Welcome to another news post! I’ve got a small announcement about my news blogging stuff (?) at the end, so be sure to stick around. Let’s dive into all the latest updates!
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Steam Prison | Dessert de Otomate | Mistonia no Kibou | Matsurika no Kei | My9Swallows | Yami-iro no Maju | Fanbooks | Miscellaneous
HuneX announces Steam Prison fandisc
Congratulations to Steam Prison fans – HuneX has announced that Steam Prison -Beyond the Steam- will be released in 2024!
They also confirmed that this will be a multilingual release including Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.
Here are some additional information, translated from their latest blog post:
While the platform details are yet to be disclosed, we plan to reveal more information around spring 2024, including that aspect. The video announcement has also been simultaneously shared on our international accounts.
So, with that in mind… it’s safe to say that multilingual subtitles are in the works!
We’ve communicated that the story takes place two years after the grand ending of the previous installment through our announcement images. While it serves as a sequel, we also anticipate it to be a diverse fan disc with various elements.
Dessert de Otomate tickets now available
Dessert de Otomate is scheduled for February 18, 2024.
The Daytime Performance will kick off at 12:30 (JST), while the Nighttime Performance starts at 18:00 (JST).
If you’re not based in Japan and interested in attending, you can purchase live streaming tickets through PIA. Ticket sales are open now until March 3, 2024, 23:59 (JST). If you buy tickets post-event, it will be for the recording.
Here’s the list of countries where live streaming is available:
- North America: United States
- Europe: Netherlands, Greece, Germany, Belgium, Romania, Hungary, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, Portugal, UK, Spain, France, Italy, Norway, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Sweden, Austria, Poland, Switzerland
- Asia Pacific: India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile
- Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel
- Africa: South Africa, Kenya
Link to Dessert de Otomate ticket (int’l fans)
Mistonia no Kibou key updates
Last week, B’s-LOG information teaser suggests that Mistonia no Kibou -The Lost Delight- will have love triangle endings. The text also insinuates that this will involve Rose (or 👏🏻) ending with 2 LIs (thanks to Nonbiri Otome for clarifying!).
Here are some additional information from their X post.
This work is a dark fantasy themed around “revenge.”
The setting is a country where fairies actually existed, not just in fairy tales.
The protagonist, who has lost family, future, and even pride due to a certain incident, vows to inevitably “revenge” against the person who took everything from her. As the protagonist approaches the main characters for “revenge” and becomes involved with them, she touches upon their thoughts and feelings.
The story unfolds, depicting the protagonist’s fluctuating love life as she chooses between “revenge” and “love” and question who the truly deserving target of revenge is. Pay attention to the “love triangle” that occurs and branches in each individual route.
In line with the revenge theme, they also mentioned that the game will have revenge endings (as per B’s-LOG). I will share more updates in the future as more information becomes publicly available.
The game will be released in 2024, with exact date yet to be announced.
Matsurika no Kei game features
Otomate has been gradually releasing more details about Matsurika no Kei – I’ve talked a little bit about the characters in a previous news post if you’re curious. Recently, they disclosed the game system, so let’s take a look.
The game has three different endings—I really don’t know how to translate them properly, but they seem to mark end of seasons (?). For discussion sake, I’ll use these rough translations: Before Early Spring’s End [春前終節, shunzen shuutsetsu], Before Dawn’s End [明前終節, meizen shuusetsu], and Before Rainy Season’s End [雨前終節, uzen shuusetsu]. The term “明前” (meizen) refers to the period between the twenty-four solar terms of “Shunbun” (around March 20 or 21) and “Seimei” (April 5) during spring. Let me know if there’s a better way to translate these, or if I’ve completely misunderstood!
They recently posted the degree of “fortune and misfortune” you may find in different endings across different characters. If you can’t read Japanese – the order of the endings from top to bottom are Spring, Dawn and Rain. The stars on the left represent levels of sadness and pain, and the one on the right happiness and sweetness.
