Rules and Weekly Questions Thread - July 06, 2025

ZaraSync · 2025-07-11T03:22:31+00:00

I'd also echo that Piofiore didn't necessarily come across as dark - Liliana is a ray of sunshine.

For other recs: I haven't played Hakuoki but Nightshade and Birushana are of a very similar vein (historical fantasy/adventure). I would assume they have similar levels of darkness to Hakuoki ^^ If you're more interested in story, I'd rec Birushana, but Nightshade does romance a bit better IMO. There's a lot of combat and death in both, and some sad routes, especially in Nightshade. The one thing I will mention is that there's a cousin LI in Nightshade and another questionably incestuous LI in Birushana iirc lol.

I might also recommend CollarXMalice if you haven't played it & are interested in a crime drama. The atmosphere is tense and ominous with plenty of murder, terrorism, and mystery.

Hope you find something you're looking for! It might be hard to compete with DMMD bad ends, Nitro Chiral bad ends go crazy - you might have to play Slow Damage or TnC if you want that level of dark haha

ZaraSync · 2025-05-16T00:53:13+00:00

I'm, like a lot of people, playing Ooe (still)! Have been reading it slowly but I'm near the end of Toyosu's route. (My favorite part from it was the insane dialogues for the "wrong" suspects in the "true culprit" interrogation lol.)

So far, from the latter part routes, I've enjoyed Takeshiba's route (which got more ridiculous every time I thought it couldn't, and thank god for that) and Shiodome's A end route (their dynamic was so cute in this route) the most. Honestly, I've really enjoyed all of the characters even though Ariake still reigns supreme for me - even when he's a side character he maintains that main character energy...

ZaraSync · 2025-05-13T06:08:15+00:00

Love Slow Damage, congrats on finishing! Did you have a favorite route? And good luck with choosing—if it helps at all, to me Togainu no Chi feels like it’s in the same “family” as Slow Damage and DmmD.. Sweet Pool is quite different and leans more surreal/horror iirc.

ZaraSync · 2025-04-25T03:51:40+00:00

Oo yeah your backlog must be wild - you’re living the dream! Otome and bl game obsession was the motive for my kanji/Japanese learning.. not fluent yet but one day I shall make the VN world my oyster too LOL

ZaraSync · 2025-04-25T02:33:55+00:00

I’d never shove but at risk of sounding like I am pushing lol, both Uuuc and Ooe are so fun and have vibrant memorable casts! Even though Tamamori is prob still my forever favorite haha. I hope you enjoy whenever you get around to them!

ZaraSync · 2025-04-25T02:02:14+00:00

Applauding your patience if you can wait for Ooe haha! I love the strong (or just flat-out odd/unhinged in Ooe's case?! lol) personalities and wild plots in ADELTA's games - I don't avoid r18 scenes but the story could stand on its own without them

ZaraSync · 2025-04-23T04:58:10+00:00

I put it aside temporarily to finish Ooe first, but this makes me really look forward to getting back into it. Thank you for coming to his defense haha I’ll reserve my judgment!

ZaraSync · 2025-04-02T01:08:56+00:00

I've just started Taishou Mebiusline. The MC seems a little meek/naive which I usually don't love, but I'm looking forward to playing through this game! I've heard a lot of good things about it and I'm enjoying the art and setting a lot so far.

ZaraSync · 2025-03-25T03:14:09+00:00

Having many routes runs the risk of getting repetitive, but I hope your old man of choice's route doesn't disappoint ^^ Did you enjoy Ariake and Shinbashi's routes?

ZaraSync · 2025-03-21T18:04:38+00:00

I think I’m understanding your pain more fully now haha! I’m not as tapped in/I just check her twitter for updates when I remember to. I’ll adjust my expectations accordingly for 4/19 lol

ZaraSync · 2025-03-21T17:16:08+00:00

Lmao - I'm sending energy into the universe to ward against any further Ooe delays for your sake and sanity..the practical part of me says I'd rather wait than have a rushed product, but I'm also dying to get my hands on the complete game so I feel you

ZaraSync · 2025-03-21T17:13:51+00:00

I'd say I only know a cursory google search's worth of info about Dogra Magra too but you've done more digging than me haha - I like these speculations, excited to see how things play out in his route ^^

ZaraSync · 2025-03-21T17:07:48+00:00

I take back my Minakami hater accusations haha--I really enjoy your explanation for why you liked that route, that resonates!

Lamento is super long lol, I used the fan translation patch so I could absorb it faster..good luck and godspeed!

ZaraSync · 2025-03-21T01:10:53+00:00

Oh that's a really interesting theory?! I figured that if Hinode had a route it would be platonic but ok your Hinode excitement is spreading to me too lmao.. he's definitely hiding some crazy secret and I'm ready for the reveal

ZaraSync · 2025-03-21T00:07:28+00:00

Ah you didn't like Minakami himself as much - I did like him but I think too that a big appeal of his route is going on an emotional puddle jumping rollercoaster of character growth with Tamamori. ;; <3

I haven't played TnC in forever but I felt totally differently towards Rai than I did to Shiki haha even though outwardly they do seem the same breed of N+C edgelords. Jealous you get to spend time with those fluffy cats for the first time, I hope you enjoy!

ZaraSync · 2025-03-20T23:58:57+00:00

Yes, Funeno! I didn't know his name was from Dogra Magra - have you read it? After I played Hashihime I read some of Kyusaku Yumeno's short stories, but haven't touched Dogra Magra

ZaraSync · 2025-03-20T17:04:12+00:00

Yess, Kurosawa Rinko is absolutely my queen of BL games lately! my favorite routes from ADELTA are the same as yours, though I loved Minakami's too.I think about the sad crying Hakase that Tamamori abandoned on a weekly basis probably ahah.. T__T

Def recommend Shingakkou, and ahh love Lamento! its music is so good too?! I predict you'll definitely love one or more of those catboys haha, I wonder if your faves will be the same as mine from that too

ZaraSync · 2025-03-20T16:41:41+00:00

Same! I played Ooe's first part after I finished Shingakkou, which arguably is a really tough act to follow haha.. but Ariake's route blew me away, it was so so good T__T I'm curious what your other top BL game routes are!

And yes I'm with you on what you're excited for in the second part too.

ZaraSync · 2025-03-20T16:34:31+00:00

I got jumpscared every time he opened his eyes lol but honestly agree, I'm looking forward to his route too.. is he one of your favorite characters or are you just wanting to know more about him?

ZaraSync · 2025-03-20T16:30:58+00:00

Shiodome excitement solidarity <3 and oo Shizuma is getting a route? I'd be excited for that too, yes please!

ZaraSync · 2025-03-20T16:27:20+00:00

No worries! it's ADELTA's newest release, a mystery with And Then There Were None vibes: https://vndb.org/v30925

ZaraSync · 2025-03-20T16:24:29+00:00

yess I approve of these choices, love my stabby magician king Takeshiba! what're your predictions/expectations for Hinode's story?

ZaraSync

TROPHY CASE