You’re probably aware already, but there’s been some nice announcements at Anime Expo a couple weeks back. Sekai Project is finally bringing over Baldr Sky, as well as Koikuma and Sakusaku, while MangaGamer will be localizing Trinoline, Sukisuki, D.S. and Maggot Baits. The future is looking bright for those who have been clamoring for more titles in the West.

MOONSTONE is working on a sequel for Sakuranomori†Dreamers. Does that mean Madoka returns?? I think I wouldn’t be the only one that would like that to happen…

New titles recently announced include:

ALcot – Yomegami My Sweet Goddess! (October 28th)
NekoNekoSoft – Lamune 2
SkyFish poco – Hoshizora Tea Party
SWEET&TEA – Karenai Sekai to Owaru Hana

Release dates have been set for the following:

Low Spec!? – October 28th
Hoshikoi＊Tinkle – January 27th
Haruru Minamo ni! – March 24th

Luxury Tiara’s debut title, Ojou-sama no Hanbun wa Renai de Dekiteimasu!, has been delayed to an undetermined date. The following titles have also been delayed:

BALDR HEART – August 26th
Ichibun no Ni Koigokoro – August 26th
Katahane -An’call Belle- – August 26th
Chuuni Hime no Teikoku – September 30th
Nanairo＊Clip – October 28th

Ema topped the Harumina chara poll, while Shino took first place in the Senkoi goods poll.

CDs hitting the shelves in the coming months include Kagura Houshinka OST (July 29th), Whirlpool complete album 2006-2016 (August 11th), Aokana piano album #1 (August 12th), Wagahigh radio CD (August 12th), Strawberry Nauts drama CDs (August 12th), SMEE vocal collection (August 12th), Kara no Shoujo drama CD (August 26th), and Rorolog complete soundtrack (August 26th).

The Unionism Quartet visual fan book will be out on September 30th.

There’ll be a PSV adaptation for Navel’s Otome Riron later this year.

Kickstarters for a Nekopara anime, as well as a remake of Kiminozo, will be forthcoming. Let me get out the popcorn.

The latest Deremas figure from GSC is Rin crystal night party ver.. This 1/8 scale figure ships in February at a price of ￥11,852.

The Nekopara trading figure box can be all yours for $100. It comes out in December.

Dakimakuras coming out include Koikuma‘s Aruru, D.S.‘s Ame and Hazuki, Lunaris Filia‘s Filia, and Rorolog‘s Kuon.

cafe&bar SIXTEEN is holding a collaboration with FloFlo from July 21st to August 9th.

I feel like I’ve made a bad life decision trying to play TOS, Deresute and Pokémon GO at the same time…

New company UnN/A is holding a character poll to determine the heroines for their debut title Renai Kyoushitsu. You have until August 5th to choose among the 14 girls. Out of all the stereotypes, I’ll choose the imouto without fail, so Kazuha gets my vote!

Other new releases announced this week include:

Azurite – Shinsou Noise (December 22nd)
Campus – Deep Love Diary -Koibito Nikki- (October 28th)
dualtail – VenusBlood Ragnarok (November 25th)
KAI – Majo to Tsurugi to Sen no Tsuki (November 25th)
Pajamas Soft – Love Love Sisters ~Hanayome & Shimai-tachi no Dokidoki Harem Seikatsu~ (October 28th)
Parasol – Kanojo to Ore to Lovely Day (November 25th)
Princess Sugar – Himekoi＊Sucreine!
Shirokuma Dango – Iyashi no Megami no Marmot
Studio Ryokucha – Natsuiro Koi Uta (November 25th)
Windmill – Hatsukoi Sankaime

Release dates have been set for the following:

Karenai Sekai to Owaru Hana – October 28th
Sengokuhime 7 – October 28th
Suki to Suki de Sankaku Renai – November 25th

ensemble SWEET’s Koisuru Ojou-sama wa Ecchi na Hanayome has been delayed to August 26th.

The PSV port for GIGA’s Sakaagari Hurricane is planned for October 27th.

The AQUA visual fan book will be sold first at C90 (August 12th-13th), while the Koitate ~Bara no Seibo~ visual fan book will be on shelves on August 26th. They are priced at ￥3000 and ￥2500, respectively.

Usamin power! Kotobukiya is making a 1/8 scale figure of Deremas‘s Nana Märchen Change ver.. It comes out in December for ￥10,000. What a pretty 17 year old!

Dakimakuras are coming out for Wagahigh‘s Toa and Kaoruko, Amakano‘s Koharu, Senkoi‘s Kuon, Amakano SS‘s Yuzuka, QUINTUPLE☆SPLASH‘s Mio, Noraneko‘s Michi, Sankaiou‘s Agnes, Sorcery Jokers‘ Asahi and Riku, and Tenkiame‘s Shiro.

Not only am I still playing TOS, but Pokémon GO is now officially out as well. I walked around for 6 hours on Friday night and I’m still sore… but I have Vulpix now!

It’s the lowest number of releases I’ve seen in a month, but anytime there’s both YuzuSoft and SAGA PLANETS games, I’m a happy camper! Floral Flowlove and Senren＊Banka promise to be good reads, while Purple Software’s Amatsutsumi may also be a nice pick-up. All three seem to have a surprisingly strong story.

The timing for a slow month couldn’t be better with Micchi in MMO land. If there were not so few releases the games would probably have been out for a few weeks by the time this post went live! Good kids manage their addictions.

Amatsutsumi

Company: パープルソフトウェア (Purple Software)
Game site: アマツツミ
Release date: July 29, 2016
Comments:
Makoto comes from a family of ‘kotodama’ users, who can control people using their voices. One day, he ran away from the village to the outside world which he yearned for and was curious about.

However, he had lived a sheltered life in the village and knew nothing about the world. Not able to live a proper life on his own, he ended up collapsing on a rural road and was saved by a girl Kokoro, who happened to pass by.

Here’s hoping that Amatsutsumi will turn out better than Chrono Clock (Where’s my Miu route? =_=). Writer Mikage also worked on minori titles Yorino and Natsuperu before that. It’s great to have a special ability such as turning words into reality, but there’s a side effect: his life will be shortened with each use. The two heroines that caught my eye, Kokoro and Hotaru, are voiced by Akino Hana and Ogura Yui. The trial was of high quality, with a nice presentation, an attractive cast and a promising story. I’m hoping that it holds up in the full game and that I won’t end up being disappointed.

Purple software should be renamed to Disappointment Software, Sorry Micchi. Their problem is they overdo some element to try and force some form of conflict or drama into their stories at the cost of good writing. The result is they start out somewhat interesting but end up being rather boring. Another way of putting it would be if they couldnt make this a good story about the relationships and development of the various characters without the kotodama aspect they shouldn’t be writing it out to begin with. As for the power of control with words, that part alone is fine, however the subsequent limitations on it feel like it has been put in as a deus ex machina solution. I guess just change “Kotodama” to “Wishes” and you have a Micchi story. Still like always I hope for a good game from the Purple software company, but my logic tells me not to expect too much from them.

Aristear Remain

Company: アストロノーツ・コメット (Astronauts Comet)
Game site: アリスティア・リメイン
Release date: July 29, 2016
Comments:
In a different world that’s similar to modern-day Japan, ‘magic’ exists alongside science and technology. It may seem like a peaceful world, but there are many irregular happenings which commonly occur out of sight. They are the work of the ‘handymen’, individuals who work for the ‘Underground Society’, doing any job so long as it doesn’t break the law.

