Kurobane Shiki: Main Story Review

Cutest smile ever!!!

Shiki is really kawaii in a childish way and not as verbally vicious as I thought he would be.  He actually has really silly and funny lines that made me laugh.  In all honesty, at first I thought of him like a little cousin or brother and I felt similar to the MC in wanting to be protective and even as far as motherly.

It was kind of difficult for me to keep this mindset though because although Shiki is like a little brother, he has this underlying maturity and strong insight.  For example, he's able to see the creeper of a guy the MC's crushing on (to me it was painfully obvious).

Shiki went out of his way so much in the story and it gave me all kinds of internal heart explosions.  He is so sweet in looking out for you along the sidelines and omg, I just love him to bits.

I love Shiki so much because although he complains a lot, he still does his best to help you and make you happy, being the selfless demon that he is.  Shiki will often say how he feels sick or is tired or sleepy and at first, it seems like he's lazy but he actually works really hard behind the scenes, using his special mind control powers.

This may be a super personal bias of mine but I think that Shiki is in the top 5 most beautiful characters created by Voltage.  I don't know if it's his pretty, almond violet eyes complimented with sleek black hair or the glasses...  He doesn't even wear nice fashion, (just a white long-sleeved shirt & occasional black blazer) but he's amazingly attractive!  His sprites are so hot that I could probably do without his CGs.  XD All his expressions are perfect as well and I love them all.

How does a guy who sleeps all day have those muscles? lol

The game compares Shiki to the likes of a black cat and I think that makes sense seeing that he's the type that's content with snuggling and doing as he pleases.  But he's still considerate and doesn't force anything upon you.  He's also gentle in nature and is shown to be the protective type.

Shiki's route felt natural, well-paced, and realistic.  I could actually see myself in a real-life situation with a guy like Shiki.   

Shiki's interactions with other characters were almost always amusing because he's the type to do whatever he wants.  So when boss Kakeru comes along and gives orders... lets just say it's funny seeing where that conversation goes or doesn't go, lol.

His quirky personality doesn't come without a good background.  Shiki is actually from a wealthy and elite family and grew up with all the political bullshit and two-faced people that come with it.  I'm guessing that since he always had to meet expectations and act a certain way, maybe he's doing everything he wanted to do in his childhood now..  But I can only speculate because the story doesn't go into very deep detail on Shiki's childhood.

I feel like I connect with Shiki a lot because he's kind of like me; I have a childish mind but I'm still pretty mature deep down, I'm kind of an otaku, I keep to myself but I'll be open with people I'm close to, I won't do something if I don't really want to.  It helps that he's affectionate once he gets to know you.. and when I say affectionate, I mean that he treats only you special which I love because I'm the possessive type. xP 

My favorite tsun.

I like playing Shiki's route over and over again because he's just so cute and it's fun seeing how he grows attached and close to you as the story unfolds.  ("^w^")

It's really self-satisfying for me seeing his expressions and reactions since he doesn't talk much at first.  Shiki's route is full of mutual understanding and feelings, give and take which I enjoy immensely.

Miyabi: Main Story Review

...............

SPOILERS?: Yes, mild spoilers

Miyabi you f*cking crazy ass kitsune.  How did I put up with your mood swings for the whole game?  Time for my revenge...

Think of Miyabi as a guy on his period.  Because seriously, he's like that.  He's an extremely selfish, egotistical, and hot/cold character mix. He's also a hedonistic sadist. So I guess you'll enjoy his route if you're into that kind of thing.  Look forward to fun filled sexual assault teasing in his route.  His dialogue is littered with lines like in my example below.

Viewers beware. I don't know if Voltage was aiming for sexy because if they were, they really missed the mark. I was getting seriously grossed out by Miyabi's lines.

It was even more gross because the MC is vehemently refusing his advances but he still kept going with these nasty lines that were more fit for a porn film.

I wasn't expecting much from Miyabi. I thought he would be like the typical 'oresama' character that's usually put first on the list.  What I didn't expect was for him to be such a creep!  Just think, I'm getting freaked out by Miyabi even when he's attractive. What if he wasn't a pretty-boy? He would have been ostracized and kicked out of his village a long time ago.

So if you're expecting a Tomoe from Kamisama Hajimemashita, you'd better stay far away from Miyabi; he will crush your beautiful tsundere kitsune dream into tiny, itty bitty pieces and leave you with creepy sex-fiend nightmares to put you to sleep at night.

