Have you heard of Otome games/maiden games/choose your boyfriend games? They're basically visual novels/dating sim games meant for a female audience (though, more and more guys play them now, too). They have become really popular now, and you can find a lot of them in English in the App Store or on Google Play. Some of them you can play entirely for free!
Games I'm playing now (will be amended several times--may contain spoilers):
Once Upon a Fairy Love Tale
Developer: Arithmetic
Invitation ID: bRxvf7
Route: Albert
Current Events:
This is about you being transported to a magical land with princes that are like representations of the protagonists in fairy tales. The current available routes are Prince Albert of the Glass Kingdom (Cinderella), King Luca who has wolf ears (Little Red Riding Hood), and the part beast Prince Leonhardt (Beauty and the Beast). There are other characters, too, like the rabbit eared servant named Harold (who is supposed to be from Alice in Wonderland), and some other guys who might rival your prince. They're currently only available during special events. This is my favorite of Arithmetic's games so far. The rest of them I don't think are so great. As sweet as Albert is, I'm surprised not many people play him. The vast majority play Luca and Leonhardt. Leonhardt is the most popular character because...well, just look him up. <3 The story is mostly about y becoming queen, with powers to save the citizens who have suddenly fallen asleep. The prince is supposed to be your escort. Just letting you know that some of the special event stories have Pure Ends and Rich Ends. If you choose the Rich Ends, just be over 18, and don't use your parent's phone. Other than that, enjoy the bad Engrish. XDDDDD
My Fairy Tales+
Developer: Shall We Date
Current Events: none (they didn't even have a Valentine's Day special?!)
Invitation ID: MGTwCnA2gw
Route: Ocean
This is yet another fairy tale love story. You're a witch who got transported to a new land, but since you're still in training, your powers aren't enough to go back home. The only way you can go back home is to make someone in the land happy. The guys are just male versions of the fairy tale protagonists, like Ocean is supposed to be The Little Mermaid. But, it's hardly like Disney. The guys even have their own unique personalities. And in each story, there are recycled base characters, Ruben and Toto, who play good or bad roles, Marybell, who is usually a witch of some sort, and Aster, who pretty much is always bad. In Ocean's story, he is supposed to be your psycho fiancé. Careful, this game is a money milker. I'm currently at the part where I need 19 sweets to pass the Owl's Forked Road. Good thing it's easy to collect gems, which is in-game money. But...that owl must have one hell of a sweet tooth! The other routes are Cindo, Seanwhite, Thumbelina, and Gretel (yes, they didn't even bother XD; ). I switch between characters until I have enough gems. Cindo is a sadistic ass, because he makes you his slave, and a golddigger, as he's trying to marry the princess to get back into nobility. Seanwhite is actually quite nice, but he loves women too much. Ocean is a bit conceited, but also curious about the human world. They listed his hobby as 'Manwatching'...maybe they should have reworded that. XDDDD; Some of the things he does as a human are hilarious. There's this one scene where after Ocean takes a bath, he just steps out of the tub, and walks around...without clothes. By this time, he lost his voice, so it's difficult for him to understand what he wants or needs to do. Then you have to make a choice between watching him try to get dressed, or to help him get dressed. Of course you would help him...
It comes with a photo!
Niflheim
Developer: Shall We Date
Invitation ID: E4tevk1znW
Current Events: Beautiful Lovesickness (until March 2--apparently rainbow geckos mean something terrible is about to happen, but I would think they're cute...)
Route: Jean
This is my favorite of Shall we Date's games so far. You have finally woken up after being dead for 1000 years. You now live in the land of the dead, Niflheim. The main routes right now are: Orlando, the bitter and strict earl whose tragic past made him avoid love, the poet Phillipe who somehow escaped death, J.J. the zombie scientist, Jean the boisterous immature king of Niflheim, and the newest route, Pale Ghost, who only you can see. Spoiler: his name is Nick. I originally wanted him, but I joined before he was available (By the way, Pale Ghost's story is now available for the Happy Memorial Day, Niflheim! special). Most people play Jean because he acts like the popular boy you always wanted to go out with. And he's the most hilarious and has the most interesting storyline. You wake up a princess, and the king's fiancée. And he showers you with pet names. XDDDDD And they say the king is Niflheim itself (which is actually not always a good thing). And the music is awesome! Remixes of J.S. Bach! The backgrounds are beautiful and so is the interface artwork, which makes this game a memory hog. A lot of the time, it would make your phone lag. I the way they translated the game, too. Especially Jean's dialogue ("I stick my tongue out at thee!")
