Article

Upcoming Otome Game Releases from Aksys, Idea Factory

July 24, 2015

Japanese game developers are listening to international otome game fans as companies continue to expand their catalogs outside of Japan. Otome games in the West are most common on mobile devices, while consoles and PCs still have a lot of catching up to do. However, perhaps that will change since we are getting three games for Vita this year, one on which will also be released on Steam.

Idea Factory, which owns Otomate Studio (a developer of popular otome games), is jumping directly into the mix with its August release of Amnesia: Memories on Playstation Vita and Steam. Idea Factory is also offering two limited editions with all sorts of goodies that you can preorder starting 6 p.m. PST Aug. 5. Note that only one of the editions comes with the game in the form of a Steam key. The other is merchandise only.

Amnesia: Memories

Synopsis from publisher: On the 1st of August, you awake as the Heroine, with previous memories of who you are somehow snatched away from you. In your confusion, a mysterious spirit named Orion appears to help you regain your memories. You’ll explore your own world as a complete stranger, trying to understand what was once familiar all while hiding your condition from the five men close to you. Because, as Orion warns, you may jeopardize any chance of recovering your memories if anyone finds out. It’s now up to you recover the past to rewrite your future love story!

Aksys Games, a company that translates and localizes Japanese games, announced in late April that it will release two titles: Idea Factory’s Code: Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth~ and Norn9: Var Commons, both available on Playstation Vita this fall.

: Screenshot from Code: Realize

Code: Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth~

Synopsis from Publisher: Restricted to an abandoned mansion on the outskirts of London in fulfillment of a promise to her father, lonely Cardia lives day to day isolated from the world. Her body carries a deadly poison that rots or melts anything her skin touches, prompting the locals to call her a “monster.” Her last conversation with her father two years ago, telling her to stay out of sight and never fall in love, is the furthest back she can remember. One day, her quiet solitude is interrupted as the Royal Guards break in to capture her. It is then that Cardia meets Arsène Lupin, a chivalrous thief, who helps her escape the soldiers’ clutches. She soon finds herself on a journey with Lupin to locate her father, who holds the answers to her mysterious condition. The two are soon joined by four more interesting and handsome gentlemen…

Norn9: Var Commons Japanese edition

Norn9: Var Commons

Synopsis from Publisher: One day, elementary school child prodigy Sorata Suzuhara hears a mysterious song and finds himself transported to what looks like the past. In this unfamiliar place, he soon meets a girl who brings him with her aboard a round space ship called Norn. Nearly all of the 12 people on the ship have a unique power, and they’re traveling on Norn to reach their ultimate destination. Why are they going on this journey? What is this destination they speak of? The ship is attacked and, by switching between the point of views of each girl, the mystery surrounding the ship and its occupants unfolds.

There are two otome English games already released on consoles. Both were developed by Idea Factory, but licensed and published by Aksys. Hakuoki, released in the U.S. in 2013 and 2014, is available on the Playstation Portable, Playstation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, and Playstation 3. The other game is Sweet Fuse, which is available on PSP and digitally on the Vita, was published in the U.S. in 2013.

What other otome games do you hope to see released in the West? What’s your favorite way to play?

Sources: Aksys, Idea Factory, Wikipedia: Sweet Fuse

1 Comment

YAY!!! I hope more people see this article. I really want Aksys to see that there is a market. I bought my vita after I heard the news for Code Realize. I’m getting all three-even though I don’t like Amnesia-to show my support. I truly hope more games are released-and no more Hakuoki, please-and that they are released to the vita, or Playstation consoles. I dislike the mobile games.

Maybe if you have time, you could write an article about otome games and why manga readers/anime watchers would enjoy them? Especially if they’ve played Harvest Moon, Rune Factory or Fire Emblem Awakening. Or if they really like bishounen lol.

I really hope otome games become a thing here in the West.

Mary Jul 24, 2015