Long time no see! Work has been relentless, so my apologies for the lack of content lately. We’ve just received major news about OZMAFIA!!, and I’ve also caught wind of some exciting otome games on the horizon. Let’s process all the info together!
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New OZMAFIA!! game will be released next year!
✤ Key info
In need of more OZMAFIA!! content? Poni-Pachet just granted your wish. OZMAFIA!! RefleXion is a spinoff of the original game and will be released in Winter 2024. However, an earlier release may be possible, according to their latest radio show. They also said that an English version is on the cards for the future! The game will be available on PC (Steam and DLSite).
The demo version is now available on Booth, which you can download for free.
Here’s a brief synopsis of this game, taken from the PV.
It is the sound that heralds the ‘beginning.’
Before everything changes.
A story of unchanging days.
In a distant forest, there lived a girl alone.
One day, she embarks on a journey to understand ‘people’
and become a kind witch who helps ‘people.’
✤ FAQ (taken from their official website)
What is the connection with the previous work?
- It is a story that takes place before Fuka comes to the town.
Can I enjoy it without playing the previous work?
- You can still enjoy it without playing the previous work, but playing the previous work will enhance your enjoyment.
✤ NEW characters & brief info
Below you will find some information about the new characters. Most of the information here are taken from the radio show, but a bit from the official website as well as the recent PV they released. All images belong to Poni-Pachet.
Oz-related characters
Blanche (protagonist)
“I’ll become a witch just like my master!”
A witch apprentice. Grew up in a snowy mountain not knowing humans, and is entrusted to the Oz family to learn about them.
Witch of the North
“Even if we are apart, our hearts are always together.”
A cute, wise and kind witch. Can grant any wish. Blanche’s master.
Leavenworth
“Caw’mon! I can’t even fly when I become human?”
Blanche’s crow friend. Transforms himself into human. Mischevous, curious and sweet.
Chase
“You…fortunately, seem to be the former. Congratulations.”
An ambitious person who is also good at caring for others. Part of the Capo Regime.
Joker
“Hello, you adorable witch.”
A troubled person who failed the “boss gacha”. Calm and secretive. Newcomer to the Oz family, doesn’t get along with Chase.
Jack Pumpkinius 3.5
“I’ll just be reduced to another strange noisy creature!”
Nothing is impossible for this pumpkin. Owner of a pumpkin patch at the outskirts of Oz. His head is detachable.
Oz family subordinates
Loic
“Aight, I’ll do my best at pretending to do my best.”
A lazy and unserious soldier. My-pace attitude. Chase’s ex colleague.
Christoffer
“Money is good. First of all, it doesn’t lie.”
A fastidious, austere, and gold-crazed soldier. His relationship with the opposite sex never lasts long.
Signa
“It’s because I’m mafia to the core.”
A maid who works for the Oz family. Calm and gentle. Also works at a bar run by Kyrie.
Tipi
“A witch?! That’s so wild!”
Another maid chara, bright and cheery, can read atmosphere. Also works at a bar. Gutsy enough to call Kyrie “Kyrie-chan.”
Close associate (?)
Chiune
“That’s some big talk! Especially from the Cowardly Lion!”
A bread artisan tiger with an empty stomach. Caramia’s old friend. Tried to become human but failed, and left with the ears and tail.
The Heidi family
Calais
“There’s no need for Parcy to get her hands dirty.”
Puss in Boots: A shrewd advisor.
Peter
“I’m Heidi’s friend! Lovely to meet you!”
Hiya, I’m Peter. ♥
The ikemen/ouji characters
Inga Pingaree
“It seems I was in too much of a hurry. I’m sorry, I meant no offense.”
A serious-minded prince raised on a remote island. Prince from Pingaree Kingdom. Strong sense of justice. Has a curse which bounds him to have a short life. Looking for his fated person and thinks Blanche is the one.
Verthelem Boboland
“It’s a pain in the butt being the only one with any common sense. Dammit!”
An insolent prince who meddles in everything, but actually has good heart. He was cursed and turned into a goat, but the Witch of the North helped return his form.
Rinkitink Gilgad
“He used to always carry me on his back, but sadly no more.”
A wealthy and cheerful trueborn king. A very decisive person, but sometimes he lacks common sense because of his upbringing. Various circumstances made him a person whom Inga and Verthelem owe a debt of gratitude to.
✤ Scenario chart
In the radio show, the seiyuus mentioned that the game will be a trilogy.
Part 1 is a love story taking place in Oz territory, and the royalties will be the main focus.
From then on the scenario splits into three major parts. The common route goes to Part 2 (regular route), which has one main ending and 16 sub-endings.
Alternatively, you go into IF routes (Inga or Verthelem) which have separate endings.
✤ Game system
Here are the key features they mentioned in the radio show:
*Talking partner selection system.
A feature which allows you to select people you want to converse with. When discussing this topic, the seiyuus suggest friendship ends will be on the cards i.e., the 16 sub ends. After unlocking endings, there will be bonus stories.
*Letter system.
Depending on who you interact with as well as the story progress, you may receive letters from certain character(s).