My Sweet Prince
Developer: Shall We Date
Invitation ID: E1UNSJfDuJ
Current Events: Valentine's Day part 1 and 2 (both must be purchased with coins)
Route: Nagit (already finished), Melchiorre (spin-off)
The main story is about a tourist who finds a bracelet, but some officials have mistaken her for stealing it, so she is taken to the royal palace. After she explains her situation, the bracelet is meant for the heir to the throne. And you have to choose who will be the next king. Apparently, age is just a number in this game, since Nagit is only 16, and you can even date the butler, who is 40. I finished the game entirely for free! Though, the Royal Lessons consume more stamina than most games, and avatar items cost more in-game coins. Checkpoint items like the Gold Key costs 4000! But, daily login bonuses make it easier.
Wizardess Heart
Developer: Shall We Date
Invitation ID: D2u3xpLdL0
Route: Yukiya
Current Events: Magic Competition
This is a blatant Harry Potter ripoff, because it takes place in a magic academy. There's even a guy who looks like Snape! But, the protagonist in the story is not always good at magic. But, she can talk to animals. And the vast majority of the players chose Yukiya. Probably because his story is the most interesting. He actually believes that magic is a curse, and when he casts magic, his left eye hurts. There's this big rumor going around that he actually is cursed, but the heroine is trying to prove it not true. Unlike a lot of shoujo heroes, Yukiya is actually genuinely nice, and you don't suffer insults or anything to get to his center. You just be nice to him and he warms up. The other routes are the school idol, Elias, and the slacker Luca. The soundtrack is just lovely, and there's an opening movie!
Destiny Ninja
Developer: Shall We Date
Invitation ID: K1xbsR38pY
Route: Yoshitsune
Current Events: Touch My Heart
The story is about a young woman who has lost her memory, and is rescued by a ninja of your choice. The ninjas don't really belong to any sort of clan or group, they're more like volunteers. Some of the designs look like blatant ripoffs of Naruto, but much more shoujo-like. Yoshitsune is the heir of the Genji clan and takes you in. He's very caring, gentle, and sometimes likes to joke around. He's always there to help his comrades, and each one of them has a backstory about how he changed their lives. He was an orphan, and finally found his only living relative--his older brother at the temple where he trained. Even though he was an heir, he always felt lonely, and would spend the night playing the flute. Ultimately, he is torn between his destiny as an heir to the clan, and falling in love with you. I honestly think this is one of the most if not the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. The heroine doesn't do much, but just comforting him changes Yoshitsune so much. It's also action-packed with scary villains. And I played completely for free! Though, I'm not done yet. XD; I still need 7 gate passes for the checkpoint. But, this game is really generous with the login bonuses and in-game prizes. Passes unfortunately cost 1000 Zeni, but with the bonuses, I might not need real money.
Arithmetic's official Twitter is now open! twitter.com/Arith_Love
There are some that are completely for free, and for PC users, like Pyrite Heart. I forgot the developer's name, but it looks incredible. It's a very short story and has only a few choices, but the graphics and the music are at the professional level. There's even a full voice-acting version! It's about an arrogant, overly competitive princess of what looks like modern Japan who competes with her older brother to see if she can survive a public high school. The choices are the witty and arrogant class president and her long-time friend and royal servant, who spies on her in case she fails.
There is My Candy Love, but I think the character stereotypes have gotten to me. I mean, token black dateable character who plays basketball (though, I do like his ponytail), and Amber's friend Li, and Kim, who makes suggestions of prostitution. The later episodes have become much more interesting, however.
And I played Princess Battles, which costs 20 dollars. Sadly, I lost it when I switched computers! But it was so much fun. It's a card battle game, and the storyline is really short and simple, and gives you the choice of marrying a prince, a tutor, a thief, or a general. Or, you could stay single. I did like the music, even though the battle music was out of place for the theme. You can play in free mode and build your own deck.