Oh god... now I'm starting to get the feeling Miyabi isn't too different from that guy in 30 Shades of Grey.

Grossss, just go away!!!

Miyabi is very selfish. I don't think he's ever asked straight up how MC was doing, just to make a point of how selfish he really is. He'll treat you like a maid, telling you to make food for him and always giving a smart ass remark about how it's not that good or it could be better without ever really thanking you for all your hard work. Ugh, I feel the hate already...

For a guy with so many bad qualities, Miyabi is surprisingly thorough. You would expect him to just be this creepy stalker (which he kind of is...) that tries to touch you inappropriately every chance he gets. But he does look out for you, in his own possessive way and can be pretty damn serious about it.

Miyabi's story actually has some good re-readable qualities because he does some kitsune disguise tricks and things that didn't make sense are made clear after you read the story twice.

 

It's weird but yes, even someone like Miyabi can make logical sense.

He's not very trusting of you and it makes sense for him to feel this way because you spend a good portion of the game crushing on your boss. You even going behind Miyabi's back to go on a date with him.

I can't really blame MC but then again, she did make an agreement.

One of the things that I actually liked about Miyabi's route was his interaction with the other ayakashi guys, especially his bantering with Shinra.

When we were younger, I liked to draw manga comics with my sister. She came up with a hilarious comic-relief character named 'Drug Bear'; he would always show up in the backgrounds, making weird/creepy/sarcastic comments. What I'm trying to say is, Miyabi is Drug Bear.  

I noticed this phenomena with Miyabi while playing other character routes. I just had to save this last picture because it sums up my Drug Bear comparison perfectly.

Drug Bear reincarnated.

Chikage's expression = Priceless

I described Miyabi as hot/cold because in the beginning, he comes onto you really strong and after you try to get closer to him emotionally at the mid-point of the story, he gives you the cold shoulder and avoids you. This seems to me like the behavior of a little, immature boy. (You would think MC-chan would be happier about this since he's not touching her inappropriately anymore..)  I was screaming with joy inside.

I don't think there's any excuse for Miyabi's selfish behavior and overt sexual advances. It's also inexcusable the way the game puts off everything he's done to you like this:

*Facepalm* So you're saying that telling you to stop with "teary eyes" and pushing you away isn't honestly resisting? Should I have kicked you in the balls?  Oh wait, damn, that wasn't an option.

Apparently in Miyabi's world, 'no' means yes and 'yes' means yes.

*Double facepalm K.O.* 

The 'bad guy' in this story, if you stop and think about it, is actually a tragic character. His back story mirrors Miyabi's but he doesn't have all those nasty character traits Miyabi has. And yet he doesn't get the girl in the end. Which is kind of sad, because he had been with the MC longer and was trying to slowly win her favor before Miyabi essentially snatched her away.

Miyabi might try to act sensual and try to pull off 'sexy', but he just comes across as icky and creepy, even with his pretty face.  I can't think of any redeeming qualities of Miyabi's besides the fact that he's serious about protecting you (although imo, you need to be protected from him).

Kyoga: Main Story Review

I know beb, I know.. ∩(︶▽︶)∩

SPOILERS?: Yes, mild spoilers

Oh Kyoga, you perfect, perfect man. *Hugssss*  Wolf guys in anime always seem to be such sweet talkers don't they?  It must be cause they have a love for women.

I knew, from the moment I saw this guy, that he shall be mine. ( " - v - ")
I am happy to say that my good feeling about him has been correct.

Kyoga is the only character where I actually purchased all his stories (epilogues and sequels). This is extremely uncommon for a cheapo like me.  But then again, at the time his stories were on sale.

 ( - 3 - ) ~ ❤

 Haters gon' hate!

CHARACTER:

In my opinion, Kyoga is the best character route in this game.  He's sexy, courteous, respectful, and everything else you would want in a guy.  Yet for his character being so developed, his story route is still filled with suspense.  Don't let his rough, badass look deceive you; he's a model prince if you ask me (just minus the flirting).  I think the problem in his character route wasn't so much Kyoga, but more the MC.  She is so insecure!

Kyoga has his flaws, but they are minor compared to the other characters.  He has a big heart, and cares a lot about his community.  An example is how he states that MC is 'someone who will support the clan'.  MC is thrown into a tizzy by this statement and questions his feelings about her.  Kyoga's tendency to joke around doesn't really help because it makes him appear like he's never serious about anything.  There are a lot of scenes with him becoming serious but immediately turning around and cock blocking himself, saying "just joking!" trolololol

He covers up with jesting because he has this habit of suppressing his deepest feelings.  Sort of like the typical Japanese guy who's taught at a young age to not show emotions that will make one appear weak, unrestrained, and unmanly.  These emotions include fear, anger, sadness, etc.  Kyoga is a bit different from the norm though since he strongly expresses his affection for MC. 

Kyoga: "Why so serious?"

I don't know if I would ever doubt someone if they acted like him in reality.  Kyoga is the type of guy to show his love through actions and eventually, words.  That's why I was so frustrated with MC.  Because really, Kyoga bends over backwards for her.  He always waits for her to finish work so he can escort her home, inquires about her day, never forces her to do anything she doesn't want to do, he's an excellent communicator... the list goes on.  Kyoga is just so devoted.  It's difficult to not like him.

STORY:

Like I said earlier, even though Kyoga is such a well developed guy that doesn't need much improvement, his story was still interesting.

There is a love rival and his name is Aoi.

This sounds like a conversation I would have with my mom... 

(fyi, Kyoga is the mom)

Aoi is Kyoga's foil.  Where Kyoga likes to jest, Aoi is serious; Where Kyoga is vague, Aoi is straightforward; Kyoga is calm, Aoi is hot-headed.

So, in terms of honestly expressing feelings such as anger and passion, Aoi is hot and Kyoga is cold.  But not in an obvious way.  Because Kyoga is very affectionate. ^^

Aoi can get a little annoying at times because he's just so persistent.  He's like that damn guy you meet at work or somewhere who immediately expresses his interest in you and when you tell him you aren't interested, he just won't take a hint.

The baddies are the Tora (tiger) clan who have been in a tense relationship with the Ookami (wolf) clan for many years.  The whole thing makes sense and fits into the story although it's cliche as hell.  Those territorial bastards.

Here's something fun the writers threw in: they gave Kyoga that time of the month!  So remember Inuyasha, and when there was a new moon he would turn back into a human?  In reverse, on a night with a full moon, well... Kyoga turns into a horny beast.  Yeah, fun times for MC.

PROS:

- Kyoga is f*cking awesome
- Aoi brings out different sides of Kyoga's character
- Lots of sexy / playful scenes 
- Side characters are funny and supportive toward MC

CONS:

- MC is super insecure
- The plot is obviously cliche
- Aoi comes onto MC too strong, making him more of a nuisance than a true love rival

Sakura Naomasa: Main Story Review

He usually is more talkative... honest!

 SPOILERS?: Yes, mild spoilers

I think of Naomasa as this socially awkward, emo alien from another planet. Why did I choose him?... Let's just say this was my first Voltage otome game and I thought he'd be mysterious~. I also had this strange fetish for megane (glasses) ikemen at the time. (> v <)

'Mr Sakura' is contradictory and really awkward in basic communication.. For example, when MC first encounters him, he's not at all embarrassed to be sleeping in the same bed with her butt neked yet he gets embarrassed about small things like holding her hand.

 Oh! Sorry, my mistake..(>///<).................... wait, what?

At one point, he drags MC into a dark room and asks, "Is this okay?" and she's thinking, 'Wtf?, you trying to get in my panties already?!!' while all he had to do was turn on a light switch to show her a room he got prepared for her to sleep in. *Huuuuuuuuuuuu.*

I believe the word 'brusque' is describing Naomasa's tendency to grab MC forcefully by the arm and drag her around like a doll.  It's also his blunt and VAGUE way of wording things, just to make things more fun and confusing for her. Must be in his yakuza blood.

But besides his tendency to make MC read between the lines, he's a nice, dependable, and loyal guy that doesn't get sidetracked by an annoying bitch, *ahem* woman they both encounter.

Naomasa's sob story is that he believes he 'killed' his mother since she died after giving birth to him or something.  Since his father's communication skills are as good as shit (like father like son), he sent Naomasa signals that he hates him for it. As a result, Naomasa's been blaming himself for his mother's death all these years.  Naomasa also blames himself for ruining his father's secretary's life by taking up all of his time because he had to study for college, I think?  I dunno, it's weird.  Naomasa has what I like to call, RKS or, Rurouni-Kenshin-Syndrome where he feels like he doesn't deserve happiness in his life because of his so called, sins.