Seigi is a young man who is true to his name: a strong-willed believer of justice. While he is part of a special police force, he currently disguises himself as a handyman. One day, he was assigned the job of protecting a mysterious girl Ruru who lost her memories. Their accidental meeting would set a small gear in motion, which would gradually roll in those closest to him.

A bit of a sci-fi feel from the latest title from Astronauts, with what seems like dual protagonists. I like the cat ears and tails art by Kokusan Moyashi and Rozea, and the ‘justice’ plot reminds me of Sorcery Jokers (but less dark). It also gives off an AkabeiSoft2 game vibe as well, although likely with more ero. Ruru is very innocent and cute, calling you onii-chan (because Seigi asked her to). I personally find the writing to be a bit on the boring side, but there’s action scenes and the protagonist is half cyborg, so that’s something. The OP is also very nice.

This setting would be good. Would be that is. If only the protagonist was an anti-hero type, not a hooray for justice goody two shoes. Were he a darker type and actually say a handyman there would be hope for a good version of Eustia. The main problem is a justice nutcase does not really work when trying to explore a darker setting. Unless of course the plan is to break him down into a polar opposite over the course of the story. However in that case the time required to do so properly would negate a lot of the value in choosing such a protagonist in the first place. Easier and more sensible to make a protagonist who is already jaded and doesn’t care, perhaps with some sad past to find people he cares about. A part of me wants to play the game just to see if they decide to bend the protagonist into a more realistic person, in which case the story may actually be enjoyable. 

Kimi to Yumemishi

Company: Laplacian
Game site: キミトユメミシ
Release date: July 29, 2016
Comments:
This is the first work by Laplacian. Ever since an accident when he was a child, Kimito has been able to peep into the dreams of others. While his ability enabled him to see a person’s true self, he often became entangled in their nightmares as well. Gradually, he came to unconsciously avoid being too close with others.

Instead of helping others, he would rather pass his time peeping into girls’ unladylike dreams. He targeted the comprehensive school Shuuei Gakuen, which included a large hospital and an university. Not only would there be girls around his age, but he could also snoop in the dreams of sexually-frustrated nurses!

However, there he met four girls with wishes that they couldn’t tell others due to varying circumstances. He decided to enrol in the school to truly understand them. Before he knew it, he fell in love with one of them. For the first time, he felt a strong desire to help someone else.

A mix of gap moe and catering to various fetishes highlights the first work by illustrator Shimofuri and writer Ono Wasabi. The art is average at best, and from the trial, it doesn’t really seem that polished. Half-Russian kouhai has ridiculously huge oppai. I’m curious to learn more about the mysterious dream girl Mikoto. How would you like to peep into a girl’s perverted dreams? You might see something that surprises you. I don’t want to if it involves watersports.

Yeah, this one is pretty stupid. Which I feel sums everything up rather nicely. I’m going to consider this a nukige as the emphasis is more on the H content than actually trying to make anything work from a story or character perspective. If they wanted to make an actual game, ya know, with a story that is, there were better paths to choose. For example let him be able to freely wander and observe the world around him in his dreams instead of being the dream invader. By giving him the role of an observer where people he knows are like beacons it would give both a logical reason for those map choice options in many games and a reason for him to feel detached. Such an approach allows for a more gradual introduction and character development. Something that is important if you want your characters to be more than just material for H scenes.

Floral Flowlove

Company: SAGA PLANETS
Game site: フローラル・フローラブ
Release date: July 29, 2016
Comments:

“If you become lovers with a girl who’s like an angel,
then surely every day will be like heaven!”

Masataka didn’t think that he had anything to do with heaven, but one such angel had him firmly in her sights.

His osananajimi Kano is the top ojou-sama at the school, an unattainable flower despite showering him with love every day. Her best friend Nanao is a beautiful black-haired girl with looks that rival a model’s, however she has a cold personality that garnered her the nickname ‘tsuntsun angel’. Adelheid is a real princess with an angelic voice, but she is always listless and needing other’s help. Kohane is a devout Christian who is like an angel or even the Virgin Mary due to her kindness.

It may be fate, but he has a small secret. By looking at someone, he can see wings on them. They appear as white feathers when the person is good; When they are bad, they show as black feathers. It all started one day when he was a child… when he saw an angel for the first time.

There’s an angel in here, and her name is Riku. Well, of course I love imoutos the most, even if they seem resigned to subheroine status in SAGA PLANETS games. Kano and A-chan are good girls (especially Kano), and I would like Kohane more if not for her constant religious talk. Don’t be fooled by the synopsis; the trial offered more than just the usual chara-ge fare with a quite unexpected serious direction. It’s a bit like AXL’s Koitate where he has to protect Kano from those with black feathers. I have high hopes for this title.

My brain hurts just trying to imagine the logic behind a game like this. There is simply no point at all to the angel bit. It exists solely as a gimmick to make the game seem like there is something more to it than a generic charage, a not very good one at that. All good charage require a means to develop their characters to make them worth the investment. Essentially Floral Flowlove is just an eroge by numbers with wings. I’ll pass.

Tsumikoi×2/3

Company: Campus
Game site: 罪恋×2/3
Release date: July 29, 2016
Comments:
Kouichi was walking home one rainy day with his imouto Meguri under the same umbrella when he suddenly heard a loud thud behind him. It was not the rain, but the sound of something heavy falling from above. Even though he sensed that he shouldn’t look back, his curiosity got the better of him. What he saw was his osananajimi Reina, with a pool of blood spreading out from her body.

Reina remained in critical condition over the next few days, with no sign of waking up. Was it a suicide or murder attempt, or simply an accident? Kouichi and Meguri fretted over their childhood friend’s sudden predicament. However, Reina then suddenly appeared in front of them, even though she should still be sleeping in the hospital. She had returned as an apparition, with no recollection of the day of the incident. If they could recover her memories, then she might regain her consciousness. The three of them search for the cause of Reina’s fall, as their feelings entangle like a spider’s web.

Campus sure churns out a lot of low-priced titles, although the quality isn’t too bad. They probably saved some money by reusing BGMs from other games. The plot wasn’t that interesting to be honest, but Meguri is really darn cute. She’s very worthy of being the lone heroine (osananajimi never wins against imouto). Hau~ omochikaeri~!

You get what you pay for. The main problem I have with the game is that the sister didn’t get run over, and then is gone forever.

Kagura Houshinka

Company: でぼの巣製作所 (Debonosu Works)
Game site: 神楽訪神歌
Release date: July 29, 2016
Comments:
The Suwa Shrine has fought against evil youkai since ancient times. Even now, two exorcist mikos, Mikoto and Ryouka, stand against them. They had just resolved many youkai-related incidents in the ancient cities under the guidance of the shrine deity Tome-sama, overcoming the hard battles and gaining allies and invaluable experience. Suddenly, a strange seal appeared above them and the spiritual power around them grew stronger. There was a flash of light and Tome-sama had vanished.

They returned to Suwa to open a wooden box in the back of the shrine, as agreed upon for times such as this. Inside was a miniature version of Tome-sama. However, she didn’t remember anything, even Mikoto and Ryouka themselves.

Their youkai extermination duty has reached its final stage. Are the youkai waiting for them in the darkness, or is it something else?