Games I'm playing now (will be amended several times--may contain spoilers):
Once Upon a Fairy Love Tale
Developer: Arithmetic
Invitation ID: bRxvf7
Route: Albert
Current Events:
This is about you being transported to a magical land with princes that are like representations of the protagonists in fairy tales. The current available routes are Prince Albert of the Glass Kingdom (Cinderella), King Luca who has wolf ears (Little Red Riding Hood), and the part beast Prince Leonhardt (Beauty and the Beast). There are other characters, too, like the rabbit eared servant named Harold (who is supposed to be from Alice in Wonderland), and some other guys who might rival your prince. They're currently only available during special events. This is my favorite of Arithmetic's games so far. The rest of them I don't think are so great. As sweet as Albert is, I'm surprised not many people play him. The vast majority play Luca and Leonhardt. Leonhardt is the most popular character because...well, just look him up. <3 The story is mostly about y becoming queen, with powers to save the citizens who have suddenly fallen asleep. The prince is supposed to be your escort. Just letting you know that some of the special event stories have Pure Ends and Rich Ends. If you choose the Rich Ends, just be over 18, and don't use your parent's phone. Other than that, enjoy the bad Engrish. XDDDDD
My Fairy Tales+
Developer: Shall We Date
Current Events: none (they didn't even have a Valentine's Day special?!)
Invitation ID: MGTwCnA2gw
Route: Ocean
This is yet another fairy tale love story. You're a witch who got transported to a new land, but since you're still in training, your powers aren't enough to go back home. The only way you can go back home is to make someone in the land happy. The guys are just male versions of the fairy tale protagonists, like Ocean is supposed to be The Little Mermaid. But, it's hardly like Disney. The guys even have their own unique personalities. And in each story, there are recycled base characters, Ruben and Toto, who play good or bad roles, Marybell, who is usually a witch of some sort, and Aster, who pretty much is always bad. In Ocean's story, he is supposed to be your psycho fiancé. Careful, this game is a money milker. I'm currently at the part where I need 19 sweets to pass the Owl's Forked Road. Good thing it's easy to collect gems, which is in-game money. But...that owl must have one hell of a sweet tooth! The other routes are Cindo, Seanwhite, Thumbelina, and Gretel (yes, they didn't even bother XD; ). I switch between characters until I have enough gems. Cindo is a sadistic ass, because he makes you his slave, and a golddigger, as he's trying to marry the princess to get back into nobility. Seanwhite is actually quite nice, but he loves women too much. Ocean is a bit conceited, but also curious about the human world. They listed his hobby as 'Manwatching'...maybe they should have reworded that. XDDDD; Some of the things he does as a human are hilarious. There's this one scene where after Ocean takes a bath, he just steps out of the tub, and walks around...without clothes. By this time, he lost his voice, so it's difficult for him to understand what he wants or needs to do. Then you have to make a choice between watching him try to get dressed, or to help him get dressed. Of course you would help him...
It comes with a photo!Niflheim
Developer: Shall We Date
Invitation ID: E4tevk1znW
Current Events: Beautiful Lovesickness (until March 2--apparently rainbow geckos mean something terrible is about to happen, but I would think they're cute...)
Route: Jean
This is my favorite of Shall we Date's games so far. You have finally woken up after being dead for 1000 years. You now live in the land of the dead, Niflheim. The main routes right now are: Orlando, the bitter and strict earl whose tragic past made him avoid love, the poet Phillipe who somehow escaped death, J.J. the zombie scientist, Jean the boisterous immature king of Niflheim, and the newest route, Pale Ghost, who only you can see. Spoiler: his name is Nick. I originally wanted him, but I joined before he was available (By the way, Pale Ghost's story is now available for the Happy Memorial Day, Niflheim! special). Most people play Jean because he acts like the popular boy you always wanted to go out with. And he's the most hilarious and has the most interesting storyline. You wake up a princess, and the king's fiancée. And he showers you with pet names. XDDDDD And they say the king is Niflheim itself (which is actually not always a good thing). And the music is awesome! Remixes of J.S. Bach! The backgrounds are beautiful and so is the interface artwork, which makes this game a memory hog. A lot of the time, it would make your phone lag. I the way they translated the game, too. Especially Jean's dialogue ("I stick my tongue out at thee!")
