–October–
[French] [German]
Tsuyagaru ~Ishin no Ura no Koi Moyou~ | October 5
A Switch port of a mobile game. Voiced with big, well-known voice actors. Has Japanese, English, French and German text.
The English title for this game is “Dateless Love -Love Story Behind the Restoration-“.
Synopsis:
Time slipped during a school trip in Kyoto, it is a love game at the end of Edo period with handsome guys.
Set in Kyoto at the end of the Edo period, when you slipped back in time,
–Nintendo eShop description (US)
Shinsengumi members such as Souji Okita, Toshizo Hijikata, Ryoma Sakamoto, and Shinsaku Takasugi…,
you meet and fall in love with famous and handsome patriots at the end of the Edo period…
Despite being tossed about by history,
the destiny of two people who are attracted to each other is――
◆Dateless Love’s love story◆
During a school trip in Kyoto, you happen to slip back in time to the end of the Edo period!
“Eh, I’m going to be Oiran…!?”
You will live in the entertainment district of Shimabara, Kyoto,
and you will meet handsome patriots at the end of the Edo period,
such as the Shinsengumi, Yoshinobu Tokugawa, and Ryoma Sakamoto.
■ “Rich love story” developed based on historical facts
A rich love story intertwined with historical facts that is unbearable for history lovers!
Shinsengumi’s genius swordsman Okita Souji, demon vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo,
Yoshinobu Tokugawa, the last shogun of the Tokugawa family,
Ryoma Sakamoto, the hero of the Restoration,
Shinsaku Takasugi, revolutionary of the Choshu clan, etc.
You can enjoy the sweet and painful love that unfolds in a turbulent period
with the handsome patriots of the end of the Edo period who color history.
[Cast] VA’s are in bold
Hikaru Midorikawa – Shuntarou Furutaka
Daisuke Namikawa -Toshizou Hijikata
Kappei Yamaguchi – Ryouma Sakamoto
Takashi Kondou – Yoshinobu Tokugawa
Romi Park – Souji Okita
Hiro Shimono – Shouta yuuki
Akira Ishida – Akinari Aiya
Nobuyuki Hiyama – Shinsaku Takasugi
[Staff]
Publisher: Opera House / Ciagram Co, Ltd.
Developer: Ciagram Co, Ltd.
Director: ???
Scenario Writer: ???
Main Artist: ???
Nintendo eShop (US) | Nintendo eShop (JP)
Genre: Adventure/Visual Novel
Rated: ESRB-Teen (13 years and over)
[Suggestive Themes, Violent References]
Price: US$19.99 | ¥1,980
Buy Now!
Digital
[Nintendo eShop (US)] | [Nintendo eShop (JP)]
Mutsugoku Koi Iroha | October 30
This is Happy Elements/Ccalia Studio’s first romance novel app (no, Enstars does not count). They describe it as a “casual novel app” that you can experience for “free” by using the “hand mirror” item that restores 5 times a day. But you can purchase the item or a pass to unlock the route. Basically a ticket system lol.
So far there are only 3 romance routes confirmed.
The story is that the protagonist is a first year that attends “Mutsugoku Academy”, hidden deep in the mountains. She holds a deep secret… she doesn’t know what ‘supernatural entity’ she is. You see, only supernatural entities attend this academy. The heroine is in search to understand the power within her…
[Cast] VA’s are in bold
No voice acting
[Staff]
Publisher: Happy Elements / Cacalia Studio
Developer: Happy Elements / Cacalia Studio
Director: ???
Scenario Writer: ???
Main Artist: ???
Genre: Adventure/Visual Novel
Rated: Cero-B (12 years and over)
[Romance]
Price: Free (w/ microtransactions)
Download Now!
Digital
[App Store (iOS)] | [Play Store (Android)]
–November–
?
Model Debut 3 #nicola | November 2
Model Debut #nicola series is a fashion game with stat raising, where you aim to be the top model! Nicola is a real life fashion magazine aimed towards pre-teen and teens.
For Model Debut 3 #nicola you work as a model as well as assisting with magazine company, Nicola, to make front pages on trending topics. There is a calendar mechanic where you have until your 3rd year to reach top model. There is also a romance and friendship feature with 3 guys and 6 fellow models.