Another unique feature is the ‘vibration function’ – it vibrates in sync with various scenes, including alluring / glamorous moments.
The protagonist’s outfit will also change depending on route and scenes.
Other features are fairly standard Otomate stuff, including name calling, love catch, flowchart, dictionary, choice skip, text window and font settings, blinking eyes and lip sync, as well as event viewing function.
The game is scheduled for a February 29, 2024 release. It is also rated CERO D (17+), and from what I’ve seen, some the promo CGs do look quite steamy!
Pre-order Matsurika no Kei
*Check their official website for shop-specific bonus details (int’l buyers will need to use proxy).
My9Swallows character profiles
We’ve got some updates for My9Swallows TOPSTARS LEAGUE! The official website is now up with the official synopsis and character info. The game information section also indicates that this game will receive an Otomate Sweet Box version.
It is due for a release in 2024, with exact date yet to be specified.
Here’s a rough translation of the official synopsis.
The birth of a new professional baseball league!
On the protagonist’s first day of joining ‘Yakult Baseball Team,’ it’s announced that a new league, the ‘TOPSTARS LEAGUE’ will begin in professional baseball.
In the press conference, it is stated that ‘matching of players who passed the entrance test with teams is done by an AI system to eliminate inequality in strength.’ Moreover, ‘each player on the league-winning team will receive one billion yen, and in addition to that, another billion yen will be awarded to the winning team.’
Baseball players who can dance and sing!?
The participation requirements for the TOPSTARS LEAGUE include not only baseball games but also competition in the singing and dancing categories. Baseball players who can dance and sing were being sought after.
In the midst of this, the Yakult Baseball Team also decides to enter the TOPSTARS LEAGUE, and the newly joined protagonist ends up taking on the role of managing it. What will unfold next?
Below are the character profiles! The translations of the character synopsis are not literal – I shortened them for readability purposes. Read them in full in the official website here.
Sugisawa Tsubame
✤ CV: None
⚾️ The Rookie Leading the Team to Victory
“If I have to do it, then I’ll see it ’till the end. And with that, we might as well take the championship!”
Raised in a family of passionate Tokyo Yakult Swallows fans. Negative experiences initially hindered her interest in baseball. However, a certain encounter led to her joining the Yakult Baseball Team, where, despite being a recent recruit, she manages the new league.
Hiiragi Kakeru
✤ CV: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu
⚾️ The Ace Who Works Too Hard
“You’re the only one I can talk to about these things. That’s why… I wanted you to make sure my determination doesn’t waver.”
The protagonist’s childhood friend, harboured a dream of playing baseball but had parental pressure to pursue swimming. He now works as a swimming coach. Learning about a new baseball league reignites his abandoned dream.
Profile: 22 years / 178 cm / A type / April 9
Shiradou Tatsuji
✤ CV: Hatano Wataru
⚾️ Everyone’s Reliable Big Brother
“When you’re getting cheered on, it really gets you pumped, you know? So, be sure to cheer me on generously!”
Former leader of a motorcycle gang turned caring member of the Swallows-affiliated “Adachi Miraroad” promotion office. From the club “Sako Hornets,” he contemplates taking a tryout to pursue a professional baseball career.
Profile: 23 years / 175 cm / O type / April 28
Amagi Kanata
✤ CV: Yashiro Taku
⚾️ The Laid-back Talent
“… Hey, I want another serving. Can I have that one?”
Lazy and indifferent to athletics, he was a baseball club member in middle school with no notable results. He believes in avoiding effort and standing out, communicates with a monotone voice and is occasionally sarcastic.
Profile: 21 years / 176 cm / A type / November 16
Milla
✤ CV: Horie Shun
⚾️ The Mysterious Idol
“Eeh~ it’s totally fine. It’ll be over soon. I’ll make sure to tell the higher-ups later. Okay, please?”
