Hello hello! I am so thrilled to be back to blogging ways. Come along and catch up with otome news that’s been happening over the last few…err, basically since my last post in July, oh dear. Brace yourselves ’cause we’ve got A LOT to cover!
*Disclaimer: where the romaji of the characters’ names are not provided, I have made my best guess, but they may not be 100% accurate. All images belong to the rightful owners.
Otomate Party – list of announced games and overview
There were SIX (and a half?) whopping new otome games announced at Otomate Party 2023. Let’s go through them all!
Matsurika no Kei -kEi- Tenmeiin Iden
Matsurika no Kei is a Chinese-themed fantasy otome game. It will be released in 2024 for Nintendo Switch.
It tells the tale of Naaya (MC), who holds a rare power called “keigan”. It is the ability to discern valuable gemstones. Those who possess this power are only born once in a generation.
The story is set in Gekka no Kuni (“Kingdom of Moonlight”), and involves the people of Matsurika Village as well as the White Wolf Tribe. In Matsurika, where Naaya lives, the village’s guardian deity hates fire. Therefore no fires can be kindled in their land. The people obtain “fire” through gemstone trade.
According to the official website, “each region has its unique environment, culture, customs, and traditions, which add depth to the story.”
The character designer is Hasumoto Ryou, and it’s their first time working with Otomate (and they are fairly new to character designing too, as per B’s-LOG).
The scenario writer is Yoshimura Ririka and the director is Tatematsu Fumiyoshi, whom have previously worked together on Cupid Parasite and Jakou no Lyla. For Matsurika no Kei, both claimed they wanted to convey a fictional world that could actually exist in history.
There are heaps of interesting information about this game, so I might do a spotlight post in the future! For now, read the game synopsis below, taken from their official website.
The stage is set in a world where humans, immortals, and sacred beasts coexist —
In the outskirts of the flourishing Gekka no Kuni, two different tribes thrived.
The White Wolf Tribe, who survived in the untouched snow-covered mountains by humans.
And the Matsurika Tribe, who lived in the secluded land where jasmine flowers bloomed.
“The forbidden land where the flowers bloom should never be taken, a place despised by the flames.”
The Matsurika tribe’s young girl offers a song to the fireflies again today. With eyes harboring the “keigan,” she is the one who brings the “fire” that connects her tribe – the Gem Appraiser.
When she reaches adulthood during the Keiseisetsu, all destinies begin to turn.
There were those who continued to live despite their wounds. There were lives taken to protect pride and dignity. There was a mission forged by betraying their will.
“I will never forget you, even if my body rots away.”
As the winds of fortune and misfortune rage, ancient melodies overlap. The forbidden flowers that must never be picked. Who took her away?
The ones who inherited the bloodline, each with a different mission, begin to move.
This is the story of those who will not be remembered in history —
Here is a brief overview of the main characters. Check out their official website for the full description, as well as information about the side characters!
Naaya
✤ CV: None
Has the special ability in her eyes to appraise gems. Gemstones are essential for trade to obtain “fire,” vital for their livelihood, and she shoulders the fate of her clan.
Fey
✤ CV: Okamoto Nobuhiko
Naaya’s childhood friend and son of the tribe chief. Naaya and Fey share a close bond and hold daily duties of collecting fireflies every night to light up the village.
Zebenera
✤ CV: Hatano Wataru
The king of the White Wolf Tribe. A man of few words and highly respected. After 19 years, he descends from the mountains to fulfill a promise he made with a certain person.
Ku Enrai
✤ CV: Horie Shun
The current head of the prestigious clan in Gekka no Kuni, and the tutor (educator) of the Crown Prince. He is known to have a crazy appetite that surprises everyone.
Ruwo
✤ CV: Yamashita Seiichirou
A traveling trader responsible for the fire trade in Matsurika village. A good conversationalist, and occasionally performs puppetry and shares stories with the villagers.
Ko Seirin
✤ CV: Tachibana Shinnosuke
The Crown Prince of Gekka no Kuni. He has a beautiful heart, speaks in elegant metaphors, and is entirely innocent. Currently learning various skills from Ku Enrai.
Mistonia no Kibou -The Lost Delight-
Mistonia no Kibou tells the tale of Rose, a girl who lived a happy life, and came to lost everything. It will be released in 2024 for Nintendo Switch.