[Cast] VA’s are in bold
No voice acting.
[Staff]
Publisher: Furyu
Developer: Furyu
Director: ???
Main Artist: ???
Genre: Fashion Game/Stat Raiser
Rated: Cero-A (All Ages)
Price: ¥6,908
Buy Now!
Digital
[Nintendo eShop]
Physical
[CDJapan] @ ¥6,280 | [AmiAmi] @ ¥6,200
[+Many More Languages]
Fashion Dreamer | November 3
Available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese.
From the same Developers that gave you Style Savvy series (Style Boutique in PAL region) comes a new fashion game for modern consoles where you take on the role as an influencer and fashionista in a virtual world, Eve!
Synopsis:
Share your unique style with the world!♡
Enter a virtual world of fashion fantasies made real, where coordination and communication mix like never before. Your new life as an influencer awaits!
-Nintendo eShop (US) Description
◆Create new outfits to rake in the Likes!
The virtual space is bustling with Muses, fashion fans who are always on the lookout for new inspiration. Dazzle them with your freshest fits—and if you catch their eye, you’ll earn their Likes. Rack up more and more Likes to grow as an iconic fashion influencer!
◆Send Likes to get new items!
Spot a Muse with impeccable taste? Let them know! Giving a Like will let you use their fashion items not only for yourself, but also when recommending outfits to other Muses.
◆Build your brand with custom items all your own!
When designing new clothing and accessories, the sky’s the limit! Customize over 1400 collectable items with your favorite styles and colors for a truly unique flair. Your creations form the basis for your brand, so recommend them to other Muses and conquer the fashion world!
◆Go online to interact with Muses from across the globe!
When you connect to the internet, other players’ Muses will appear in your world, letting you snag whatever original outfits they’re wearing. Before you know it, your very own designs might just become an international sensation!
[Cast] VA’s are in bold
No credited voice acting.
[Staff]
Publisher/Localiser: Marvelous / XSEED
Developer: syn Sophia
(Style Savvy series)
Director: ???
Genre: Fashion Game
Rated: ESRB-Everyone (All Ages)
[User Interaction]
Price: US$49.99 | ¥6,578
Buy Now!
Digital
[Nintendo eShop (US)] | [Nintendo eShop (JP)]
Discount: US$44.99 / ¥5,920 until Nov. 21
Physical (Japan Ver)
[CDJapan] @ ¥5,980 | [AmiAmi] @ ¥5,920 | [AmiAmi w/ Exclusive Bonus] @ ¥6,360
Physical (US)
[Amazon (US)] @ US$48.90 | [GameStop]
Virche Evermore-Error: Salvation- | November 9
Localisation Version. English title is subject to change.
Surrounded by the sea and black flowers of misfortune, the citizens of Arpecheur are cursed to die by the age of 23.
In this country possessed by the god of death, one young woman named Ceres seems to hasten the deaths of everyone she meets and decides to end her own life. But suddenly a mysterious man called the “watchman of death” appears before her and nothing will be the same.
Aksys Official Description
[Cast] VA’s are in bold
Taku Yashiro – Adolphe
Kazuyuki Okitsu – Ankou
Daisuke Hirakawa – Lucas Proust
Kouhei Amasaki – Mathis Claude
Yoshimasa Hosoya – Scien Brofiise
Souma Saitou – Yves
[Staff]
Publisher/Localiser: Aksys Games
Developer: Otomate
Director: Misa Yoshida
(Tlicolity Eyes)
Scenario Writer:
■ Satomi Nakayama [MAIN]
(Code:Realize, Variable Barricade, Gensou Kissa Enchante)
■ Aiko Asami [sub]
(Shuuen no Virche)
■ Yuzuki [sub]
(Paradigm Paradox)
Main Artist: Yomi
(Ken ga Kimi series)
Official Site (No site yet)
Genre: Adventure/Visual Novel
Rated: ESRB-M (17 years and over)
[Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence]
Price: US$49.99
Buy Now!
