Gray's Cozy Nook

Whether you lean for more otome games, or visual novels in general there are games that a lot of us may have in common. However, for those who are just getting into this wonderful genre, you may be questioning what kind of games to start with or what game is worth the money and time. Look no further then, actually, always look further because my taste and yours may be different. Nonetheless, I feel the games I’m about to talk about are a glorious set of games for first timers looking for both calm and relaxing, to very long and complicated type games.

Depending on how much of a challenge you wish to contend with, get ready to look at the games I present in this blog, because I feel, these are the Otome/VNs that everyone must have as a visual novel beginner. Let’s get started!

“Okay, now that I’ve fastened you back to your chair and kept you from escaping me, I want to talk to you about Hatoful Boyfriend from Devolver Digital.“

(Steam|Playstation|Microsoft Store|GOG)

Congratulations! You’ve been accepted as the only human student at the prestigious St. PigeoNation’s Institute, a school for talented birds! Roam the halls and find love in between classes as a sophomore student at the world’s greatest pigeon high school. Finding happiness won’t be easy, but it’s not all academic – there’s always time for a little romance in this delightful remake of Hato Moa’s popular visual novel / avian dating sim Hatoful Boyfriend!

• An Avian Love Story: Chat with birds of every feather from narcoleptic school instructors to pigeon biker gangs on your way to flirty encounters potential suitors that set your heart aflutter. Spend time with the ones that strike your fancy and ditch the birds that prove to be a bore!
• New Scenario and Ending: Series creator Hato Moa has created an all-new scenario and ending to discover in this exciting update for fans of the original game and brand-new Hatoful Boyfriend players!
• Replayability to Fall in Love All Over Again: Build your own nest of intrigue within the St. PigeoNation’s Institute with genre-bending intertwining narratives, hidden stories, surprise paramours, and multiple endings sure to send you back to the start to try a new path and a different love interest.
• Attend Class and Level Up: Choose elective classes like gym and art class to raise your character’s stats and bend suitors to your will by mixing charisma, vitality and wisdom. Get wise and you’ll pass your classes. Getting fit might save your life!
• Fowl Twists and Turns: Not everything is as it seems at St. PigeoNation’s Institute! Uncover dark conspiracies, unexpected twists, and hellish fiends bent on bringing on the apocalypse. Pick your dates wisely, and you’ll flap off into the distance with your one true love. Take the wrong turn, and you might just end up murdered in your bed.
• Sensual Birdfeed: Purchase delicious beans as a gift for your potential love interests and wow your feathered crushes with Calm Corn, Country Millet or Bitter Black Beans.(GOG)

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Romancing… Birds? Not just any birds… Pigeons. 

Yes, you read the title right.

THIS IS A GOOD GAME, I SWEAR! DON’T LEAVE!!! Okay, now that I’ve fastened you back to your chair and kept you from escaping me, I want to talk to you about Hatoful Boyfriend from Devolver Digital. I’m a fan of this game creator, and to tell you the honest truth when someone told me the name of this game. 

I frowned at the individual and asked them to repeat what they said with a very disturbed look on my face. Romancing… Birds? Not just any birds… Pigeons. I legitimately began to write off the game immediately with the fact of thinking it was one of those weird games with fetishes in them. However, my friend staunchly told me to not disown the game already when I hadn’t even tried it. I was still fairly new to the otome scene during this time and she knew more about games in this genre than I had. With a struggling mindset, I purchased the game and to my surprise, it was the best motherfucking game I had bought for the Christmas season.

“I was dry heaving from all the completely ridiculous and spontaneous stunts the MC and the pigeon love interests got into.“

People. This game is not only hilarious, but there are so many other game references inside this game, you will find yourself rolling in laughter. I was dry heaving from all the completely ridiculous and spontaneous stunts the MC and the pigeon love interests got into. Not only that, you get some very wholesome and romantic fun in the game that it’s hard to stop playing until you’ve exhausted all the routes. The heroine is quirky, funny, and sometimes a little too out there at times with her antics, but the game overall is a joy for anyone who is just getting into the otome scene. A definite must have in your budding collection of visual novel games!