The latest chapter in Debonosu’s roguelike RPG Kagura series. You can still switch between the melee attacker Mikoto and technical fighter Ryouka (with longer range). Dungeons are randomly generated and there’s also a new ‘mini Tome’ system, which grants special attacks. I haven’t really played their games outside of trials, and I didn’t care much for what I did end up reading/playing. Besides, I’ve already got enough MMOs/mobage to spare the time to play a roguelike title.

Ongoing series, you like it or hate it by now.

Senren＊Banka

Company: ゆずソフト (YuzuSoft)
Game site: 千恋＊万花
Release date: July 29, 2016
Comments:
The village of Hoori lies deep in the middle of the mountains, inaccessible by rail. Since there isn’t much interaction with its surroundings, the town seems like it is stuck in the past. However, it is because of this exact olden feel and subsequent development that it has turned into a nice hot-springs town for tourists.

One of the popular sightseeing spots is the legendary katana Murasamemaru, embedded in stone. No one has been able to pull it out… until Masaomi somehow broke it in half. He has to take responsibility for his actions: “Marriage” with ‘shrine maiden princess’ Yoshino!? He was perplexed at the unexpected turn of events, but this is only just the beginning. What lies ahead for him is a much more peculiar and mysterious life, including his new fiancée, a mysterious girl who only he could touch, and the secret behind the curse that remains on the town.

What will become of Masaomi’s love amidst his rapidly changing life? The answer lies within the Murasamemaru in his hands.

This is an iyashi-kei story with both a serious side and slapstick romance, with a rural setting and a traditional Japanese feel reminiscent of Tenshin Ranman. The graphics are now in 1920×1080 full HD, and they have implemented a flowchart system seen in other games. You can’t really go wrong with a YuzuSoft title, although I have to admit I haven’t played the last few. Cute sword is cute.

Oh Yuzusoft. They never learn. The investment in their own games has waned significantly over the last few titles. Which shows in the quality. While their games have always been simplistic there has been a definite impression of going through the motions using some gimmick lately. Even the sub heroine routes which had been one of the nice touches I always appreciated about their games have been missing. Although I would say this is probably a better charage than Saga Planets flower shop this month, I know yuzusoft can do better. My main issue lies in the broken sword kind of forcing the protagonist into things. Which often happens in Yuzusoft games sure, but it feels even lazier and more blantantly trying to force the story along in this game. As such I worry about how long it would hold my or anyone’s interest.

Micchi’s Top 3 for This Month

1. Amatsutsumi
2. Floral Flowlove
3. Senren＊Banka

Zen’s Top 3 for This Month

1. Senren＊Banka
2. Amatsutsumi
3. Aristear Remain

Oh, I have to start writing August already…

Yes. Yes you do. Need to make better use of that MMO maint time.

ensemble is making the after stories Otome ga Irodoru Koi no Essence ~Egao de Orinasu Mirai~. More info coming on August 5th. Other titles announced this week include:

HULOTTE – Ore no Mirai wa Murige-ppoi
petit linge – Lost Echoes

Gesen18’s Sengokuhime 7 has been set for October 28th.

The July append for PURELY×CATION is now available for download.

The PRETTY×CATION2 visual fan book can be pre-ordered starting from August 5th, with a release date in September.

LOSE’s piano instrumental album “Kokoro Tabi” will be on shelves on September 30th for ￥3000.

Orchid Seed’s 1/8 scale figure of Shining Wind‘s Touka ships in December for ￥12,400.

Dakimakuras are coming out for Sekapoji‘s Spiano, Libra‘s Lycoris, Tayutama 2‘s Mashiro, Hatsugamai‘s Tsubasa, and fortissimo‘s Momiji and Sayuki.

Up to level 22 on Pokémon GO and level 243 on my cryokino/alch… what’s that? I have to start writing August post now?

New titles announced this week include:

AkabeiSoft3 – Gusha no Kyouben (October 28th)
Azarashi Soft – Amakano+
Studio e.go! – Meguru Sekai de Towa Naru Chikai o!

Kawauso Soft’s Bokura no Sekai ni Shukufuku o. has been delayed to an indefinite date, while Wonder Fool’s Natsu no Majo no Parade has been pushed back to September 30th.

The Senmomo swimsuit contest is underway! Vote for your favourite until August 12th!

The AQUA visual fan book will be available in stores on September 30th, after its early sale at C90.

A pair of Fate figures are coming out: 1/6 scale Saber Extra swimsuit ver. from ALTER (October, ￥10,800) and 1/7 scale Lancer / Scathach from PLUM (November, ￥12,500).

Dakimakuras are available soon for Muv-Luv Alternative‘s Cryska, Ilfriede and Lunateresia, Sakusaku‘s Mio, KamiEx‘s Saori, Unionism Quartet‘s Amane, Tia and Selphi, New Kozukuri World‘s Kirari and Noa, ISLAND‘s Rinne, Karen and Sara, IZUMO‘s Amaterasu, Kagura Houshinka‘s Tome-sama, and Sonicomi‘s Super Sonico.

HARUKAZE is planning to release the sequel Nora to Oujo to Noraneko Heart 2, with a Nobuchina route. Other new titles announced this week include:

Carol Works – Ojou-sama to Aware na Ko
Chelsea Soft – Koi wa Yumemiru Mouretsu Girl!
Palette – 9 Kokonotsu Kokonoka Kokonoiro

Release dates have been set for the following:

Himekoi＊Sucreine! – December 22nd
Lamune 2 – December 22nd
Meguru Sekai de Towa Naru Chikai o! – December 22nd

Hotori topped the Senmomo Twitter chara poll, with Kotone not far behind. SAGA PLANETS is holding a dakimakura chara poll for Floflo. One side will be seifuku (except Aoi’s sister outfit), while you can vote up to once per day for the other side. The casual outfit seems to be more fitting that a swimsuit.

The D.C.III With You vocal mini album will be on shelves on October 26th. The 5-track CD is priced at ￥2400. Tenioha 2 Amakura Art Works will be sold on September 30th for ￥2800.

The PSV port for FLOWER Aki-hen will be out on November 17th, while Otomeriron‘s port comes out a week later on November 24th.

Dakimakura are out for Koikuma‘s Aruru, Tsuminohi‘s Kanna, Bitch-neesan‘s Nadeshiko, and Koiyori‘s Kyouko.

The Ginharu cafe has just opened up at Cafe&Bar SIXTEEN and will run until September 6th.

The second volume of Corona Blossom has been announced for November 25th. CandySoft’s next title Hakui no Tenshi wa Osewazuki has been planned for December 22nd.

Release dates have been set for the following:

Koi wa Yumemiru Mouretsu Girl! – December 16th
Amenity’s Life – December 22nd
Amakano+ – December 22nd

The following titles have been delayed:

Aki Uso – November 25th
Omokage Railback – winter 2017

Toa topped the Wagahigh post-release chara poll. Congrats my imouto!

If you like Duca’s music, don’t miss out on her album “Duca Work Best 3”, on shelves on August 31st. It features songs from Yukikoi, Hoshiori, Byakko and many more.

Popular illustrator Coffee Kizoku’s second illustration book “THE BLEND2” is planned for December 22nd.

PeasSoft’s Kimihime is being ported over to the PSV with a release date of September 29th, while rootnuko’s locked-room mystery id -Rebirth Session- comes out on November 24th.