The game’s director is Seki Mao, who also worked on Paradigm Paradox.
The character designer is Suzushiro Karin, with previous work including Cendrillon palikA and Meiji Katsugeki Haikara Ryuuseigumi.
While it wasn’t a perfect game, I really enjoyed Cendrillon palikA! The art was especially stunning, so I’m really excited to see Suzushino-sensei’s work again.
From B’s-LOG: “Drawing on the blood of fairies, a tale of love and obsession woven by those who inherit it! We will deliver a high-quality story reminiscent of a fairy tale.”
Here is a translation of the trailer content.
Tranquil days.
Kind family, warm townsfolk.
Once in a while I’d look forward to listening to fairy tales…
BUT
Everything was taken away—
My future, my family, my daily life.
Eight years later—
I wear a mask and open those gates.
I will serve with all my heart.
Woven by those who carry the lineage of fairies,
A tale of love, obsession, and heartfelt stories
Not to be taken by anyone—
This is my story alone.
See the character overview and cast below.
Edward Bernstein
✤ CV: Tamaru Atsushi
Fulfilling the duties of nobility, the pure white nobleman.
Alfred Creswell
✤ CV: Umehara Yuuichirou
Looking toward the future, the sage of the earth.
Linus Ward
✤ CV: Umeda Shuuichirou
Hidden in the shadows with hidden motives, the loyal servant of the queen.
Lucas Sullivan
✤ CV: Suzuki Ryota
Dreaming of becoming a pure fairy, the recluse.
Ascot Lindel
✤ CV: Fukuyama Jun
Cloaked in hedonism, the instigator.
John
✤ CV: Shirai Yuusuke
An all-round squire who shouldn’t exist.
Moeyo! Otome Doushi ~Kayu Koigatari~
This game follows the story of Shunlin, an apprentice Taoist who is currently seeking a lover. She somehow ends up being tasked to protect the country.
The scenario writer for this game is Sasaki Maro, with previous work including Cendrillon palikA and Yuukyu no Tierblade. The character designer is Nekoi Ayu.
Below are some rough translations from the trailer.
In a vibrant country where martial arts flourish,
Attaining status and fame is reserved for the strong.
That day, it was time for the Gouyu Martial Arts Tournament, which seeks to determine the strongest man.
The young Taoist apprentice eagerly anticipated her childhood friend’s performance.
However, for some reason, she found herself protecting her country?!
Here are the main characters!
Haoran
✤ Childhood friend x big brother.
“If you call for me, then it’s worth joining.”
Yuhan
✤ Same age x mischief-maker.
“Shut up, you idiot!”
Ronlei
✤ Gentleman x elite.
“Ojou-san, are you hurt?”
Xiaowu
✤ Lone wolf x fearless.
“You’re in the way!”
Trouble Magia ~Wakeari Shoujo wa Mirai o Kachitoru Tame ni Ikoku no Mahou Gakkou e Ryuugaku Shimasu~
Trouble Magia game follows the story of Lucia, who decides to study abroad at a prestigious magic school with one goal in mind: to break the curse that causes her to suddenly transform into animal.
Natsuno Akira is in charge of the scenario writing. She is known for her work on Shiro to Kuro no Alice -Twilight Line- and contributions to TsuiTsui, Zettai Kaikyuu Gakuen, and Ken ga Kimi.
The director of the game is Haruse Akira, and the character designer is Suzunosuke.
As seen in the trailer: “The protagonist finds herself involved with the student council members at the magic school. Can they break the curse all while getting caught in various troubles?”
See the main characters and their mini profiles below!
Lucia Yuan (MC)
✤ Trying to break the animal transformation curse.
Status: Adopted by a Baron’s Family
Course: Knight Magic
Elemental Aptitude: Water
Isaiah Klein
✤ A dependable childhood friend.
Status: Heir to a Major Trading Company
Course: Tool Magic
Elemental Aptitude: Wind
Lars Klotz
✤ A sharp-tongued recluse.
Status: Son of an Earl’s Family
Course: Magical Creatures
Elemental Aptitude: Earth
Ricardo Sante
✤ A spirited and self-assured individual.