Digital
[Nintendo eShop]
Physical
[Aksys Online Store] | [Amazon]
Getsuei no Kusari -Sakuran Paranoia- | November 23
A port to the Switch of a PSP game that also got ported to PS Vita.
Synopsis:
The story takes place on a small remote island called Zangetsutou in a town called Koukashi, a town with relaxing onsen springs and beautiful flowers.
But that was in the past. One year ago disaster fell upon the town. The villagers fell into despair.
Their last hope was a group of young people who gathered to help, called the Kouka Youth League. Especially the group’s head, Kagurazaka Hibiki and his right hand man, Mochizuki Satoya, they are a ray of light for the villagers.
Also involved is a soldier dispatched from the mainland, Inoguchi Wataru and a mysterious traveler who has some business on the island, Haruna Nozomu.
The villagers are pulled into these men’s actions, and the protagonist Fuyuura Megumi is not an exception.
This is a story of people desperately fighting to survive in harsh times.
VNDB
[Cast] VA’s are in bold
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka – Satoya Mochizuki
Makoto Naruse – Nozomu Haruna
Shintarou Asanuma – Wataru Inoguchi
Tarusuke Shingaki – Hibiki Kagurazaka
[Staff]
Publisher: TAKUYO
Developer: TAKUYO
Director: ???
Scenario Writers:
■ Shuu Inoue
(Panic Palette, Sweet Clown)
■ Yuan Shiratori
(Kaeru Batake DE Tsukamaete, Money Parasite)
Main Artist: Azumi Hirose
(Kaeru Batake DE Tsukamaete, Sweet Clown)
Genre: Adventure/Visual Novel
Rated: Cero-C (15 years and over)
[Romance, Crime, Violence, Language]
Price: ¥7,480
Buy Now!
Digital
[Nintendo eShop]
Physical
[CDJapan] @ ¥6,800 | [AmiAmi] @ ¥6,730 | [AmiAmi w/ ami-hime pack] @ ¥9,240
My Next Life As A Villainess All Routes Lead to Doom! ~Pirates of the Disturbance~ | November 28
Localisation version.
The isekai that’s based on an otome game is being turned into an actual otome game! Though, this game is more like an “If” story so it may or may not be canon but it does use the same characters from the series plus a couple of new faces for additional cast (plus two new original love interests).
The only difference between this story’s game and the original storyline is that there be pirates lol. Just straight up gatecrashing the party.
[Cast] VA’s are in bold
Maaya Uchida – Catarina Claes (MC)
Tatsuhisa Suzuki – Alan Stuart
Shouta Aoi – Geordo Stuart
Tetsuya Kakihara – Keith Claes
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka – Nicol Ascart
Ken’ichi Suzumura – Rozy Lind
Daisuke Namikawa – Silva
[Staff]
Publisher/Localiser: Idea Factory International
Developer: Otomate
Scenario Writer: Ririka Yoshimura
(Glass Heart Princess, Ken ga Kimi, Gensou Kissa Enchante, Cupid Parasite)
Character Design: Nami Hidaki
(Nyan Love ~Watashi no Koi no Mitsukekata~)
Genre: Adventure/Visual Novel
Rated: ESRB-T (13 years and over)
[Drug Reference, Mild Violence, Mild Language, Mild Blood]
Price: US$49.99
Buy Now!
Digital
[Nintendo eShop]
Physical
[IFI Online Store] | [IFI Online Store – Limited Edition] @ US$84.99
Cupid Parasite -Sweet & Spicy Darling- | November 30
A fandisc for Cupid Parasite. Includes new location, new love interest (Destiny Parasite) and is set after the best ending for each character.
[Cast] VA’s are in bold
Makoto Furukawa – Allan Melville
Ryohei Kimura – Gill Lovecraft
Junya Enoki – Keisaiin F Ryuki
Yuuta Uemura – Melenis Levin
Nobuhiko Okamoto – Peter Flage
Taku Yashiro – Raul Aconite
KENN – Shelby Snail
[Staff]
Publisher: Idea Factory
Developer: Otomate
Director: Fumiyoshi Tatematsu
(Jakou no Lyla, Cupid Parasite)
Scenario Writer: Ririka Yoshimura
(Glass Heart Princess, Jakou no Lyla, Cupid Parasite)
Main Artist: Yuuya
(Cafe Enchante, Jakou no Lyla, Cupid Parasite)
Genre: Adventure/Visual Novel
Rated: Cero-D (17 years and over) 👀
[Romance]
Price: ¥7,480
Buy Now!
