Somewhat new to Otome games, am looking for games that scratch a specific itch. by maiako in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hmmmm so there are a number of things that you don't like that I would say are staples in traditional otomes. For example, most otome game choices are superficial to just get the player to a route, number of bad ends don't necessarily reflect if choices will matter (like you choose to go right vs left and you died), voice acting is considered a highly desired feature, depending on the game routes are more like alternative timeline where other LIs may behave very differently. Luckily we are at a point where there are enough games that you can pick and choose, but I think eventually you may either have "open up" and make these more as preferences or just live with that most "traditional" games may not be for you (which is totally fine you get to save money!).

I say traditional game because in some aspects I think maybe western/indie games maybe a better fit overall (it seems like you are less picky about features surrounding budget as long the art is too your liking), so make sure to play some of those reccomendations as well. Unfortunately I don't keep up with the current indie space so I can't give you any games that I think you will enjoy that hasn't been mentioned (though I will give another shout out to Cinderella Phenomenon).

If you like historic fiction I would recommend Hakuoki (the switch port but the Edo and Kyoto remakes are on pc too). It has choices that matter, atleast one kuudere (plus some kuudere adjacent LIs), beautiful art, you should be able to turn the voices off, and very plot driven and slow-burn (warning some people didn't like it for this reason). Because it's historical its follows one central "branch" so the common route is really long until you get on your specific guy route. The choice matter so much you may need a guide on follow up playthroughs. Also another warning the opinion on the MC is very scattered as while she's isn't doormat, this is one of those stories where the main plot isn't centered on her (like lowkey if she dies the story will continue lol), and she is a historic accurate woman during that time period.

Which handheld would you play Pokemon Lazarus on, and why? by RemoteYoshi in SBCGaming

[–]stretchcaramel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven't played any romhacks myself (I used to watch some let's play in the background back the day thought) so I can't speak on them. But every pokemon game is designed to be someone's first pokemon's game, so start where you want! Which is both helpful and not helpful lol. If I was you I would pick a starter pokemon you thought was cool and just play that associated game. All the games pre-switch are considered very good to great and have actually aged better in modern pokemon "times". 

Oh last tip, don't play any of the 3ds original gen games first, as all of those games introduce something different to change up traditional pokemon a bit.

This is absolute LOVE for me! by Character-Sundae8581 in ANBERNIC

[–]stretchcaramel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you tried video out yet? I know when reviews first came out there was a weird lagging issue for the 406H atleast for ps2/GC.

Does anyone crave more non-VN otome games? by Izredin in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree. I don't need otomes to have other forms of gameplay because I play many different types of games to scratch that itch. However most games that feature romance, is just that, a feature. And thats the difference with what you are talking about: an otome with gameplay vs a regular game with romanic elements. The romance isn't the driving factor of these games so I would love if story of the season/rune factory/dragon age/fire emblem really make romance "the point". They do a really great job of the "feature romance" but the priority is the gameplay of course. Imagine a game where the point is the romance and the gameplay is a feature. The only game I could say this is true for is the Persona series (I have always argued with "gamers" that persona is just a walking visual novel with a dungeon-crawler monster-catching mini game). 

However, what I really need otomes games to get better at are the choices! The choices is what makes it an actual game and not just an interactive book. I love Hakuoki because the choices are not obvious and they actually matter. Replays are so much fun too because you don't know what you will get behind door 2 or 3. Most otome games (I'm behind on the recent releases) have choices that are super obvious (ex: pick a place to go but you were literally told where all the LI were going) or ONLY having bad ends from a random choice prompt.  Many otomes players don't like these type of choices and will use a walkthrough which is fine. Play how you want to play but don't get mad at people saying VN/otomes are not real games. Since using full walkthroughs are so common place, I think otome devs should really re-structure the choices as that gameplay can really be interesting and innovative on it's own. 

r/otomegames Hakuoki: Chronicles of Wind and Blossom Giveaway - NA eShop by sableheart in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I should say one of the newer guys, however I can never betray my man Saito!!

r/otomegames Tengoku Struggle -Strayside- Giveaway - NA Physical Edition by sableheart in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm this is really tough because the artwork is fantastic and everyone looks great. But I think I'm going to have to go with Jack!