“You will either love this game or hate it.”

(Steam|Nintendo)

 What is “The Men of Yoshiwara”?
This is a popular romance game for women.

– The Story
A closed island where baby boys are not born…
A unique culture that is completely different from the mainland has been flourishing on the island. In the middle of the island, there is a district where men are gathered.
Some women just want children.
Others are looking for love.
Knowingly deceived by a lie, and deceived in return, all in a single night’s dream.
At the end, to whom is it that you will be talking of love? (Steam)

You will either love this game or hate it, but I still recommend this game whole heartedly and the sequel that comes after it. I am a fan of D3Publisher otome games, and while there are a few things in the game’s narratives that I feel need to be changed or translated better. I enjoy the stories that they have produced, and this series is one of them. A twist on the red-light district, this game is about finding romance in the most darkest areas of the night scene.

“However, regardless of what you may think of it this game is binge worthy, and worth the price tag in the Nintendo store and steam.”

The men you can romance are pretty vast and particular to certain people’s ideal love interests, including the ossan, shota, oresama, childhood friend, and the pure gentleman. I believe the heroine needs work, but I forgive her in certain routes when you see the differences of her personality from the main route to the sequel. However, regardless of what you may think of it this game is binge worthy, and worth the price tag in the Nintendo store and steam. Note, the Switch version is more censored, so if you want more heat in your sex scenes refer to the Steam or Mobile version of this game. 

“it’ll keep you entertained in all areas, with stunning visuals, captivating music, and an intriguing plot”

Whether you’re looking for the late night binge of romance, some hot and heavy love making, or a game that will satisfy taboo interests. This game is a must have in your inventory of games, as it’ll keep you entertained in all areas, with stunning visuals, captivating music, and an intriguing plot. The Men of Yoshiwara is a definite must play, and must have for beginners and veterans. 

“Date a famous actor, cultivate romance with a fresh-faced pop star, or strike out on your own?“

(Steam|Website|Itch.io)

A visual novel/sim game about life, love, and working in the entertainment industry. Play as makeup artist Sian Goodin as she navigates the world of showbiz. Work with upcoming talent or established pros? Focus on your schoolwork, or use your industry connections to climb the ladder and land a job as a high-ranking producer? Date a famous actor, cultivate romance with a fresh-faced pop star, or strike out on your own? The choices are yours (and yours alone)!

Story
The glamor and glitz of showbiz hold little appeal for Sian. As the daughter of a professional makeup artist, she knows how stressful and uncertain work can be, and she aspires to something more stable. When a sudden accident topples her plans for a smooth college life, she realizes she must put her own makeup skills to use if she wants to make it through the year. The entertainment world may be wild and unpredictable, but Sian’s about to learn there’s also a lot to love.

“I got this game when it was on sale, and I’m so upset that I hadn’t purchased it sooner.“

When this game came onto the scene a few years ago, I remember a lot of the Tumblr Otome fambam were lauding it with high praises. I was one of the people who didn’t get the game right out the gate, since I was new to everything still, and this game was created by an Indie Dev. Now, I wasn’t familiar with many Indie Otome games, and I was pretty hesitant since the names I knew more about was Voltage Inc, Otomate, NTT Solmare, and D3Publisher. I got this game when it was on sale, and I’m so upset that I hadn’t purchased it sooner.

“You can also do absolutely nothing and drop out of school.“

The game has 15 different endings, and for those who want a more advanced type of Otome game. Backstage Pass gives it to you with a stat raising system that keeps you busy, and the choices and stats you raise draw you to the conclusion of what you wish Sian to become as a MC. She can either become a CEO of her own company, fall in love with her dream job, romance both men and women while pursuing her dreams, or … You can also do absolutely nothing and drop out of school.