Status: Son of a Former Knight Commander
Course: Knight Magic
Elemental Aptitude: Fire
Alexei Eldiel
✤ A sociable feminist.
Status: Second Prince of the Kingdom
Course: Magic History
Elemental Aptitude: Light
Sion Caldo
✤ A disciplined student council president.
Status: Son of a Duke’s Family
Course: Medicine & Pharmacy Magics
Elemental Aptitude: Darkness
OVER REQUIEMZ
OVER REQUIEMZ is a dark fantasy otome game by Otomate in collaboration with Kogado Studio.
Kogado Studio is a small Japanese video game developer and publisher. Their prior work include adventure, strategy, and bishoujo games, predominantly on PC and older consoles. You can find some of their games on Steam.
Not much is known about this game other than it’s about overcoming sorrow. Here’s a rough translation from the trailer and B’s-LOG.
No matter what pain you carry,
You won’t regret this choice.
In the lost Country of OZ,
overcome sorrow.
*From the banner: “OZ” is a country ruled by a king and four witches. There are mysterious structures called “Ruins,” and it is said that strange creatures wander in it…
MIX DUNK – KING OF BASKETBALL-
We have yet another sports otome from Otomate! This one is a collaboration between Otomate, AKB48 (omg?!) and Kawasaki Brave Thunders basketball club.
AKB48 is a Japanese musical girl group. They are Japan’s most successful girl group and the fifth best selling girl group worldwide (according to Wikipedia). I used to be an avid listener, so not gonna lie I’m kinda excited. My best guess is they will be involved with the soundtrack, but I wonder if there will be more to this.
Kawasaki Brave Thunders is a professional Japanese basketball team based in Kanagawa, Japan. They were a 2016 champion of the Japanese National Basketball League.
Many of you might be aware that we have had sports-themed otome games before e.g. Prince of Stride, Prince of Tennis. Unfortunately, they are stuck in older consoles and remain unlocalised.
I am a huge fan of sports anime, ESPECIALLY basketball anime. Can’t wait to fulfil my dream of dating cute basketball dudes!
Hakuouki 15th Anniversary
You guys know the drill. It is practically impossible to have big Otomate news without Hakuouki!
In commemoration of Hakuouki’s 15th anniversary, Otomate stated that “various plans are due to be implemented throughout the year.” This includes a musical (April 2024), a Nintendo Switch port of Hakuouki Yuugiroku Taishitachi no Daienkai (date TBC), and possibly a new Hakuouki installment (?) on the horizon as well.
Hakuouki Yuugiroku Taishitachi no Daienkai is a fandisc. It is essentially a collection of mini-games where you can interact and play with the LIs.
Cast announcements
Utakata no Uchronia
We finally have the voice actor cast for Utakata no Uchronia, and I must say this is quite an impressive list!
Yashiro
✤ CV: Chiaki Kobayashi
Tobari
✤ CV: Okamoto Nobuhiko
Awayuki
✤ CV: Saitou Souma
Yori
✤ CV: Eguchi Takuya
Tsuyukusa
✤ CV: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu
Utakata no Uchronia’s Youtube channel is now live. Chiaki Kobayashi and Okamoto Nobuhiko will be hosting their first special program on October 12, where they will be sharing information about the game!
My9Swallows TOPSTARS LEAGUE
We also have the voice actor cast for My9Swallows TOPSTARS LEAGURE, Otomate’s upcoming baseball otome. According to the trailer, it will be released in 2024!
Hiiragi Kakeru
✤ CV: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu
Shiradou Tatsuji
✤ CV: Hatano Wataru
Amagi Kanata
✤ CV: Yashiro Taku
Milla
✤ CV: Horie Shun
Nakaoji Renn
✤ CV: Kasama Jun
Nagamatsu Hiroto
✤ CV: Shimakura Gaiha
Clan
✤ CV: Komatsu Shouhei
Satake Ikumi
✤ CV: Kumagai Kentarou
Tokitou Haruki
✤ CV: Hirose Daisuke
DesperaDrops, a new otome game by D3P x RED Entertainment
This one’s a bit of an old news, but I haven’t updated my blog in a long while so here we are.
DesperaDrops is an upcoming crime and suspense adventure otome game. It will be released on November 30 this year for Nintendo Switch!