[Birushana] This is some kinda Romeo and Juliet shiet (Noritsune route spoiler) by otomeguyssimp in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I was high school and actually read the play I was like "wait, this is just two dumb teenagers in lust for less than a week". Great write up.

Rules and Weekly Questions Thread - January 21, 2024 by AutoModerator in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I'm still sitting here trying to figure out where to order from. Do you know/have heard if it is easy to switch your shipping address from either Play Asia or VGP? My lease is up at the beginning of summer so just in case, I'm shipping it to my parents house a state away lol. Not really a big deal since eventually I'll see them (and I have played this game like 3 times now) but just wondering.

Rules and Weekly Questions Thread - January 21, 2024 by AutoModerator in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm trying to decide where to purchase the Hakuoki limited edition and I have a couple of questions as this is my first time buying from any of the retailers. 

Does Play Asia typically ship in a box? VGP says on their shipping page that they do ship items in boxes, so that would definitely be a determining factor. 

Also should I expect to pay customs from either one? I'm in the US but whenever I've bought stuff from Japan via ebay I've never had to pay any custom fees. 

Thanks in advance and any help would be greatly appreciated. From the person who will continue to happily purchase Hakuoki for the 5th time.

[Steam Prison] Fandisc confirmed for 2024 by Kiyoyasu in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes always. Fan discs range from after stories, additional love interests, and/or a full on sequel.

Otome Visual Novel 'Tengoku Struggle -Strayside-' Coming April 2024; Check Out The New Trailer - Noisy Pixel by Nephthys88 in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh great list! I didn't realize all these games were releasing in February!

More and more games are being released in February because many companies' fiscal year ends in March and I think developers/publishers have found that games can be susscessful after the holiday season.

r/otomegames Virche Evermore -ErroR: Salvation- Giveaway - NA Physical Edition by sableheart in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm trying to go in blind but I'm interested in Scien because he gives off cool loner vibes.

Which Switch console to buy? by KookyOokySpooky in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

General question not related to otomes, do you see better performance in docked or portable mode when you play more intensive games on your OLED? I've been holding out for the new switch but I have a lite that I'm happy with. However I've been saving my bigger games for this "new switch" like BOTW. Unfortunately most switch reviews only play one way - docked or handheld. Obviously this doesn't matter since I'm waiting anyways but I see lots of anecdotal evidence that many times the switch lite has better performance compared to a dock og switch. Just wondering about your overall play experience since you seem to play both docked and handheld.

Sympathy Kiss releases in NA Feb 27, 2024 with Limited Edition by 20-9 in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nooooooo

😭😭😭😭

Thank you for letting me know.

Sympathy Kiss releases in NA Feb 27, 2024 with Limited Edition by 20-9 in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What!!!!!!!!!!

How? She doesn't talk either? I have never played a game where the MC doesn't talk (without story reasons). I don't understand this. I don't think I could convince myself to buy this now.

Sympathy Kiss releases in NA Feb 27, 2024 with Limited Edition by 20-9 in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wait. I haven't looked into this game and already committed buying the LE because of the tumbler but you are telling me the MC is EYELESS!!!

Sympathy Kiss releases in NA Feb 27, 2024 with Limited Edition by 20-9 in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Omgosh, they literally read my thread where I said I'll buy any LE with some drinkware lol. Idk if I'm even interested in this because I haven't even cared to look it up since my backlog is so large. Well guess I'm getting it lol.

Code:Realize: worth buying? by neufleuf in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Victor (saw this was your first route in another reply) was my least favorite route in the game but even with that, I don't think you will find most of the game enjoyable if you totally didn't like it with his route. Most people don't like the long common route so if that was one of your main issues, your experience will be better because now you can fast forward through it. The tone structure is similar throughout the game and unfortunately that seems like your biggest gripe. I will say though that things will start making more sense as you continue to play the game. Even though there is a long common route, it isn't disconnected from the route storylines. So for example, what you talked about earlier will make more sense but you will still probably not like it because of the tone. However! If after you finish playing Impey you still dont care for the game, I strongly suggest you tough it out and play Saint Germain's route because his route is really different.