Part of the idol unit “DeepLost,” Milla adores cute things and has a spontaneous personality. Formerly part of the baseball club, he joins the TOPSTARS LEAGUE with the dream unfulfilled from high school.
Profile: 18 years / 171 cm / O type / September 15
Nakaoji Renn
✤ CV: Kasama Jun
⚾️ The Competitive President (Prince)
“I get that you raised your voice to try to mediate, but it seems like you still need more experience.”
Heir of the Nakaoji Group, Renn is the President of “Nakaoji Asset Management.” With a bucket list of 101 goals, he aims to become the top in professional baseball and takes the test for the new league.
Profile: 25 years / 182 cm / B type / February 5
Nagamatsu Hiroto
✤ CV: Shimakura Gaiha
⚾️ The My-Paced Baseball Maniac
“S-s-s-sorry~! I just can’t help but get all fired up when it comes to baseball.”
Born in Kyoto, Hiroto works at his family’s 200-year old pickles shop. Relaxed and my-paced, and a dedicated baseball enthusiast, he belongs to the club “Tama Planets” and practices diligently while working part-time.
Profile: 19 years / 167 cm / AB type / August 11
Clan
✤ CV: Komatsu Shouhei
Satake Ikumi
✤ CV: Kumagai Kentarou
⚾️ The Mysterious Former Pro Player
“Even so, bumping into the girl I met at the bar, all drunk and passed out, in a place like this feels like fate, doesn’t it?”
Bartender at “Libra,” Ikumi is outgoing and a mood maker. With a famous grandfather who was a professional baseball player, he himself was once a member of the “Sako Royals.”
Profile: 24 years / 185 cm / A type / June 1
Tokitou Haruki
✤ CV: Hirose Daisuke
⚾️ The Energetic and Humble Thrifty Person
“It looked like you were struggling a lot while walking, so I couldn’t help but notice. Carrying such a heavy load must be hard, right?”
Cheerful and lively, he lives a humble and frugal life. Works part-time at “Kanaen” monjayaki. Playing for the independent league team “Saitama Big Yankees,” he explores budget supermarkets on weekends.
Profile: 20 years / 181 cm / A type / December 31
Yami-iro Maju
I typically don’t cover unlocalised PC games, but I’ve decided to broaden my coverage for the sake of comprehensiveness! Today, December 22, marks the official release date of Yami-iro no Maju. This is a PC-only, magic-themed otome game by Daisy2. The trial version was made available on December 15.
The game is fully voiced (except the protagonist). The voice actor cast includes Chiba Shouya, Ono Yuuki, Satou Takuya, Yamashita Seiichirou and Saitou Souma.
The scenario writer is Amemiya Uta, known for her work on Tsuitsui, Charade Maniacs, and Tokeijikake no Apocalypse. She is also in charge of the upcoming Hanakare game. The artist for this game is Melo, renowned for her work on Taisho x Alice and Suuran Digit.
Here’s the game synopsis from vndb.
‘I mustn’t let anyone know about this secret──’
When the ill-omened darkness awakens, the world will perish.
The protagonist, Rika, is the daughter of the Starnis family, a family of great renown in the world of magic.
Under the guidance of her outstanding older brother Fin, she is admitted to an elite magic academy (The Oriens Academy), a prestigious school where only the elite sorcerers gather.
But in truth, she is not very good at magic.
Right after she has enrolled, she is overwhelmed by how highly skilled at magic are those around her. Though with the help of her kind friends and Fin, she decides to do her best.
However, Rika has a secret that only Fin knows.
Buy Yami-iro no Maju
Int’l – Amazon JP
*Check their official website for shop-specific bonus details (int’l buyers will need to use proxy).
Fanbooks
We’ve got lots of fanbooks coming in 2024!
✤ Radiant Tale
Radiant Tale official visual fanbook will be released on February 20, 2024.
In addition to visuals such as package illustrations, store bonus illustrations, and copyright illustrations, event CGs are featured alongside the scenarios.