My Sweet Prince
Developer: Shall We Date
Invitation ID: E1UNSJfDuJ
Current Events: Valentine's Day part 1 and 2 (both must be purchased with coins)
Route: Nagit (already finished), Melchiorre (spin-off)
The main story is about a tourist who finds a bracelet, but some officials have mistaken her for stealing it, so she is taken to the royal palace. After she explains her situation, the bracelet is meant for the heir to the throne. And you have to choose who will be the next king. Apparently, age is just a number in this game, since Nagit is only 16, and you can even date the butler, who is 40. I finished the game entirely for free! Though, the Royal Lessons consume more stamina than most games, and avatar items cost more in-game coins. Checkpoint items like the Gold Key costs 4000! But, daily login bonuses make it easier.
Wizardess Heart
Developer: Shall We Date
Invitation ID: D2u3xpLdL0
Route: Yukiya
Current Events: Magic Competition
This is a blatant Harry Potter ripoff, because it takes place in a magic academy. There's even a guy who looks like Snape! But, the protagonist in the story is not always good at magic. But, she can talk to animals. And the vast majority of the players chose Yukiya. Probably because his story is the most interesting. He actually believes that magic is a curse, and when he casts magic, his left eye hurts. There's this big rumor going around that he actually is cursed, but the heroine is trying to prove it not true. Unlike a lot of shoujo heroes, Yukiya is actually genuinely nice, and you don't suffer insults or anything to get to his center. You just be nice to him and he warms up. The other routes are the school idol, Elias, and the slacker Luca. The soundtrack is just lovely, and there's an opening movie!
Destiny Ninja
Developer: Shall We Date
Invitation ID: K1xbsR38pY
Route: Yoshitsune
Current Events: Touch My Heart
The story is about a young woman who has lost her memory, and is rescued by a ninja of your choice. The ninjas don't really belong to any sort of clan or group, they're more like volunteers. Some of the designs look like blatant ripoffs of Naruto, but much more shoujo-like. Yoshitsune is the heir of the Genji clan and takes you in. He's very caring, gentle, and sometimes likes to joke around. He's always there to help his comrades, and each one of them has a backstory about how he changed their lives. He was an orphan, and finally found his only living relative--his older brother at the temple where he trained. Even though he was an heir, he always felt lonely, and would spend the night playing the flute. Ultimately, he is torn between his destiny as an heir to the clan, and falling in love with you. I honestly think this is one of the most if not the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. The heroine doesn't do much, but just comforting him changes Yoshitsune so much. It's also action-packed with scary villains. And I played completely for free! Though, I'm not done yet. XD; I still need 7 gate passes for the checkpoint. But, this game is really generous with the login bonuses and in-game prizes. Passes unfortunately cost 1000 Zeni, but with the bonuses, I might not need real money.
Arithmetic's official Twitter is now open! twitter.com/Arith_Love
There are some that are completely for free, and for PC users, like Pyrite Heart. I forgot the developer's name, but it looks incredible. It's a very short story and has only a few choices, but the graphics and the music are at the professional level. There's even a full voice-acting version! It's about an arrogant, overly competitive princess of what looks like modern Japan who competes with her older brother to see if she can survive a public high school. The choices are the witty and arrogant class president and her long-time friend and royal servant, who spies on her in case she fails.
There is My Candy Love, but I think the character stereotypes have gotten to me. I mean, token black dateable character who plays basketball (though, I do like his ponytail), and Amber's friend Li, and Kim, who makes suggestions of prostitution. The later episodes have become much more interesting, however.
And I played Princess Battles, which costs 20 dollars. Sadly, I lost it when I switched computers! But it was so much fun. It's a card battle game, and the storyline is really short and simple, and gives you the choice of marrying a prince, a tutor, a thief, or a general. Or, you could stay single. I did like the music, even though the battle music was out of place for the theme. You can play in free mode and build your own deck.