Digital
[Nintendo eShop]
Physical
[CDJapan] @ ¥6,800 | [AmiAmi] @ ¥6,730 | [AmiAmi w/ ami-hime pack] @ ¥9,702
DesperaDrops | November 30
It has been many years since D3Publisher released an otome game, but now they’ve announced that they’re crawling back to produce a console otome game within 2023. They will be collaborating with RED Entertainment (Kenka Banchou Otome series as well as Hyakka Hyakurou [aka Nightshade in EN]).
DesperaDrops is a crime-romance set in Summer 2028, Italy where exchange student Mika Amamine finds herself embroiled in murder case and she is a suspect. While being escorted to be further interrogated, she is freed when her vehicle gets overturned in an incident–on top of all this there is a mysterious assailant who is after Mika’s “powers” and she finds herself trying to escape both the police and the assailant with 6 other people who all have a criminal past.
[Cast] VA’s are in bold
Mika Okamoto – Mika Amamine (MC)
Ryouta Suzuki – Ash Meyer
Shinnosuke Tachibana – Camu Einhard
Kanae Itou – Sally De Testa
Ryouta Takeuchi – Gib Baltzer
Kazuki Katou – Hamiel Luis
Yuuto Uemura – Ramie Carriere
[Staff]
Publisher: D3P
Developer: RED Entertainment
Director: ???
Scenario Writer: Ririka Yoshimura
(Glass Heart Princess, Cupid Parasite, Jakou no Lyla)
Main Artist: Yusuke Kozaki
(Fire Emblem Awakening, AI: The Somnium Files)
Genre: Adventure/Visual Novel
Rated: Cero-D (17 years and over)
[Crime]
Price: ¥7,480
Buy Now!
Digital
[Nintendo eShop]
Physical
[CDJapan] @ ¥6,800 | [AmiAmi] @ ¥6,730 | [AmiAmi w/ exclusive bonus] @ ¥10,230
—Blog News
Ayyy. Halo. It’s November which means that one more month until the end of the year yahoo (I did nothing productive this year lmao).
Last month and a bit of the start of this month I started streaming on Twitch again and so far I found it pretty fun talking to myself and thinking there’s someone watching lol. But for real it’s a bit therapeutic for me.
U-Um… if u wanna follow me on Twitch. I’m 20 followers away from getting Twitch affiliate status 🥺
Some of my VODs have disappeared on my Twitch channel because I forgot you had to manually make them into ‘highlights’ to keep them forever lol. But never fear, I did record my streaming sessions so I will upload them on my Vtuber youtube channel… that’s when I get the chance bc these files are like hours long 😂
I had a lot of fun playing Fashion Dreamer on stream so I hope I can play again soon, but I’m still recovering from COVID that I got a week or so ago (it was my second time getting it and it still leaves me coughing hard for a while even after ‘recovering’).
I also started playing 9RIP on stream and so far I’m liking it so far. The themes for the heroine for that otome game really hits close to home lol. Basically her mom wants her to be a doctor but she wants to do her own thing, but her problem is that she doesn’t even know what she wants to be and for that I really like the reality with that storytelling.
Usually these types of stories it’s like “I’m gonna be X instead of what my parents want” and things work out when in reality there are some people who just don’t know what to do. Anyway that’s my brief review for 9RIP lol.
I also found it easier to interpret what I understand as I played so hopefully I can stream more Japanese games like this so people can experience these games I love so much.