Why is this summer so hot? Maybe it’s because people are getting fired up for GIGA’s BALDR HEART or mirai’s Hanahime＊Absolute!. For me, I’d rather cool down with a slow title like tone work’s’ Gin’iro, Haruka. There’s not too many titles to choose from this month, but that’s why they call it lazy summer days.

A month of downs, and… more downs. In fact we have a veritable syndrome of downs to deal with this August. Not only are there few games, the few games there are make me wish I was a Timenaut that could go back and abort these walking proofs as to why siblings do not work as heroines responsible for this month before they had the chance to kill my brain cells and waste my time. Also yes, it is too bloody hot here.

Nanairo Script ~Prelude~

Circle: Timenauts
Game site: なないろスクリプト～Prelude～
Release date: August 14, 2016 (Comiket 90)
Comments:
This is the first game by doujin circle Timenauts. Haruki worked as an illustrator for the large bishoujo game company Disir. He was a much talked-about newcomer with a name sounding like a famous writer’s and whose drawing ability was popular among social networks. Soon, he became the company’s main illustrator, producing games in tandem with fellow writer Ayano over the span of four years.

However, instead of good sales and great reviews, Haruki had lately become the target of some nasty criticism. He was then abandoned by his partner and left adrift on a sentimental journey. He ended up in the far-away countryside where the villagers were quite enamoured with him. Will he be able to regain his past brilliance as an illustrator and return to work?

This is just the all-ages prelude to the main story, which will be 18+. The art is by Rubi-sama and some others from Skyfish poco. While I wouldn’t expect too much from the story, there’s really not much you could complain about a 200 yen title. That’s cheaper than Nekopara!

I take that as a challenge, thus I shall pick up the gauntlet thrown down by Micchi and complain away.

First up the sheer pretentiousness of making a character an illustrator for what is essentially the game you are playing. It is almost as if this is a doujin group dedicated to circle jerking to power their crystals in order to make this wild fan fiction fantasy of theirs come true.

Furthermore who complains about the illustrator when games start getting boring? I mean the vast majority of games have acceptable art, stylistic choices and personal preferences aside that is. Very few professional companies have bad art, and manage to survive for long. Only two I can remember offhand being Rosebleu and Navel. Given he managed to survive for four years and was anticipated pretty much means he knows how to use his line and gradient tools in photoshop.

Usually what makes or breaks a game are the writers, so shouldn’t the mob with pitchforks be going after that Ayano trollop? Could have been about him soothing the upset emotional girl in bed or something. Which is just as bad of course, but at least they are complaining about the right thing. It’s almost as though the people making the game are hoping the focus on illustrators makes readers not pay attention to the writing in favor of the pretty pictures, because that’s what the game is about.

Honestly I don’t much care about his story, I mean, why should I? The whole thing is just an excuse to get in some panties while writing what they know, or rather what their illustrators say their job is like. Ya know, to avoid focusing on the writing, and therefore having accountability for themselves. Maybe its just the embarrassment that their job is coming up with ideas for long (Or short) cylindrical object A to go spelunking into cave B. I know I wouldn’t be trying to glorify my job if I worked as a writer on just about any eroge in the last decade or so.

I hesitate to call just about every eroge’s visuals “Art”. Because frankly, good or bad, they aren’t very artistic. Most don’t have a clue what art is, and you can tell this by playing the Canvas series. It is like they know the words oil and watercolor and that they use brushes to apply those words to fabric. And that’s it. Depicting an imitation of reality be it cartoony or as realistic as possible does not automatically make things artistic. So why is the photoshop jockey for Disir going all spastic about “What an artist dies in me” over some blog douche saying his art sucks.

I know the game is cheap, but even if it was free I wouldn’t want to play it, so maybe they should be paying me two dollars for wasting my time. Yeah yeah, charage get by ignoring everything else save tarting up the same basic five or so archetypes so maybe the heroines make all the garbage worth it~! Except as I have said countless times, that excuse is little more than the fuel for terrible games. Yes you may like a character for whatever reason, but if the setting and story that surrounds them is good they are a better, and more memorable character than they are if it sucks.

So there, you can complain about a 200 yen title.

You just had to work in that dig at the Canvas series, didn’t ya?

I see that as not so much me working it in as their fault for doing it wrong, thus being the shining successful example of what to never do. Which in this case amounts to saying “If you can’t tell the difference between the Mona Lisa and some little twerp’s finger painting of blue flowers you probably should not be making a story about art. Since I did like that game aside from their complete lack of investment or knowledge on the central theme the whole thing is made an even more glaring fault.

Ichibun no Ni Koigokoro

Company: 天ノ葉 (Amanoha)
Game site: 1分の2恋ゴコロ
Release date: August 26, 2016
Comments:
New release date after being pushed back from July. This is the first game by Amanoha. Aoi doesn’t go to school; instead he works hard every day on part-time jobs to care for his two imoutos, Hina and Runa. While he does have some regrets about not attending school, he is satisfied and motivated by the sight of his imoutos’ smiles.

One winter day, Aoi was working harder than usual in order to celebrate his imoutos’ birthday, which was fast approaching. Then he reunited with his former kouhai Minori and met his shy neighbour Koyuki. These encounters brought about changes in Aoi’s relationship with his imoutos.

The story is written from both the perspective of the protagonist Aoi and each heroine, to develop a greater sense of romance. The main takeaway from the trial is that our protagonist Aoi is a responsible siscon onii-chan. Minori is also my type too. This is the first story by Nakamura Panda, so I’d suggest approaching it with tempered expectations.

Do I even need to say it?

But it’s not a fandisc!

You’re right. It’s much worse.

BALDR HEART

Company: 戯画 (GIGA)
Game site: BALDR HEART
Release date: August 26, 2016
Comments:
Due to a certain incident, the Simulacrum-piloting mercenary Sou lost his fighting ability and as a result, his job as well. He returned to his foster father’s home on the island of Wadatsumi, followed by his former partner Yuuri for some reason. Soon after his arrival, he saved a girl who had lost her memories, Tsukuyomi, and she ended up staying at his home.

Although there were no decent jobs on the depopulated island, he readily received a work request from a mysterious individual. It was to transfer into the island’s only school Kouka Academy and investigate if its students were involved in the terrorism that has besieged the island. Standing in his way as he set forth to infiltrate the school was the student council president Mao and her Simulacrum. At that moment, a girl who called herself a fairy appeared before him and began to assimilate with his Simulacrum…

This is the newest title in GIGA’s intense robot battle action BALDR series, this time returning to 2D. The varied armaments, thrilling combos and base battle system from games past remain unchanged, while a new ‘armament girl (FEI)’ has been introduced. Strengthening the bond between you and the FEIs (fairies) opens up new armaments and specials. Characters from other games, such as Baldr Sky‘s Rain and Senmomo‘s Akari, also make cameos as FEIs. There’s also a survival mode that opens up after you clear each stage. While illustrator Hinooka Shuuji is new, we should much of the same from this series. It seems a little bit more school-oriented though. Even though I’m not big into these types of games, I have to admit the trial was pretty fun to play and the controls and system are quite intuitive.

For a long time now I have been saying Giga can only do the Baldr series decently and all else they make is pretty much forgettable garbage. Finally it seems the time has come for me to amend that. Giga as a company no longer exists for me.