The story is set in various locations in Europe and follows the journey of Amamine Mika, the protagonist, who is unjustly pursued for crimes she did not commit.
The game features six LIs, comprising five males and one female character.
This game marks the second collaboration between D3 Publisher (D3P) and RED Entertainment, with their previous project being Nightshade.
Character design for the game is led by Kozaki Yusuke, known for his work as the lead designer for Fire Emblem characters. This is his first involvement in an otome game!
The scenario writer for DesperaDrops is Yoshimura Ririka, who is also in charge of the upcoming Otomate game Matsurika no Kei.
Here’s the translated version of the game synopsis, taken from their official website.
Summer of 2028.
The protagonist, Amamine Mika, is studying abroad at a university in Bologna, Italy. To celebrate the end of exams, she takes a short trip to Rome with her friends. However, during the trip, they become witnesses to a murder and, shockingly, Mika is arrested as the prime suspect.
While being transported in a police vehicle, an accident causes the car to overturn, granting Mika her freedom. She finds herself now a fugitive, along with six other criminals who were also on board during the accident.
Furthermore, a mysterious assailant, intent on obtaining the power that Mika has, appears, leading to a pursuit by both the police and the assailant’s faction, making it a group of seven fugitives.
Unraveling the secrets behind Mika’s power, the true identity of the assailant, and the real truth behind the initial murder incident—can they solve these mysteries and reclaim their peaceful everyday life?
Below you will find brief information about the characters.
Protagonist, a Fugitive Falsely Accused
“No, it’s not true! I didn’t kill anyone! It’s all a misunderstanding!”
Name: Amamine Mika *Last name fixed, only the first name can be changed
Voice actor: Okamoto Mika
A Japanese university student studying abroad in Italy. While in Rome, she becomes a witness to a murder and is wrongfully arrested as the culprit. Since birth, she has the ability to read strong emotions and memories of those she touches. She always wears gloves to avoid unintended readings.
PROFILE
Age: 21 years old
Height: 162cm
Hometown: Yokohama (Japan)
Crime: Murder
The Lone Wolf Living in Rejection
“Such a hassle… I prefer being alone.”
Name: Ash Meyer
Voice actor: Suzuki Ryota
A young man who left his hometown and lives a nomadic life. He enjoys solitude and rarely engages in conversations with others. Due to his unfriendly appearance, he frequently gets into fights. He has a strong attachment for vehicles, especially motorcycles.
PROFILE
Age: 22 years old
Birthday: October 13th
Height: 182cm
Hometown: Baden (Switzerland)
Crime: Bodily harm
The Fraudster Who Conceals His Own Heart with Lies
“Hey, hey, are you serious? You’re really such a naive person.”
Name: Hamiel Luís
Voice actor: Katou Kazuki
He appears as a playboy-style fraudster. With his friendly demeanor and skillful persuasion, he is great at manipulating people’s hearts. His strong self-assertion often leads to troubles with others. He is also skilled at cheating in gambling and disguising.
PROFILE
Age: 26 years old
Birthday: June 7th
Height: 185cm
Hometown: Blanes (Spain)
Crime: Fraud
The Silent Sniper Pursued by the Police for Killing a Colleague
“Wait… Refrain from acting recklessly.”
Name: Gib Baltzer
Voice actor: Takeuchi Ryota
A former police officer on the run, suspected of killing a colleague. As an officer, he was a skilled sniper in a special forces unit. He is the leader among the fugitives. He is pragmatic and serious, and struggles to keep up with the younger generation. He has been married before and is a widower.
PROFILE
Age: 38 years old
Birthday: November 17th
Height: 191cm
Hometown: Rothenburg (Germany)
Crime: Murder
The Century’s Great Phantom Thief Who Never Misses His Target
“No, no, I’m not just a pickpocket. I am the century’s great phantom thief, Lord Rami.”
Name: Rami Carrière
Voice actor: Uemura Yuuto
A thief who primarily targets the rich. Highly skilled in sleight of hand, pickpocketing, and lock-picking. He is agile and has cat-like movements, skilled in acrobatics, capable of leaping over walls and more. He has a friendly and bright demeanour. He hates being touched by others.