This is a well done game, and it also have formidable voice actors that are awesome to listen to. I was very impressed by a lot of the endings, but most of all the fact we can get our happy ending with just being true to ourselves. That is an amazing installment to the game, as most games require you to romance someone for a happy ending. Not this game though, and it definitely is a must have for anyone new to Otome and Visual Novel scene. This game is both Otome and VN, so I highly recommend this game and others from SakeVisual. You can also check out my review of this game here!

“Will you write the lasting love story you deserve, or will your love – and life – come to an end?“

(STEAM|PLAYSTATION|ANDROID|iOS)

In this visual novel, you’ll play as the Heroine whose life depends on hiding your recent loss of memory while you navigate complex relationships with five men. Choose your romantic path from the start to piece together that which was forgotten. Will you write the lasting love story you deserve, or will your love – and life – come to an end?
Key Features
1. Select one of five guys as your love interest, each with multiple branching story paths. Each choice creates a distinct world where characters assume different roles, allowing for 20+ endings!
2. Parameters affect your relationship with your future love. Keep track of your relationship here and make sure you’re not headed to a bad ending!
3. Play mini-games like Rock, Paper, Scissors and Air Hockey against other characters.
4. Unlock voiced images in the Gallery. Touching certain areas of the image will play dialogue of feelings that couldn’t be previously expressed.

“I’d like to state that because this game is a multiverse, everyone’s route is a true ending in my honest opinion.”

I love this game, and vehemently dislike one character. I need to express that first, as I know the considered ‘main route’ is either Shin or Ukyo’s route. However, I’d like to state that because this game is a multiverse, everyone’s route is a true ending in my honest opinion. All five characters have unique and complex stories to tell, and it’s no laughing matter that you will be bingeing this game.

“Amnesia is a cluster of different genres in one spanning from Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Horror, Romance, Dark Romance, and Thriller combined.“

Whether your a fan of Tsundoras, Kuuderes, The Flirty Type, and the infamous Yanderes. This game is made for beginning otome gamers to have them get an idea and feel for what character type they are attracted to, and also openly figure out what favorite genre they lean towards. Amnesia is a cluster of different genres in one spanning from Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Horror, Romance, Dark Romance, and Thriller combined.

“I digress, this game is amazing and complex, and needs to be in your game collection of otome and visual novel repertoire.“

My only complaint about this game is that Orion doesn’t get his own route in the game. If you want to see his route and see Toma’s redemption, please check out and consider buying Amnesia After x Crowd. I digress, this game is amazing and complex, and needs to be in your game collection of otome and visual novel repertoire. With stunning CGs, amazing VAs, and an engaging story, Amnesia Memories is worth the time and money for all beginners.

(STEAM)

“One day, Heejung wakes up to animal sounds…..?“

STORY

Heejung Kim moved out from her mom’s house, who is obsessed with her education. Heejung tries to find her real dream life. Having the impression that everything would go well, she has been living a life obsessed with grades.
Majoring in business administration, average language skills, not that popular, decent school grades.
The only thing she is interested in is the Art Club.
As graduation approaches, she starts to worry about her future…

One day, Heejung wakes up to animal sounds…..?
After she finds these mysterious animals her story begins….

ABOUT THIS GAME

Dandelion -Wishes brought to you- is a female-oriented game developed by Cheritz. The game was released in South Korea in August, 2012.
The English translation for Dandelion was released on Nov, 2012. Dandelion is known as a unique dating simulation with a sensational storyline and charming characters. You will notice fantastic art work, beautiful music, and you will experience dramatic emotions throughout the game.

Dandelion ~ Wishes brought to you

• Genre : Dating Simulation Game

• Platform : PC/Online

• Rated : E10+

• Voice supported : Partly supported (Korean).

( CAST : Mira Yoo, Kyungmyung Lim, Nakyoon Choi, Seongil Lee, Myungjun Kim, Kyungtae Lee, Nayoung Kim, Minjae Gang etc. )

Dandelion is from the same creators of Mystic Messenger, and this was one of my first ‘stat’ raising type otome based games I purchased for my collection way back yonder. I really love the artwork and the story itself, and the game is very engaging as it is also very funny.