Baldr Heart is like they took all the worst bits they created to ruin their high school romance games and filled Baldr to the brim with those ideas. Story is nonsensical and all over the place, characters are only the stereotypes just cuz. Has to be a loyal partner who secretly lusts after him as well as the school president who starts out opposing him. Frankly the whole cyber DnD Naruto thing is about all they have left. Which in all honesty isn’t all that impressive on its own. Concept wise it isn’t bad, but the execution is still pretty lackluster by actual game standards.

Personally I have the same problem with every gameplay based eroge, I would rather play a real game, or read a better written novel. Both elements need to be at least on par for whatever the current standards are at a games release. Yet because of the split focus none of these games can even reach average in either realm. So, no, I won’t be playing this game. I suggest no one else does either so maybe Giga won’t think this is a good idea thus further ruining the series with their next installment. But since the Japanese market prefers repetition and brand recognition chances are just because its Baldr it will work out. Hence Giga can join Type Moon, Nitro+, Circus, Navel, soon to be Frontwing, and probably a few others I forgot on my blacklist.

Corona Blossom vol.1 Gift From the Galaxy

Company: フロントウイング (Frontwing)
Game site: Corona Blossom vol.1 Gift From the Galaxy
Release date: August 26, 2016
Comments:
Keiji is a young man who is very skilled at dealing with machines even though he does not like them. After failing his university entrance exams, he began helping out at his grandfather’s workshop, which specializes in repairing heavy-duty industrial robots (VORKS). He was loved by the regular patrons and enjoyed a peaceful life in the countryside.

One day, a meteorite suddenly fell on the town and he found a metallic life form attached to it, who looked just like a forgotten girl from his past. Thus began his strange life with R-ne. After a while, she learns how to speak and tells him that she wished to return to her planet. He was moved by her words and vowed to send her back to space, no matter what.

However, the space pirate (rare metal hunter) Lily appeared before them, with her sights set on R-ne. Will Keiji and his friends be able to send R-ne back safely to her homeland?

This is a crowdfunded bilingual title which was released in English on Steam last month. The August release date is for the packaged version sold in Japan and shipped to backers. It is an all-ages kinetic novel, but a separate 18+ patch is available for download. It also uses the E-mote system. While it is a low-priced title, it is produced by a solid staff headlined by illustrator Nanaca Mai. I’ll probably try it out just for her art, since it feels very low budget compared to their other games.

Well Frontwing, that was fast, what do you have to say for yourself after Giga’s awful showing this month? Would you like to join them in the rubbish bin?

It would seem Corona Blossom makes their answer a resounding yes. Much like Giga, Frontwing’s few functioning human beings were taken over by the awful stupidity tumor the rest of the company is made of. Involving an english speaking audience in the development of a game is already the worst idea humanity has every had. If this crap becomes common I’m quitting. I just cannot handle stupidity of that level. Maybe if being a weeb was legitimate grounds for murder I could keep my motivation going through altruistic contributions to the human species with rampant cleansing of that particulary brand of stupidity from the gene pool. Letting those brain dead halfwits dictate market trends is just going to make the already ailing industry turn into weeb wars. In fact this probably makes Frontwing my most hated game company. Not only does their god awful writing ruin everything they come up with. Not that Grisaia was any good without the awful writing mind you. But that they were willing to do this crap while being successful shows how little integrity they have as a company. It’s one thing to be stupid as a last ditch risk to make some money and fuel something better. Completely another matter when you already have hordes of idiots throwing money at you for terrible half assed games you barely have to put any effort into.

The game itself shows its origins with all sorts of nonsense. Basically just read the above summary, and laugh at it. Rather than spend ten thousand words picking apart this crap, I’ll save my time. Afterall I’m secure in the knowledge that anyone with more than one working braincell can spot why this is bad in every respect with no redeeming qualities what so ever.

It’s a bit amusing how times have changed after all the anti-foreigner bans a few years back. I don’t think that the English community affected the development. The premise was conceived beforehand and they just merely used the Western audience to help fund it (not entirely). The 18+ patch thing is another issue though.

It is not about the english fanbase working on the game itself. It is about the english fanbase being a direct part of the market. Which is just as bad really. The only people who would enjoy a game like this are those stuck in the cesspool of blind retarded sheep that is the weeb mind. What this means is that those loons will be buying said game. When they buy the game this money goes towards the lazy developers who shat this out making more of these games. Other companies then see the wonderful success in marketing to the hordes at the bottom of the pyramid and stop making real games in favor of catering to this drooling inbred mob.

Triangle Love -Apricot Fizz-

Company: Campus
Game site: Triangle Love -アプリコットフィズ-
Release date: August 26, 2016
Comments:
Mitsuru gets along quite well with Karin since they both enjoy going to the game center, bowling, playing darts and doing karaoke, among other things. Since Karin has a best friend in Ayame, it was inevitable that she would join them when they hung out. Even though it was one guy with two girls, they got along quite well and they spent most of their time together.

Soon, Mitsuru began to have feelings for the outspoken Karin, who looks like she’s always playing around but actually has strong conviction, and the shy yet kind and considerate Ayame. Since they shared so many hobbies, Karin and Mitsuru gradually became attracted to each other and started going out. While Ayame had feelings for him as well, she was content to stay one step back and watch them while they continued to hang out as a group.

Just before their second year, Karin suddenly transferred schools. Since her new school was quite far away and they wouldn’t be able to meet casually any more, she decided to cut ties with him. Even after Karin’s departure, Ayame was unable to convey her own feelings to Mitsuru since she didn’t want to betray Karin.

Their ‘more than friends, less than lovers’ relationship continued for a year, until Ayame finally decided to confess to him at the beginning of their third year. However, Karin returned on that very day. What will become of their triangle relationship?

This mid-priced title will only have a route for Ayame, which is a similar set-up to their previous game, Tsumikoi. It also takes place in the same school as the other Campus games, Mahoshi Gakuen. Karin will be the heroine for the sequel. The subtitle ‘Apricot Fizz’ refers to the cocktail, which supposedly has the meaning of ‘I want you to notice me’. I’m a sucker for these type of stories, so I’ll spend a few hours playing this.

Finally, a game this month that isn’t terrible. Just not my cup of tea as it were. Micchi and I tend to disagree quite heartily on these games. As I am not into drama for drama’s sake, I tend to avoid things like this though honestly nothing here stands out as awful. I won’t say good either because that will depend entirely on the writing and how well they can bring out the characters and their development throughout the story.

However at least there is nothing where the basic concept compels me to skin the characters alive while using their skin to enact a puppet show that illustrates how things are properly done. So it has that going for it. If you are into the angsty drama type games I honestly suggest waiting for the second game before playing. Always better when you have options, in case of feeling bitter about the result, you won’t have to wait for Karin to be released from her cage. 

Hanahime＊Absolute!

Company: mirai
Game site: ハナヒメ＊アブソリュート！
Release date: August 26, 2016
Comments:
New release date after being pushed back from May. This is the first title by mirai, a sister brand of Minato Soft. In 2025, the social game Crown Hearts about the battle between the prince’s country ‘Stella Crown’ and the princesses’ country ‘Floris Hearts’ was a smash hit, and pro gamers have become as popular as star athletes. Koharu attends Luminus Academy with his pure osananajimi and hopeful new pro gamer Maher, kind and slightly bracon imouto Hiyoko, and Hiyoko’s friend and extremely popular net idol Ayane.