PROFILE
Age: 19 years old
Birthday: July 16th
Height: 172cm
Hometown: Annecy (France)
Crime: Theft
The Love Warrior Protecting Beautiful Nature, Fighting Evil
“Ar-are you talking to me? Is it… a Yamato Nadeshiko from Japan!?”
Name: Camu Einhard
Voice actor: Tachibana Shinnosuke
He is an activist who goes by the title of Love Warrior. He is a student at an engineering university and has a strong interest in Japanese culture, anime, and other forms of pop culture. He is immersed in his own world most of the time and suffers from social anxiety, and lacks friends of his own age.
PROFILE
Age: 25 years old
Birthday: February 7th
Height: 180cm
Hometown: Hallstatt (Austria)
Crime: Vandalism
The KAWAII-style Hacker with Zero Guilt for Crimes
“Of course! Sally is a genius hacker, after all. There’s no information that I can’t get my hands on.”
Name: Sally Del Testa
Voice actor: Itou Kanae
A genius hacker who loves Japanese Harajuku-style fashion. She conducts various cybercrimes. She doesn’t like being referred to as a “cracker” due to her lack of guilt about her actions. Due to a past incident, she has developed a fear of elevators.
PROFILE
Age: 18 years old
Birthday: April 20th
Height: 156cm
Hometown: Chiusa (Italy)
Crime: Cybercrimes
Watch the game’s opening MV here.
New or upcoming releases
✤ Taisho x Alice
Taisho x Alice: HEADS & TAILS is now available in English on Nintendo Switch! If you already have the game in Japanese, then you can buy the English patch on the Nintendo e-Shop.
This fandisc contains Woolfe’s story, Ryoushi’s story, afterstories with the 7 original LIs and other bonus content.
If you play otome games on Steam, the entire Taisho x Alice series is also available there in English.
As a (sick in the head) oniichan lover, I am just thankful for Ryoushi’s route 🥹 the afterstories were heaps of fun too!
Buy Taisho x Alice: HEADS & TAILS:
Int’l – CDJapan
✤ What in “HELL” is Bad?
What in “HELL” is Bad?’s release date has been pushed numerous times, but it’s finally here! You can download it on iOS App Store, Google Play Store or EROLABS (18+ only).
The game had 550,000 users on launch day. That’s insane!
For those who missed the news, Domon Atsushi is longer the voice actor for Satan, and he has been replaced by Maitake Sodatsu.
Prettybusy also announced that the game will not be available on the Korean market due to various reasons.
I asked you guys on Twitter what you think of the game so far (thanks to those who voted), and everyone seems a bit divided on this one.
What do you guys think of ‘What in “HELL” is Bad?’ so far? 👀
— vira ✿ @blogging!! (@otomeology) October 5, 2023
Call for contributions!
I am developing a walkthrough page for What in “HELL” is Bad?, but it is an impossible feat to do alone. For those who are interested in contributing, please leave your Discord username below and I will be in touch!
✤ Meikoi
I’m personally super excited about this one. In light of their 12-year anniversary, Meiji Tokyo Renka: Full Moon will receive a port in 2024! Now, this could just be my dumbass not understanding Japanese properly or if there was supposed to be some kind of nuance I’ve missed, but they didn’t seem to specify which console exactly.
Meiji Tokyo Renka was released as a mobile game by Dwango in 2011. In 2013, it was ported onto the PSP by Broccoli, and was then followed by game sequels and updated re-releases.
This upcoming port, Meiji Tokyo Renka: Full Moon, was developed and published by Mages. It was originally released for PSVita in 2017.
If you are an anime watcher, consider checking out the anime on Crunchyroll. It’s a great show imo!
✤ Cupid Parasite FD
Another old news but Otomate announced that Cupid Parasite -Sweet & Spicy Darling- will be released on November 30 instead of the originally planned September 28.
After a crazy 2023, I just know this fandisc will heal me and I can’t f*cking wait!
Pre-order Cupid Parasite -Sweet & Spicy Darling-
*Check their official website for shop-specific bonus details (int’l buyers will need to use proxy).
✤ even if TEMPEST FD
even if TEMPEST: Dawning Connections will be released on October 26, 2023! There has been a delay to the originally planned Summer release.
This game is a fandisc, and will receive a simultaneous English and Japanese language release (digital only).