The book also includes reprints of original texts previously published in B’s-LOG, as well as exclusive new short stories. It will also feature development staff interviews which go into behind-the-scenes stories.
The fanbook is not yet available for purchase on international sites, but you can use proxy services (like CDJapan or FromJapan) and buy from Japanese shops like Animate and Ebten, especially if you are after the limited edition bonuses.
✤ even if TEMPEST
even if TEMPEST’s visual fanbook will be released on March 29, 2024. The official title is “even if TEMPEST series – FROM DUSK TILL DAWN.” The fanbook will include key visuals, event CGs and scenarios from the first game and fandisc, never-seen concept art, and a special story written by Ushio Ayane.
Again, it is not yet available on international sites, but you can pre-order now from Japanese shops like Animate or Ebten via proxy services.
✤ Cupid Parasite
Otomate has officially announced the upcoming release of Cupid Parasite visual fanbook, with the release date yet to be confirmed. This fanbook will encompass both the first game and the fandisc. Stay tuned for further updates!
Miscellaneous
✤ Tokimemo
Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side Series will premiere and stream on KONAMI’s official Youtube channel on Christmas day i.e., December 25 at 8 pm (JST).
♥お知らせ♥
— ときめきメモリアル Girl's Side 公式 (@girlsside573) December 18, 2023
12月25日(月)20:00より
「【ニュース速報2023・クリスマス】ときめきメモリアル Girl's Side シリーズ」
をYoutube KONAMI公式チャンネルにてプレミア公開で配信予定です。
MCに、森 一丁さんをお迎えしてお届けします！
ぜひ最後までご覧ください。#girlsside
The purpose of this stream is a bit unclear, but the post says “Breaking News,” so it’s probably some kind of announcement.
Fans are eagerly hoping for Switch port announcements for the first three games. Now that would be a lovely Christmas gift indeed!
✤ Collar x Malice anthology comics
The official anthology for Collar×Malice will be released on December 25, 2025. Short stories featured in Collar×Malice -Unlimited- and the Collar×Malice for Nintendo Switch Special Box have been adapted into comics!
✤ crèateur
A new company, Créateur, comprised of creators actively engaged in game content and other entertainment, was announced on December 1st, 2023.
The company is described as “a creative agency where illustrators, scenario writers, and créateurs (creators) active in the entertainment industry, with curiosity and imagination at their core, have gathered, focusing primarily on games.”
Currently affiliated creators include Katagiri Yuma (Nil Admirari no Tenbin, Olympia Soiree) and Yomi (Virche, Ken ga Kimi). Further participation of creators is also planned in the future.
If you’ve read Billy’s round-up article, it’s as she said – the company is not explicitly described as being otome or joseimuke focussed.
Here’s their official website if you’re interested.
✤ Kore Nante Otomege—?
An otome-themed tabletop card game, ‘Kore Nante Otomege—?’ is set to be published by EX-DESIGN. The packaging illustration is drawn by Yomi (Virche, Ken ga Kimi).
The official release is scheduled for early 2024, but it was also available for advance sales at Game Market 2023 on December 9 to 10.
Here’s a bit about the game, translated from the official website.
The love interests from that game– why do I know them?!
Arrange the words written on the cards to create and introduce a otome game title that matches the theme!
The player who creates the most popular otome game title becomes the ‘Best Otome Game Master’!
It’s a simple yet profound card game where combining words produces the ideal otome game. The package, drawn by the incredibly popular illustrator Yomi-sensei, is a must-see!
✤ Tengoku Struggle drama CD
The Tengoku Struggle drama CD, titled 〜俺達の旅行計画〜 (“Our Trip Plan”), is set to be released on February 21, 2024. This exclusive drama CD contains sweet moments and various scenarios you encounter during your trip with the characters.
✤ Beta-testing of upcoming mobage
Love and Deepspace has finished another round of Closed Beta Testing, which started on December 15th and concluded on December 21st. The game is scheduled for a global release on January 18, 2024.