One day, they attended the opening ceremony of the annual Crown Hearts event “Divine Crown Battle”. However, this year, they announced the new “Crown Hearts VR”, where one may battle others in the real world using the latest in virtual reality technology. Sixteen entrants were chosen for the “Divine Crown Battle VR” tournament: a ‘prince’ and his seven ‘flower princesses’, and a ‘queen’ and her seven ‘star princes’.

Koharu was chosen as the prince by the AI girl Polina, who appeared out from the Crown Hearts world. He must battle in the tournament alongside the sword princess Maher, love princess Hinako and many others. It was rumoured that the winner would have his or her wish granted. Are you ready for this new generation battle royale!?

The battle system in the game is pretty much the same as the one from Twinkle☆Crusaders (attack, charge, unison, EX). You can choose between three levels of difficulty. While the art is still by Kannagi Rei, the story writers are all different. As usual, they’ve got all the colours of the rainbow covered. I wonder if there’ll be more and more VR/fantasy worlds in the next couple years…

This is one of those times I just want to skip, leaving maybe a single word of disgust. Is it too much to ask for a company to put some effort into the games they make? This is really just too terrible for words. Story is basically irrelevant, setting is just there to throw some girls at the protagonist within a relatable theme for the reader. Gameplay is nothing special or new either. So why something so useless is allowed to exist boggles my mind. I can only hope few people are suckered into this so we don’t have to see a sequel eight years down the line about NTRing the original heroines.

Yuuwaku Scramble

Company: MOONSTONE Honey
Game site: ユウワク スクランブル
Release date: August 26, 2016
Comments:
Haruto is an ordinary student, whose mother remarried one day. She then left on her honeymoon and left him in her new partner’s house, where he reunited with his childhood friends, sisters Asuka, Yuki and Miku. He was excited to live with them, but also worried if they would be able to open up to each other.

The three sisters welcome him with various means, but due to their different personalities, they ended up competing with one another instead. They each wanted to be the one to take care of him, and he was thrown into a scramble between the three pretty sisters, which was both one of happiness and difficulty.

As they live under the same roof, their feelings for one another grow fonder, transforming from one of kindness to that of love. Where will Haruto’s relationship with the three sisters end up when Christmas arrives?

Sister trio nukige GO~~~~~~!!! Miku remind me a lot of Imopara‘s Koharu, right down to the tennis uniform. Gotta love those koakumas! Hau~ omochikaeri~!

I happen to be a man of principles. In this case the principle in question is that I do not play games when there are exposed boobs on the cover. Games that resort to stripper advertising are well, just that, strippers showing how nuki their ge is. 

I think there was a safer cover, but I can’t seem to find it…

That cover is plastered up on the main page of their website. Even if the game itself had a PG picture of a smiling sunflower on it my principles stand.

Giniro, Haruka

Company: tone work’s
Game site: 銀色、遥か
Release date: August 26, 2016
Comments:
It is not uncommon for snow to fall even in April in the northern-most city of Hororo. Yukito is about to start his second year in middle school, excited for what new meetings await him.

Quiet Canadian transfer student Bethly
Friendly and helpful kouhai Hinata
Classmate and drama lover Momiji
Childhood friend and world-class figure skater Mizuha
New imouto via remarriage Yuzuki

From this beginning, there is only one goal. This is a love story which spans 10 years and 3 seasons.

tone work’s has come a long way since their first game (which shall not be mentioned). Ginharu is a long story spanning 10 years, from their first meeting thru to marriage. This results in some moments which are not as exciting since it mimics real (riajuu) life, unlike most eroge which only focus on the adolescence part. And with such a long story, there’s plenty of H scenes (not for the middle school part though). The plus side is that there should be plenty of character development for the heroines, who are all quite charming. I’m particular drawn to imouto Yuzuki, voiced by Kusahara Yui, and classmate Momiji. I guess I should show some interest towards fellow Canadian Bethly, but she doesn’t attract me much.

Yeah, you GTFO old imouto. This game has a shiny new imouto for your viewing displeasure. On that subject who would have possibly guessed that Micchi was enamored with the little sister, certainly not I.

On the actual subject of the game I rather like this idea. Provisionally of course. We get to see a proper development, that yes includes the standard high school era, but also what comes after. The thing which worries me most however is the potential for post high school drama. Most notably issues like cheating which tend to come into play quite often when dealing with adult characters. At the very instant such an issue pops up I’ll be dropping the game or at least that route. As usual however the make or break it will as usual hinge entirely on the writers being able to pull it off. Thus my hopes are not high. I will applaud their ambition while praying to every deity I can think of that there is at least one game worth playing this month.

Inochi no Spare: I was born for you

Company: あかべぇそふとすりぃ (AkabeiSoft3)
Game site: 生命のスペア I was born for you
Release date: August 26, 2016
Comments:
Meguri suffers from the ‘Oumon’ disease. No one knows what causes this disease and there is no cure for it. The sole possible treatment is a heart transplant, but it is nigh miracle to find a suitable replacement heart. That is why her imouto Ria was created as a designer baby. She was born as a spare heart for her older sister.

One sister ravaged by an incurable disease, and the other born for her sake. The only person who knows about their secret outside of their family is Meguri’s friend Ryuuji. As Meguri’s resolve wavers as the time she has left ticks down, what will be the ending to this drama of clashing emotions?

Another heartwrenching story from AkabeiSoft3. This one revolves around the emotions and ethics of a saviour sibling, possibly inspired by My Sister’s Keeper. As usual, the scenario by Nakajima Taiga should be good, and the OP is captivating as well. I wish that Ria could live her life the way she wants to…

Yeah… no. Just really, no no no no no no. I can see where this is going, choose one or the other to save. Screw that. I am not playing a game that makes you feel like absolute shit no matter what you chose. I don’t even care about the story or writing here. Just the premise alone makes me cringe too hard. If I wanted to feel bad about a choice I made I’d vote.

So I guess you’re not voting this upcoming election then. It’s not an enviable position at this point.

It’s like choosing between Hitler and Stalin, you lose either way.

Micchi’s Top 3 for This Month

1. Giniro, Haruka
2. Hanahime＊Absolute!
3. Triangle Love -Apricot Fizz-

Zen’s Top 3 for This Month

1. Giniro, Haruka
2. Hitler – Still better than the other releases this month
   
3. Stalin – Also better than the other releases this month
   

I swear I didn’t insult Zen to make him more negative this month!

The Releases insulted me enough in your place.

Campus‘ next game will be Fu’un to Kou’un to Koi Uranai no Tarot. Once again, it will be a low priced title.

feng’s Gakkou no Seiiki has been set for October 28th.

CROWD’s Unionism Quartet A3-DAYS has been delayed to October 28th.

The visual fan book for Maitetsu will hit the shelves on September 16th. It includes a short story. It’s priced at ￥3200.

The Shoujo Ramune H anime had its release date pushed back to October 7th.

ALTER’s 1/8 scale figure of Deremas‘ Riina will be out in September at a price of ￥11,800.

Dakimakuras are available for pre-order for Wizcon‘s Honoka and Tarareba‘s Riri.

Chara@ is currently asking for suggestions for their planned dakimakura for Tsuyokiss‘ Otome.