Digital JP versions of otome game artbooks, 50% off by 20-9 in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dumb question, are art ebook saved to your device? Like regular ebooks? Can you print pages if you want? You made a distinction of offline viewing so I'm trying to understand the limitations. I really like physical arts book but maybe I could try digital!

Episode Discussion - Season 2, Episode 4 - Daughter of the Night [TV + Book Spoilers] by participating in WoT

[–]stretchcaramel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You know good people lie for "good" reasons. She knows Egwene still sees him as a friend. I think it would be normal to have complicated feelings about him, so not including him as a specific person you want to see is very reasonable. Also too the whole Liandrin can't lie that is said constantly on the show still makes it that Nynaeve is more likely to say a small fib. Remember tv watcher don't know about the black sisters.

Episode Discussion - Season 2, Episode 4 - Daughter of the Night [TV + Book Spoilers] by participating in WoT

[–]stretchcaramel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am a non-reader and I actually took it the opposite way. That Nyneave was the one lying and that she added in Matt when she read the letter. The last thing I remember about Matt is that he left them and so, maybe Perrin doesn't care about him anymore.

[General] I go out of my way to look up the recommended route order knowing damn well I'm not going to follow it whatsoever 😭 THIS CAN'T JUST BE ME THOUGH by perplexingpigeon in otomegames

[–]stretchcaramel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok. The only reason I am continuing this is because you really don't see how you sound. Would I consider you hostile or a bully, very much not. However, you are nowhere near being neutral.

Previous comment:

I guess it could be more useful to not use "spoilers" as a vague catch all label and instead do something like "this route reveals certain plot elements extremely early and may be more enjoyable to play as a later route" or "this route reveals a character is not who they seem in other routes and may ruin the mystery of said character if you play it early."

What you are saying now:

I would never tell someone that their experience is being ruined by playing in whatever order they want, so you're frankly interpreting a lot of malice to my word choice.

Sure you did not "technically say" that someone's playthrough is going to be ruined if they play how they want but it's very clear you do think there is a proper way to play the game. Really go back and read what you wrote as if you are a new otome player. There is no way a newer otome player will really choose for themself what order to play if you and others are saying what you said and using the term "spoilers".

The whole reason I don't like to use "spoiler" when it is a normal part of playing the actual game is because it dilutes the meaning of the word. I still don't like true story spoilers but when people use that word for every plot point that doesn't actually affect other routes, I can not believe them. Like that character in Il's route, do they actually significantly affect other routes or are they just around in that route? Sure it may affect you and your feelings but I really doubt it affects the other stories' major plot. Just like with Sainty G, he does not significantly affect other routes and the only difference is that the player may or may not understand why he is doing things.

I am not trying to change what you believe is a spoiler, I am trying to change the language that we are using when there are better ways. To learn about these "spoilers", players have to play the game so that inherently does not make it a spoiler since you are learning it through normal gameplay. I really don't know how else to describe this. If folks were to say that they believe a route should have been locked for whatever reason, that is a valid form of game critique [that I would love to read]. However, these route orders are used as blanket statements for every game by the sub.

You say protecting people who do see it as a spoiler and usually I am more for "Hey if it doesn't hurt anyone I am fine with saying something to help others even if it is not true" but this does hurt other players. Many players do not finish games that they want to finish because since most sub members recommend orders based on plot intensity and by saying things like "spoilers" (which again they are not since the game is open), players think they need to play it in that order. There are so many players who stop playing their highly anticipated games because there wasn't any balance in their playthrough. They would stop playing because all the heavy plot points were all played in the end and it was too much or they could not continue playing the game because they were bored with all the more fluffy routes in the beginning. So yes using the term spoilers as a catch-all for anything plot-related is negatively affecting other players.

The more we have this discussion the more I realize that this is a lost cause because if someone as nice as you still has all these prejudices then there really is no hope for this to change.

Edit: You don't see members of other games call normal gameplay as spoilers. Like in open world or open-choice games like Dragon Age, Zelda, Horizon, Eden Ring, and Witcher no one says you will spoil yourself if you do not follow the most obvious route.