Sleepless AI also recently concluded the recruitment phase for the Genesis Test of their fully AI-generated game, HIM, with nearly 37,000 applicants. The Genesis Test has now commenced for 9,999 iOS users. They are working to extend the testing phase to Android users.
✤ Amnesia Nendoroid
Ikki’s Nendoroid is now available for pre-order! He is the third character from the Amnesia Nendoroid series that’s ready to wreck your wallet.
His face plates include smiling face and WINK face. Optional parts are sunglasses, mask, ace of spades card, and other optional parts for different poses.
✤ Tears of Themis Nendoroid
We are spoiled with the otome / joseimuke Nendoroid releases! From Tears of Themis, Luke’s Nendoroid is now open for pre-order.
His face parts include a smiling face, a delighted face, and a shy face, with optional additions such as a magnifying glass, a camera, and various other optional parts designed for different poses.
You can pre-oder his Nendoroid on AmiAmi or GSC. It is also available on CDJapan.
Thanks for stopping by! Lately, I’ve been mulling over whether to switch up my news blogging style. You guys seem to enjoy the round-up format, but figuring out the right timing for posts has been a bit tricky when things are on the quiet end news-wise. Sometimes, when the right time comes, I miss the hype train when life gets busy.
So, here’s the plan: I’m going to start doing separate news articles for big items, for example new game announcements. I’ll cover both localised and unlocalised titles. For localised games, I won’t be able to post as quick as Gematsu and other sites who get early press release kits and whatnot, but I’ll at least try to post on the same day.
Round-up articles will still go up as I see fit (depending on the amount of content and relative timeliness).
I’ll experiment with this over the next few months and see how things go. Always keen to hear what you think, so don’t hesitate to share your feedback!
Thanks for another fun article! I really like this round-up format since I usually see new otome news but dont always have the time to find the full details or sit down and read everything (like going through the cast of an upcoming game, etc) so tucking into one of these collated posts with everything is just perfect! I hope you enjoy writing them too~
Mistonia sounds really exciting with the potential love triangle endings 👀 this is either going to be awesome or a complete disaster LMAO. I’m also really hyped for Love and Deepspace, hope it wont be too p2w to access the stories with the LIs.
I like that you mentioned Yami-iro Maju! I feel like PC otomes tend to get overlooked sometimes? Especially unlocalized ones (for obvious reasons haha) which is understandable but this one seems fun. I hope it does well in Japan. Fingers crossed for the Tokimemo ports too.
Thanks again <3
Donut-chann thank you for your feedback! 🙇🏻♀️ I absolutely love writing these round-ups and they won’t go away. I just want my blog to be more up to date especially since it has become more news focussed (?). I also hope writing the snap news will help me collate and build the round-up news a little bit faster!
I wasn’t too interested with Mistonia but they had me at love triangle 😫 Generally I’ve enjoyed other Otomate games with love triangle content and endings so fingers crossed. Love and Deepspace is so exciting! Did you join the CBT?
And omg I didn’t think my blog readers would be interested in unlocalised PC games so I’ve skipped on it for the longest time, but that won’t be no more. Thanks for validating that ☺️💕
Yea I definitely get that. Sadly I couldn’t sign up for the CBT since testing wasnt available in the UK 🥹 but I saw loads of people updating about their experience and it looks exciting! Just hope it can fit on my phone storage lmao.
Idk if I can speak for everyone but what I really like about PC games is that they dont have as many restrictions as console/nintendo ones do so sometimes you get surprising stories or games crossing lines they usually can’t LOL so its interesting.
Ahh that’s a shame! I mean they had it in Australia but I missed the recruitment thing anyway it looks super fun and so realistic it’s almost lowkey scary hahah
I see yeah that’s true! I’m not too across PC games so maybe I should really get into it cause I love crazy over the top bizarre dark toxic etc type of stories…. XD