I’ll be away on vacation until September 12th. I’ll work on the news summary and September release post when I’m back. There seems to be some promising titles this month, such as August’s Senmomo. I’m also looking forward to the D.C.III fandisc.

I hope that the Deresute limited gacha won’t happen in the next 2 weeks or I’m gonna have to find wifi…

Applique will be releasing a free ‘light visual novel’ this fall called Getsuei no Simulacre. It’ll have about 3 hours worth of playtime and can be played on smartphones. MOONSTONE has also announced their next title: Honoguraki Toki no Hate Yori. It is scheduled for December 22nd.

Ushimitsu Soft’s Chuuni Hime no Teikoku has been delayed once more, this time to an undetermined date. The following titles have also been delayed:

Chicchakunai mon! – October 28th
Schwarzesmarken: Junkyousha-tachi – October 28th
Zettai Junshu☆New Kozukuri World – October 28th
Silverio Trinity – December 16th
AstralAir no Shiroki Towa Finale – December 22nd
Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai! A – December 22nd

The September append for PURELY×CATION can be downloaded from the game site, along with a mom patch for Onikiss.

The results for the Floflo dakimakura outfit poll have been revealed and as expected, none of the swimsuits were chosen. The Hanahime post-release chara poll has started up and will run until September 30th.

The first volume of the PRETTY×CATION2 H OVA, featuring Honami and Suzuka, will be released on November 25th.

The 256-page Super Sonico 10th Anniversary Book will be out on December 20th. It’s priced at ￥4500. Lass illustrator Youta‘s illustration collection is available for pre-order, with shipping in late November.

Floflo‘s soundtrack CD hits the shelves on September 23rd, followed by TOKYO NECRO‘s original soundtrack set on September 30th. They are priced at ￥2500 and ￥3000, respectively. The OST for Meguru Sekai de Towa Naru Chikai o! comes out on the same day as the game (December 22nd). It’ll be sold for ￥3500.

The PSV port for Traveling Stars has been set for November 24th, while the PS4 port for Aokana comes out on January 26th. Frontwing’s ISLAND will be coming to the PSV, while a new work is planned for Chaos;Child next spring.

New figures available for pre-order include:

FREEing – 1/4 scale Irisdina bunny ver. (Schwarzesmarken, March, ￥21,111)
GSC – nendoroid Haruka twinkle star co-de (im@s, January, ￥2963)
GSC – nendoroid Miki twinkle star co-de (im@s, January, ￥2963)
Orca Toys – 1/5 scale Manaka summer vacation special (TH2, February, ￥18,500)
WAVE – 1/8 scale Kirari Decoration ver. (Deremas, January, ￥15,800)
WAVE – 1/8 scale Miria Decoration ver. (Deremas, January, ￥13,800)
WAVE – 1/8 scale Rika Decoration ver. (Deremas, January, ￥14,800)

August has made a few Android clock apps for the Senmomo cast. So far Akari, Kanami and Kotone are available, with the rest coming soon.

I had a pretty fun time in Europe, eating lots of food and even catching a Mr. Mime. Now to get working on the upcoming posts…!!

New titles announced this week include:

Akatsuki Works – Hi no Nai Tokoro ni Kemuri wa Tatanai
AXL – Ou no Mimi ni wa Todokanai! (December 22nd)

Release dates have been set for the following:

Zannen na Ane to no Love Comedy – December 22nd
Fu’un to Kou’un to Koi Uranai no Tarot – January 27th

Nephrite’s Furerute Love Connect has been delayed to October 28th.

Hamashima Shigeo’s Works Collection, featuring her art from Fraternite, Eromanga! and Maggot baits, will be on shelves on October 28th.

The Hatsumira PSV port from Prototype has been set for December 22nd, while Rewrite will be ported to the PS4 next year.

The following figures are available for pre-order:

Bell Fine – 1/8 scale Saber white dress ver. (Fate, December, ￥14,000)
Daiki Kougyou – 1/6 scale Akane (Walroma, April, ￥17,500)
Orchid Seed – 1/7 scale Tamaki samurai ver. (TH2DT, February, ￥13,800)

September looks pretty empty with all the recent delays, similar to the previous months…

Tinkle Position‘s fandisc for Onikiss is coming soon! It’s aptly titled Onii-chan, Kiss no Junbi wa Mada Desu ka? Ecchi no Junbi mo Mada Desu ka?. I am always ready for you, my dear imoutos! Other new titles announced this week include:

Escu:de – Yuusei Tenshi Primaveil Drei Dark Mission (December 22nd)
GIGA – Kimi no Hitomi ni Hit Me (January 27th)
Jitaku Studio – Real Eroge Situation! (January 27th)
MiTi – Hoshifuru Yoru no Farnese (December 22nd)
onomatope*raspberry – Bitch Shimai ga Seijun na Hazu ga Nai! (January 27th)
Sumikko Soft – Akiyume Kukuru (December 22nd)

ALcot’s Yomegami has been delayed to November 25th, while release dates have been set for the following:

Kami-sama no Game – January 27th
Ouka Sabaki – February 24th

An append disc is planned for Baldr Heart. No additional information has been announced.

Lilac Soft’s end sleep will get a PSV port, coming December 22nd.

AMAKUNI’s latest figure is a 1/7 scale Chachamaru wedding ver. from Muramasa. It ships next July for ￥12,981. Meanwhile, WAVE is working on a figure for Senmomo‘s Akari.

Dakimakuras are coming out for Floflo‘s Kano, Otoiro‘s Serika, and Gakkou no Seiiki‘s Yaeka.

sprite LIVE 2017 has been announced for February 4th at DIFFER Ariake! Advanced tickets will be sold to those who purchased food or goods at Aokana Cafe 5th, sprite STORE customers, and those that reserved the Aokana PS4 game from stores. It’s definitely worth going if you have the chance!

The highly anticipated Sen no Hatou, Tsukisome no Kouki from August highlights this short month, edging out the sequel many years in the making for Lump of Sugar’s Tayutama 2 -you’re the only one-. key has also released their latest kinetic novel Harmonia on Steam in English. Then of course, there’s more D.C. from CIRCUS: D.C.III With You.

Dull month of mostly bad games, but at least it’s slightly better than last month I guess. Thank god for a month we were so late on that the games already released, not like anyone was missing anything important.

Mama Haha

Company: bootUP!
Game site: ままはは
Release date: September 23, 2016
Comments:
Two years ago, Shuuto’s surroundings greatly changed when his father suddenly remarried. His new mother, Iori, works under his father, and had often come to their house to help with housework and his studies. He secretly admired her since she had looked after him for so long. He struggled to come to terms with the remarriage since it was so sudden, but he ultimately decided to support them and wish for their happiness.

Unfortunately, his father passed away in an accident a mere two months later and Shuuto’s life was once thrown into disarray. He could not get used to living with Iori without his father there, and he also noticed that he had begun to have feelings for her. Disgusted at his own immoral feelings, he left against Iori’s objections upon his graduation to live alone in Tokyo and attend a vocational school there.

During summer vacation, he decided after much thought to return to his “home” where Iori was waiting for him. He also reacquaints with his older childhood friend Suzuka, who lives next door with her mother Miyuki. There are only two weeks before he must return to Tokyo. When he finds out about their feelings for him, how will he respond?

bootUP! has went from older sisters to newly-weds to MILFs. I think I’ll stick with imoutos, thanks.