Salty Hounds early access now available on Steam
I am not that up to date with indie otome games, but you’ll catch me talking about a few that can grab my attention (especially if they’re in English). Well here’s one – Salty Hounds by Topping Palette.
Salty Hounds is described as “a unique dating sim / RPG that gives you total freedom to romance five handsome guys in an open-world metropolis.” The early access is now available on Steam (Windows only).
The game is scheduled to come out of early access sometime in the second half of 2023. The full release version will be available on Steam (Windows & Mac). They also have a Switch release in the pipeline, and even plan to enable cross-saving option between Steam and Switch. The LIs are voiced (in Korean, VA list available on their Kickstarter page).
Here’s the synopsis taken from their official website.
After a strange turn of events, you end up taking charge of <Salty Hounds>, a struggling private security agency.
On your adventure in an industry dominated by the most hardcore men, you will have a chance to experience the romance and the thrill of falling in love with the handsome guys around you who all seem to have their own, interesting stories to tell.
Dive into the immersive world of Salty Hounds, and experience a dating sim RPG with an unparalleled level of depth and freedom!
I live and breathe manhwa, and this art style makes me WEAK. And you’re telling me I get to have it in an otome game?! Sign me the f*ck up.
The early access reviews are kinda gloomy at the moment because of various issues. I wasn’t there since day 1, but I also understand there has been a lack of communication on their end. I also heard they’ve had to change the artist. I get why backers are concerned.
The good news is, according to the latest early access reviews, TP seem to be addressing bugs quite quickly! This suggests they are listening and staying on top of things. We are severely lacking otome games with *actual* gameplay that is available in English (god bless Jack Jeanne)… so let’s cross our fingers and toes this will turn out well in the end!
HIM – an AI otome game
Otome fans – whatever opinion you may have of AI, it’s now knocking on our doors.
HIM is a mobile otome game fully developed using AI. According to their RootData page: “HIM is an otome game that combines SBTs, asset ownership, the immutability of Web3 and AI open domain conversation to create robust, interactive and conversational gameplay.”
Here’s the game synopsis, taken from the official website.
These men are beautiful! I can definitely feel they are AI-generated, perhaps because they look almost too perfect. Personally I am not against AI, though I am concerned about how we can use it ethically and responsibly. But let’s not get political here, we’re here for the games and handsome 2D men!
The developers really emphasise the game’s customisability, with over 9,000 clothing and room options, and the ability to shape the personality of the LI in great detail. I suppose it’s the AI technology that enables this extensive customisation.
The game will undergo beta testing and will be officially launched in the second half of the year. Follow their Twitter for all updates! Watch the concept PV below.
✤ Vira’s update
I really miss blogging and having the time to properly play otome games. 🥲 I’ve been out of state twice this month, and this weekend I’ll be in a new continent for two weeks. I am so so grateful… but as a proud introverted homebody, I am exhausted beyond belief. I am also sad I won’t be able to play 9 R.I.P. until I come back… grr, can’t wait to have my mundane life back!
Since next week is Anime Expo, I’m sure we’re going to have a barrage of localisation news. I suspect we will also get a release date for even if TEMPEST FD since Voltage will be there as well. I don’t think I’ll be able to cover the news as they come, but I should be able to squeeze in a round-up / summary post as soon as I can. Writing news article is my absolute favourite – the adrenaline and serotonin from the excitement just keep me going. 😂
Anyway… thanks so much for sticking around 🥹 and thanks for reading!! xo
I’m looking forward to playing this version of ozmafia in English, but I’m guessing I’ll have to play the previous version of ozmafia again until then. We appreciate you keeping us informed as well.
Yeah I was so happy when they specifically said they are considering an English release! I started the original game but got distracted by other games 🤣 this is my sign to continue. Thanks for reading Lili!
Just found this blog and as a newbie to otome, it has been an absolute delight. Salty Hounds looks like it has some great potential, I hope everything works out for them. I remember seeing another English JRPG-like otome game in the works called The Silent Kingdom, I have yet to try out the demo myself though. I don’t know why it makes me happy to see ambitious new projects lol maybe because its something I’d never have the guts to do myself.
Hope you get to wind-down and relax eventually!
Aww welcome to the fandom and glad if this blog could be of some help 🥹💓 I haven’t heard of The Silent Kingdom, I shall look into it 👀
And thank you so much!! 🥰
Inga is literally Blade from Honkai Star Rail but younger and shorter hair.
Sadly I don’t play HSR but you’re spot on! Blade is really sexy btw omg 👀 (I’m weak for long haired charas XD)
Omg thank you for making this post, you organized everything so well and so prettily I look forward to otome news more when I know you’re gonna be making a post about it lol! Joker looks like the cutest one so far but we’ll see how it goes ^_^ Thank you for writing this article again and please make sure to relax as much as you need!! 😀
Aaaa thank youuuu that is such a motivation boost!! 🥺💓 Joker is super cute indeed! I am also curious about who will be voicing these charas 👀 we shall wait and see. And thanks so much I’m flying off tmr and will be back in two weeks time, after that my days will be filled with naps for sure…and more blogging I hope!