—Josei-muke News
■ Otome/Josei-muke Game Release Dates Updates:
Start of each month I update my “2023 Overview” post which lists as many Otome/BL/Josei-muke Japanese/Localised games that I can find. Here are some of the updates/additions to the list:
- Akaya Akashiya Ayakashino – Release date announced: Feb. 29, 2024
- Matsurika no Kei -kEi- Tenmeiin Iden – Release date announced: Feb. 29, 2024
- Love and Deepspace – Global (estimated) release date announced: Feb. 29, 2024
- Utakata no Uchronia – Release date announced: Apr. 11, 2024
- Voltage’s 3 Console Exclusive Otome Games – Voltage announced 3 original and console exclusive otome games. Project Code ‘Neon Mafia’ and Project Code ‘Kaleido Tower’ announced for 2024 release and Project Code ‘Vampire Hunter’ for 2025 release
- Steam Prison Project – Teaser of a new Steam Prison project ‘Steam Prison Beyond the Steam’ to be released in 2024
- Meiji Tokyo Renka ~Full Moon~ – Getting a port to home console in 2024
- Getsuei no Kusari -Kyouran Moratorium- – The Switch port for the fandisc to Getsuei no Kusari -Sakuran Paranoia- (which releases on the Switch this month) will release in 2024
- Akuyaku Reijou wa Ringoku no Outaishi ni Dekiai sareru – An otome game adaptation of a light novel of the same name will release in Spring 2024
- Uta no Prince-sama Shining Live Nintendo Switch Port – A Switch port for the Utapri rhythm mobile game is planned, release date unknown
- Norn’s Dine – An upcoming R18 BL game that will release in Summer 2024
- Doppelgänger – Um… so basically my fav Vtuber group Holostars has an English branch that is getting a visual novel soon (possibly in 2023) and it would make me happy if you support them even through their visual novel. The boys are very talented and the Holostars EN team are too for putting this together. I’m really excited for this and happy that an official game made for Holostars is actually a thing 🥺👉👈
■ Uta no Prince-sama Shining Live Will End Service By The End of 2023
Rhythm mobile game “Uta no Prince-sama Shining Live” will be ending services on December 26, 2023. Funnily enough that is the exact date the Global server for Shining Live ended it’s service last year.
Shining Live will be shut down but it will live on through the Switch port that they plan to release some time in the future.
On top of that, there is a new Uta no Prince-sama rhythm game for mobile devices being developed that will include all idol units (STARISH, Quartet Night and HEAVENS). Keep your eyes open for future details on development.
■ Uta no Prince-sama New Project ‘Dramatic Masterpiece Show’
Uta no Prince-sama has a new project called “Dramatic Masterpiece Show”, describe as a musical drama featuring all 3 groups (STARISH, Quartet Night and HEAVENS). The project will include original songs, a drama CD as well as an Exhibition Venue where you can purchase tickets and view costumes inspired by each musical drama, exhibits and photo spots.
Even if you can’t visit the venue you can always purchase the CDs that contains two CDs worth of audio drama and original songs–basically an audio musical for your ears.
HEAVENS will be doing a Wizard of Oz inspired musical drama, “Dreaming of Oz”. STARISH will be doing a Peter Pan inspired musical drama “Never Again Neverland”. Finally Quartet Night will be doing Faust inspired musical drama “Faust Last Calendar”.
■ Animate LA store Officially Opens 🥳
Animate has opened a physical store in America! In Los Angeles to be more precise. Here you can purchase all your otaku needs in one place.
■ All-Ages BL Game “Re;quartz Reido” Switch Port to Release in 2024
All-ages BL game “Re;quartz Reido” will be coming to the Switch in 2024! Prototype will be handling the Switch port, further details on release date to be released soon.
■ Lucky Dog 1’s Mobile Game Whose Service Ended Will be Reborn as a R18 PC Game
Mobile game app “Mr. Giancarlo” which had ended service in August this year, will be resurrected as an R18 PC Game as “Mr. Giancarlo “THE BOSS”“.
Further details will be announced in the nearby future.
■ Indie Dev Circle ‘Succulent’ Will Stop Making Games After “Hime no Rakuen”‘s Release
Indie Dev circle “Succulent” will end production of future R18 otome games after releasing “Hime no Rakuen” which is to release in December 30, 2023.
In the dev blog (which is linked in the tweet linked to the image above), they explained that it was not financially viable to continue making games as there was little profit and more loss. It is an unfortunate reality for most indie devs, but Succulent would still like to create content under their indie circle, just that games will be off the table.