✤ My Next Life as a Villainess
Pre-order My Next Life as a Villainess:
Miscellaneous
Here is a quick rundown of other otome/joseimuke related updates that might be of interest.
✤ Otome goods
In case you missed it, Collar x Malice is getting a Nendoroid! I literally screamed when I saw the tweet.
Speaking of Nendoroid, GSC also released the prototype for Shin. SO. CUTE.
Shuuen no Virche -ErroR:salvation- is getting an LE resale. Refer to their official website for all the details.
ALICENET is also doing an LE resale of Reine des Fleurs.
✤ Mobile / indie otome
There are so many mobile otome game updates. Here are a few that piqued my interest!
If you’re a fan of The Ssum, then you’ve probably already heard about June. He’s set to make his debut sometime this month and will be joining Teo and Harry as LIs in the game. Check out the interview with the voice actor here.
Choice & Darling is a recent English mobile release and features chat-based gameplay. Another recent release that caught my attention is Lunar Romance – the LIs are so cute!
Lovebrush Chronicles will officially be getting an English release (date TBC). The game underwent closed beta testing in August. The voice actor cast includes KENN, Toriumi Kousuke, Hirakawa Daisuke, Suwabe Jun’ichi, and Tachibana Shinnosuke. Gosh, what a crazy lineup!
Love and Deepspace, the 3D otome game that everyone’s been raving about, had its closed beta testing last month. No news of English release as of yet, but I’m crossing my fingers and toes!
Finally, when it comes to indie otome / OELVN, Heart Cage comes to mind. Yandere heaven? Sign me the f*ck up. Support the Kickstarter here!
This post took way longer to prepare than I thought it would! But I am so relieved to have my blog somewhat up to date now. It has also been lovely to be able to interact with you guys again. 🥰 As always, work is keeping me super busy. I’m still trying to figure out how to balance work with hobby because the latter keeps me energised, but the former keeps me fed. Oh, the dilemma. I’ll get there eventually!
Which game(s) are looking forward the most to, and/or want to see localised? I love to hear what you think, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and feelings in the comment! I’ll see you soon. 👋🏻
Thank you for once again condesing all the info in a simple and well organized post! Nobuhiko Okamoto sure is getting busy lololol and Utakata no Uchronia is stackkeedddd nice to see Saito Soma again:D
And really excited for Virche in a month, I hope it’ll be almost as big and successful as CxM since it’s been such a while since we had high quality plot, art, ost, and characters all in one lol:)
You are so welcome, thanks for reading!! Nobu is absolutely everywhere 🤣 omg I hope you enjoy Virche – it’s one of my all time favessss kyaa 😭💖 make sure you prepare those tissues love!
There’s something about Mistonia no Kibou‘s art style thats so… nostalgic? Is it the giant glossy eyes? I don’t know what specifically but it reminds me of the Vampire Knight era art style and I love it!! Hopefully it can deliver narratively since the aesthetic and concept are up my alley.
I really wish the idol/baseball one just removed the idol aspect entirely haha I’m so burnt out on idols even though I love them myself… it would’ve been more fun to have a straight-up baseball (maybe management?) otome since sports manga are popular with women too (and baseball uniforms are hot). Sometimes I feel like idol stuff is tacked onto things so companies easily sell songs/concerts for extra dosh LOL it just my theory though.
Thanks for posting!
No you are so right – it is kinda “old school” in the best possible way, very shoujo-esque, I too love it so much!!
Re idol stuff LOL yeah that’s a sensible theory tbh! I am curious to see how they will deliver both aspects but I do worry it’ll be overwhelming / too much? We’ll see. Management style otome game would be so fun 🥹 maybe something similar to tokimemo but like you said managing a baseball or any sports team instead!
Personally I’m super excited for Uchronia! It has that Olympia Soiree vibe to it IMO and all the LIs are GORGEOUS.
But I have to also rave about HEART CAGE !! I’m super duper excited for it (especially after reaching the stretch goal for G#’s route!!) and of course, a must have for all yandere likers!!
Thank you for the detailed update :3
100% with you re Uchronia, RiRi’s art is too stunning 😩!! Hell yea fellow yandere likers 🙌🏻 you are most welcome and thank you for reading 🥹💖