Otome games are story-based video games (also known as visual novels) aimed at a female audience. Contrary to popular belief, these games aren't always sunshine and rainbows – the genre is packed with mystery, horror, politics, and gripping coming-of-age stories. Read on to find your next fix!
Best Otome Games
Black nightshade
Plateformes: Nintendo Switch, Steam, Playstation Vita
In 1593, Nobunaga Oda began the Tenshō Iga War, decimating most of the Iga ninja in the process. The very few survivors were absorbed into the Kōga clan, despite their past rivalries. After 17 years, the Sengoku period finally came to an end and Japan was unified. Enju (protagonist), daughter of Kandō Ueno, the leader of the Kōga clan, spends her days training diligently in hopes of becoming a full fledged ninja like her peers. Finally, she is assigned to her first mission, but finds herself caught up in a dark conspiracy.
Nightshade is one of the most popular otome games right now, and it's not hard to see why. Between the awesome artwork and the incorporation of real Japanese story plot, this visual novel is easy to lose. And the ninjas – don't forget the ninjas!
steam prison
Plateformes: Nintendo Switch, Steam, Playstation Vita
A catastrophic flood split the world in two: the heights, a magnificent utopia, and the depths, a dirty industrial wasteland. Our heroine, Cyrus Tistella, born and raised in the Heights, has nothing but contempt for those of the Depths. As Cyrus descends into this unknown world, the cogs of his destiny begin to turn...
The plot of Steam Prison will get your blood pumping almost instantly: Cyrus, a privileged denizen of the Heights, is thrown into the Deep after being framed for the murder of his parents. Watching Cyrus evolve as a character and become intimate with the people she once despised, all the while trying to solve the mystery of the real killer, makes this a must play (be careful: as is often the case in the otome genre , this story can take a very dark turn).
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Dandelion – Wishes brought to you
Platform: Steam
Heejung Kim left his education-obsessed mother's house in a bid to find his true dream life. All Heejung has to show for herself is her business administration major, average language skills, lack of popularity, and decent school grades. As graduation approaches, she begins to worry about her future. One day, Heejung wakes up to the sounds of animals…? After finding these mysterious animals, his story begins.
Dandelion was developed by Cheritz, the same team behind the famous (and highly rated) Mystic Messenger. The game features a great soundtrack and a surprisingly deep storyline for what initially seems like a silly premise.
Amnesia: Souvenirs
Platforms: Android, Steam
You wake up to find that your memories are gone. To uncover the truth about your amnesia, you'll choose from five romantic paths, each in their own world. With over 20 endings, can you write the lasting love story you deserve, or will your love and your life come to an end?
Amnesia is a popular visual novel that is often recommended for some beginners, as it offers all the best components of the genre (stunning art, interesting characters, and even some mini-games) without immersing itself in an overly intense story – unless, of course, , you romanticize this character in particular…
Necklace x Mischief
Plateformes: Nintendo Switch, Android, Playstation Vita
A dangerous shadow organization launches a campaign of fear and violence in the city of Shinjuku, pushing society to the brink of chaos. As a young policeman tasked with restoring order, you become the target of an attack and you have a poisoned collar strapped to your neck. As the situation spirals out of control and time is running out, five mysterious strangers seem to aid you in your quest for the truth. Who can you trust?
If you're familiar with other games, you've probably at least heard of Collar x Malice, which is considered one of the best titles in the genre. Thrilling and dark, this game continues to enthrall players with its intricate story and themes of justice and morality.
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Code: realize
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Playstation Vita
Venture into a reimagined steampunk version of 19th century London. Follow the adventures of the poison-skinned girl Cardia, the men who try to help her, and the mysterious organization that intends to capture her. Experience a visual novel adventure brimming with literary and historical characters, including Victor Frankenstein and Abraham van Helsing. Will Cardia find love or destroy the ones she needs? Its history is in your hands.
Code: Realize is the perfect choice if you've played Persona 5 and now have a crush on Arsene Lupin (just kidding - unless...). Similar to Nightshade, Code: Realize draws on historical inspiration to create an intriguing storyline and equally compelling characters. It's also available in anime form, if you'd rather sit back and watch the romance blossom.
Cinderella Phenomenon
Platform: Steam
Four years after the end of the Great War and the loss of her mother, Crown Princess Lucette d'Angielle is still struggling to accept her new life and her in-laws. Cold and bitter, Lucette's life is again turned upside down by the curse of fairy tales. She is thrown into a battle to regain her crown in a fractured realm where nothing is as it seems...
When certain games are criticized for lacking a specific element, it usually comes down to the heroine feeling one-dimensional or too passive. Cinderella Phenomenon puts an interesting twist on this by creating a heroine who is, at first, downright unlikable. The ensuing character development (with a dark retelling of the classic fairy tale) earns its place among the best Otome games.
mystical messenger
Platforms: Android, Apple
“Downloading a messaging app will lead to chatting with hot guys!? » A new type of mobile game for women where you can experience a love affair through an interactive messaging application. Receive phone calls and text messages based on your intimacy with game characters!
This list wouldn't be complete without Mystic Messenger, which continues to captivate veterans and new fans alike with its unforgettable cast of characters and layers of storytelling. Unlike other otome games, which you can mute and put away, Mystic Messenger sends text messages and phone calls to your phone around the clock for a realistic chat experience.
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