Lets just get this part out of the way first. It’s a Bootup game. Okay, there game summary over.

With the poorly drawn MILF market now assumed, what else is there? Not much. If you want a nukige centered around your mom, well cheers.

Tayutama 2 -you’re the only one-

Company: Lump of Sugar
Game site: タユタマ2 -you’re the only one-
Release date: September 23, 2016
Comments:
New release date after being pushed back from May. This is the sequel to Lump of Sugar’s 2008 title Tayutama. It has been 50 years since the release of the Tayutai which had been sealed in Ashihara-chou. Humans have since acknowledged their existence and the Tayutai have also moved towards living in harmony with humans. The town of Yakotami-chou where Sora lives was blessed with the country’s most favourable spiritual energies. As such, it was promoted as a place where humans and Tayutai can coexist, and underwent rapid development as it took in many humans and Tayutai.

One day, Sora happened to settle a trivial fight between a child and a Tayutai. It’s not uncommon to see such occurrences in this town. However, he was surprised when a girl with cute ears on her head appeared before him claiming that he was the one she had been looking for. She led him to the Tayutai shrine, Yachimata Shrine, and turned towards him with sparkling innocent eyes.

“I want you to be my husband!”

He couldn’t understand the girl Kohaku’s true intention, but after hearing an explanation from her mother Mashiro and deeply impressed with her enthusiasm, he agreed to help her realize her goal of forming the ‘Human and Tayutai Coexistence Society’.

The original heroines are back and they haven’t aged at all (although Yumina is now at 149.9cm tall… still the shortest). Mashiro is back as… a heroine??? Wouldn’t that be NTR??? Anyways, the writer is different (Okita Roshuu), so I’m not sure how it’ll turn out. Hopefully there’s no more of that gimmick stuff and just focus on being a nice simple chara-ge. I’m interested in Kohaku and Nano. I’d take them both home! Hau~ omochikaeri~!

Well Lump of Sugar has in my opinion not made a good game since the original Tayutama which honestly wasn’t even all that great itself. But given how their games just seem to get worse and worse this feels like little more than a desperate attempt to salvage something using old brand recognition. Sadly like usual they screw things up spectacularly. Alongside multiple protagonists one of the worst ideas for an eroge is allowing previous heroines to show up as more than just cameos. This turns previous nostalgia into dislike as it ruins what people may have liked about the previous game. Mainly due to how eroge work. When the entire point is choice having a sequel where that choice is already made makes any other route from the original feel pointless.

Blatantly retarded decisions aside the story itself is about as painful as usual for Lump of Sugar. It feels like they tried to take the concept of Mashiro from the original and use that as a basis for the new game but missed the point entirely. In the original the reason Mashiro asked him to marry her was due to his background as a priest and relationship with her. This time it has zero basis. Though I’m sure they will make up something, even if it doesn’t make any sense in relation to the original. Then there is the whole coexistence thing which was part of the original but feels like little more than awkward filler to get the story going.

So, Mashiro isn’t a heroine after all, although there are still H scenes (with Tayutama protagonist Yuuri).

Sen no Hatou, Tsukisome no Kouki

Company: オーガスト (August)
Game site: 千の刃濤、桃花染の皇姫
Release date: September 23, 2016
Comments:
The Empire which had ruled for two thousand years came to an end at the hands of barbaric invaders. One after another, things which had been taken for granted came tumbling down. Even as the populace was at the mercy of the changing times, they still valiantly continued to look for a better future.

As the sole remaining heir to the imperial throne, Akari seeks ‘power’, in order to vanquish the enemies and restore the nation.
The warrior who had forgotten his past, Soujin, seeks a ‘lord’. His drawn sword must be wielded in the name of loyalty.

One day, fate would have it that they met one another. No one knows if their journey will end in triumph or in despair.

There’s probably quite a few of you who have already started (or finished playing) this highly hyped title from August. The setting is more reminiscent of Eustia than Daito, and the CGs from Bekkankou are always astounding. They still have the school setting, which Akari attends undercover and into which Soujin transfers. This story with love and loyalty as its central themes is definitely more plot heavy, so hopefully they will make something which is even better than Eustia. Of course, Kanami and Kotone catch my eye (although Akari is good too!).

While reading the summary isn’t great it is not terribly bad either. Of course this is an August game, a month late that is. Which inevitably these days means one of two things. Either the game will be painfully boring and drag on as though your head was pinned to a conveyor belt made of sandpaper while reading the Scarlet Letter… Or it will make an attempt at actual storytelling only to start eating leaded paint chips while drinking turpentine to wash it down and make them easier to digest. The former being Fortune Arterial, while the latter would be Eustia. What this means for us the reader is that August are bipolar and the quality of their game depends entirely on their mood. The bar for eroge in general is so low these days that the masochist in me is willing to give August one more shot before I would rather shoot myself than play another of their games.

PV

Harmonia

Company: key
Game site: Harmonia -ハルモニア-
Release date: September 23, 2016
Comments:
This all-ages 15th anniversary commemoration title is key’s second kinetic novel. It is first released in English on Steam, followed later in the year in physical format. In the distant future, a great war left the world in shambles. The sky was covered in ash, the land was barren, the water evaporated. As a result, the human population declined drastically, and the remaining people grouped together to survive.

During this time, a “Phiroid” woke up in an abandoned factory. It is a robot capable of emotions which was created before the war as new companions to better people’s lives. However, he soon realized that he had no emotions. His right hand is not covered in artificial skin, so it was most likely that he was left unfinished. As he has an innate desire to be with humans, he left on a journey across the devastated world in search for his lost emotions.

One day, he was found by a young girl. She thought he was a human, so she took him with her to a small and warm town. While living together with her, the Phiroid gradually began to learn about emotions.

Building on the success that is their first kinetic novel planetarian, key spreads it heart-wrenching stories to the West with Harmonia. It’s pretty short at 5-10 hours and a good entry point for those new to visual novels. It’s not often that you see a title released in English first (albeit with Japanese voices). I wonder when the packaged version will be released in Japan.

Type Moon is that you? This is bad on two levels. One is the previously implied Type Moon syndrome. Where the company realizes they haven’t made any new content that could be considered decent for years and so rummages through their old garbage bin digging up the old ideas they were smart enough to toss out back when the consumer was a more discerning creature. The other level is this is just some re-release to justify an english port to steam. Steam is to the eroge industry what Apple is to the tech industry. It is where all the uneducated hipsters get their flashy overpriced inferior goods. In both cases all they achieve is a general lowering of IQ for the entire market, making stupidity profitable.

So to sum up my opinion on this. Go **** yourself with a key, Key.

PV

D.C.III With You

Company: CIRCUS
Game site: D.C.III With You～ダ・カーポIII～ウィズユー
Release date: September 30, 2016
Comments:
This is the fandisc for D.C.III R X-rated and D.C.III P.P., with stories in both Kazamidori and Hatsunejima. There are after stories for the five heroines from Kazamidori (after escaping the loop world) and an if story in Hatsunejima where Kiyotaka could see the girls’ dreams, there’s also 3 new scenarios for Shiki, Sumomo and Mikoto.

More D.C.!!! More Sara and Himeno! Mikoto finally gets a route! Thank you CIRCUS! (I’m such a fanboy.)

It’s Circus, did you really think there wouldn’t be a fandisk?

Goshujin-sama, