
for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System marked both Japan’s first female-oriented game and first otome game (Kim). The 1994 release of “Angelique” by Koei Co. Otome culture “revive conventional ideas of femininity and heterosexual narratives… celebrate the positive energy of romance” (p. The nostalgic term “otome”, or “maiden”, is less commonly used. In Japanese, the term “shojo”, or “young woman”, is commonly used to refer to popular culture of fashion or entertainment that celebrates teen maturation (Kapell, p. Otome game Reine des Fleurs by Idea Factory () History of Otome Games I seek to identify common character archetypes and plot narratives in otome games, which may assist American readers to easily immerse themselves into culturally Japanese games. In this paper, I apply research methods of American romance novel scholars to analyze prevalent tropes in otome games. However, English speakers do not only encounter the barrier of translational delay-they must cross cultural differences as well. Otome games are most commonly presented in visual novel or dating simulation format, and focus on visual storytelling and dialogue.Īlthough the genre originated in Japan in the mid 1990’s, an eruption of English translation and domestic production of games in the past decade allows English speakers around the world to access otome games. The protagonist, usually female, explores a romantic relationship with male love interests over a main storyline. Otome games, literally “maiden games”, are a popular Japanese genre of plot-based video games marketed towards women (Kapell). He's present in Jamie's life for far longer than they ever would've guessed.Īnd then the long days of vacation finally come to an end.Character and Plot Tropes in Japanese Otome Games Whether Jamie wants to play along or not, Cove isn’t going anywhere. Holden, Jamie’s new neighbor, as well as the father of the odd, and oddly named boy, Cove. He wants Jamie to please be friends with his only child. The man is looking for a kid who can do him a favor, and he’s even offering to pay for it. While coming home under a scorching sunset one fine evening, Jamie is approached by a stranger.

At eight-years-old, nothing is better than what feels like endless days of school-less adventures, especially when you live walking distance from the beach. Jamie Last (changeable name) has spent the last couple weeks on a summertime high.
397,000 words, 16-24 hours of content in total.A welcoming, sentimental story that can easily be enjoyed over and over using new main character qualities or different connection types with Cove.Decide for yourself how quickly or slowly the relationship with Cove develops by setting a unique dynamic from love at first sight to last minute confessions to always being friends and more.1 love interest, Cove Holden, whose personality, interests, and appearance will develop in a custom way over the years based on his experiences with you.Shape your personality, feelings, and preferences, then see them reflected in the story as characters remember who you are.Change your character's details however you like as you grow, including transitioning to new pronouns.