May this be a reminder to all of us to support indie devs, especially those in niche genres like visual novels etc. Also please do consider supporting Succulent with their previous titles and upcoming Hime no Rakuen as they specialise in R18 otome (which has become a rarity in this market).
■ minetaka, Producer of BUSTAFELLOWS, Hints at a Sequel Localisation
minetaka, producer and scenario writer for BUSTAFELLOWS, tweeted something that could be interpreted as a teaser for localising BUSTAFELLOWS‘ sequel “BUSTAFELLOWS Season 2″.
In the meantime, tell your friends about BUSTAFELLOWS, they won’t regret it.
■ Nu:Carnival Merch Pre-orders On Movic Until Nov. 26!
Nu:Carnival mascot plushies (shown above) are open for pre-order on Movic and Animate! There are also Movic and Animate (JP) exclusive merch such as the whole cast of Nu:Carnival finger puppets and animal-themed round plushies for each Nu:Carnival character.
You can also pre-order the mascot plushies (pictured above) in Animate’s USA and International online stores so you can cuddle up to these cute little critters no matter where you live in the world.
■ Otomate Introduces ‘Otomate Graffiti’
Otomate announced their new line (I guess you could call it that) “Otomate Graffiti”, these titles are ‘well-loved’ titles from previous console generations that have been hand-picked to be ported to the Switch.
So far there are 3 titles announced:
- Kurenai no Homura Sanada Ninpou Chou for Nintendo Switch
- Hakuouki Yuugiroku Taishi-tachi no Daienkai for Nintendo Switch
- Beast and Princess for Nintendo Switch
The website seems to have 3 unknown titles ‘coming soon’, so be sure to be on the look out for further updates.
■ Tokyo Debunker Rises Back From the Ashes
Tokyo Bunker has been renewed after a long time of radio silence and now it is a totally different game, scraping previously revealed information and currently working from the ground up. The only thing that stays the same is the name “Tokyo Debunker” and the developer.
For those who may not know, this is what it used to look like:
All previous posts on Twitter has been deleted so any official postings of the previous Tokyo Debunker is gone but there are still some remnants on google image search so this isn’t really a Studio OwO situation where it was a bit obscure so deletion of material made almost everything lost.
Here is an official statement from the dev team on delays and the reasoning behind rehauling everything. Please check out the thread:
■ coly’s New Mobile Game “Break My Case” Announced
Coly (who know for Stand My Heroes and Mahoutsukai no Yakusoku) has announced a new mobile game “Break My Case”. There will be 21 characters and set in modern-day Tokyo.
The plot revolves around “Aporia”, a seemingly ordinary cafe that has two faces. After it’s operating hours as a cafe, only a limited number of customers are offered a relaxing time and special services–a multi-agency that responds to “what is not enough”.
It is unknown if there is a player character and may just be an ensemble cast of 21 people as well as gacha mechanics lol. But between you and me…. the cast is too hot to not have a player character jk jk.
Scenario will be written by Hajime Aida (Stand My Heroes) and illustration done by Utako Yukihiro (B-Project character designer).
Currently open for pre-registrations!
■ Dessert de Otomate 2024 Event Date Decided!
Dessert de Otomate is back on the menu bois.
Mark your calendars for February 24, 2024 as Dessert de Otomate will be held on that day. For those not in the know, Dessert de Otomate is a one-day event held by Otomate that is like a lite version of Otomate Party at the start of every year.
There will be live-readings by voice actors, exclusive merch that you can only purchase at the event (and possibly online) as well as a possibility to see new title announcements or get updates on previously announced titles.
2024’s theme seems pretty cute with the ‘cottage-core’ look. The tagline is “A special dessert, just for you”.
Check for further details on the website:
—Final Words
That’s about it for this month, which is pretty packed for both JP and EN otome/josei-muke players. Getting fed, especially so close to holiday season too 😋
As for me I have been playing some Fashion Dreamer off-stream lol. I still need to get even if Tempest’s FD and the localisation of Virche Evermore (a game I’ve been wanting to play for a while but was scared that my level of understanding Japanese would make me not understand the plot lol). Hopefully I get around to getting them.
As always, thanks for reading and take care of yourselves!
ときめきレイジーライフ💛 