“The game will keep you entertained for a long while and you’ll more than likely be surprised by a lot of the ‘Bad Endings‘ in this game.“

With slapstick humor, cross-dressing scenarios, and an amass of tropes in the game, it’s hard not to see why it’s a must have in a otome gamer’s library. The game will keep you entertained for a long while and you’ll more than likely be surprised by a lot of the ‘Bad Endings‘ in this game. However the case, if you’re someone who loves comedy, romance, interactive games, and also some added horror. Check out Dandelion: Wishes Brought to You, and be amazed or terrified by how awesome this game is.

(STEAM|PLAYSTATION)

“Find love with personalities inspired by famous figures and works of fiction, including Detective Holmes, Gentleman Thief Lupin, Jack the Ripper, and more.“

Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday was to be the heiress of House Whiteley’s debut into high society, but an inquiring mind begs for more than parties as she stumbles into the many curiosities that lay hidden in London’s darkest corners. Help sharpen Lady Whiteley’s instincts as a budding detective, take control of her present to uncover the mysteries of her past, and grow an unbreakable bond with one of many dashing personalities from well-known works of fiction. (STEAM)

Find Your Destined One
Find love with personalities inspired by famous figures and works of fiction, including Detective Holmes, Gentleman Thief Lupin, Jack the Ripper, and more.

Take Control of the Story
Decisions made throughout will net not only special rewards, but will shape whether love is in Lady Whiteley’s future or if fate has more unfortunate consequences in mind.

An Extra-Customizable Visual Novel
Change Lady Emily Whiteley’s first name for a personal touch, then further customize your playing experience by adjusting text speed, toggling visual effects, and even adjusting the individual speaking volumes of your favorite characters.

Coming to PC for the First Time
London Detective Mysteria comes to Windows PC for the first time, with both it and the English “PlayStation®Vita” version including all content previously exclusive to the Japanese PlayStation Vita version known as Eikoku Tantei Mysteria: The Crown.

 

MATURE CONTENT DESCRIPTION

The developers describe the content like this:

London Detective Mysteria is a visual novel set in Victorian London. The game contains still images depicting blood and injury, as well as graphic textual descriptions of murder scenes. It also contains some sexual themes and heavy swears such as f*ck and sh*t.

I’m still working through this game as I type, and the reason? It’s because this game has a lot of content and routes, and endings that it can or will take me possibly this whole year to finish. The only route you don’t have is one with the MC’s very lovely and charming butler, but that’s for another blog.

“…recommended for maybe my older teen audience. Due to a few scenarios or gore, and some ‘sexual’ themes, per se…“

London Detective Mysteria graced both PC and PSVita consoles a few years back, and I had purchased it as soon as the pre-orders were made available for digital download. Now, from what I’ve managed to accomplish with this game is that it is recommended for maybe my older teen audience. Due to a few scenarios or gore, and some ‘sexual’ themes, per se… However, this game has so many routes to count and I’ve only finished one, and haven’t even started on the bad ending of said route.

“Look no further than this game, as a piece of honest otome media to add to your repertoire of visual novel games.“

This game isn’t for the easily deterred and those who don’t like puzzles and thrills. However, if you know someone or are someone who is a crime junkie, loves mysteries, romance, and a dash of suspense and tedious work. Look no further than this game, as a piece of honest otome media to add to your repertoire of visual novel games. I recommend having this game even if you aren’t someone who likes to sit for a long time, come back and play it little by little, just like me. It’s an amazing game for a great price, and the VA is an added bonus!

You are open to disagree with my beginner choices, as it will always be down your own personal choice and tastes. However, I feel these games are good for anyone who is just beginning or needs a bit of change in their games.

Whether you want something funny like Hatoful Boyfriend, or something a bit more dramatic and lengthy such as London Detective Mysteria. These games are sure to please any gamer, and keep you entertained for either a short or long day extravaganza.

As always everyone, thanks for stopping by in my corner of the blogosphere, and see you on the gaming side~!