.
- RNG.


Like i've said this otomege's overall plot is simple, do as your supposed to as the candidate and chill with guys from time to time and win their hearts in the process, there is no pressure
though it might be great to get ahead of Rosalia which is actually easy.
It doesn't even matter if you shoot down any guy who requests to hang out with the heroine
they'd be disappoint and will probably cry in a corner for the rest of the ingame day. :D
I still think its too easy to reach the main objective though, most of the time Rosalia isn't even
 trying I mean at one point there was a 1000 point gap, I'm like pls.
Anyway it is ok if you don't have any expectations and are new to it, don't let the RNG bit
get to you it can still be lots of fun (I think).