Eventually you both get to the point where you learn more about him..., blah blah blah, evil guy shows up at the end, he gets his ass handed to him, and you both live your lovey dovey life happily ever after together.

I've only gotten through Naomasa's main story and although it started off pretty sexy and heated, it got lukewarm as the story progressed.  Not to mention, there was this really dull and lame setting that was apparently supposed to be that special medium where MC and Naomasa get to know each other better?  Imho, it was lame and kept popping up.

 Words cannot express how much I f*cking hate this red mailbox.....  

Getting off fugly red mailbox street, there was a nicer setting at the beach and I don't know why Voltage insisted on bringing back ugly red mailbox over and over again..

Naomasa got better towards the end; he and MC sort of met halfway and he confesses his love.  Personally, I liked the bitter ending better just because it was more sexy.

This dude is like a clam.  You gotta be persistent and slowly pry him open. (°∀°)b  It's in his personality to be a bit dry and humorless but his feelings and values are genuine.

My final impression? Hot, emo, and socially awkward.

Yep

Kisumi Hiroki: Review

The Idol Dormitory  4.5 / 5 

Intro: The company you work for suddenly goes bankrupt and you are swept into working as a matron in an apartment full of pop idols.

My thoughts: Can I just say, sexylicious?  Yes, I haven't 'completed' any Otome games yet but I've tried many and this one really stands out as having lots of risqué excitement.  With the guys all being pop idols, I guess it's because their personalities are wired to be confident and openly sensual to the main character.  Sort of like, "Hey, I'm a pop idol and I'm devilishly handsome.  Let's mess around with the new matron!"  The character designs are beautiful and their expressions are well done.  The background art also seems to be more consistent, but still not on part with Voltage games. 

Kisumi Hiroki  5 / 5

Kisumi is a bad boy with a split personality.  When it comes to these games, I don't know why but I have a thing for the brutish, masculine guys.  Maybe because their route is usually exciting.  You'll see a lot of Kisumi dragging the main character around, pushing her down onto the bed, and pretty much everything else that would have women either running or kicking him in the balls (your first encounter with him is pretty messed up).  But this is an otome game, and Kisumi is a tall, handsome, perfect-bodied idol so it's all good.  Despite him being a condescending ass at times, he turns out to be a lot more complex than I thought, which was pleasantly surprising.  From the very beginning, he's forward, teasing, and intimate with you so you don't have to work that hard to obtain his affection.  I like him a lot because although he likes to have the upper hand with flirting and teasing you, he can get pretty jealous and isn't afraid of showing his affection.

Minato Yusuke: Review

Sweet Scandal  3.5 / 5   

Intro: You are a reporter who landed an assignment to interview one of these three guys. 

  
My thoughts: This was my first Otome game ever!  So it holds a special place in my heart.  One thing I like about the OKKO / Arithmetic games is that although the stories are long, it greatly improves the character-relationship experience and makes everything much more believable.  Sweet Scandal is interesting although the in-between time lapse dialogue is slightly boring to get through.  I like how it's actually somewhat of a challenge to get your guy to like you because the answer prompts aren't always clearly defined as passive, forward, etc.  The character art is nice but I noticed the background art isn't consistent and flip flops between real life pictures, average computer illustration, and some backgrounds are blurry.  Maybe it's because this game is older.. but it's all tolerable and the backgrounds fit the scenes well.

Minato Yusuke  3.5 / 5

Minato is the perfect tsundere.  He's not too crazy and not too mean but just right.  I chose him because of the most shallow reason ever; he looked handsome in a flashy way (note the hair pins).  It takes a while for him to open up to you but it's realistic and fun to see his cute side after putting up with his trademark scowl all the time.  At first he's cold and keeps brushing you off but he becomes quite passionate later on.. And I mean REALLY passionate (lots of steamy kissing sessions in due time).
I had a lot of fun with Minato because of all the different faces he shows you. At first, he's like gtf away from me but fret not; persistence is key. ;3

Tsunderes are great fun and I hear they're good to start with.

Aww.. Aren't tsun's so cute?

(o// > w < //)o


Minato: "I can't seem to control myself when I'm with you..."

You: Kyaaaaaa! (lolol)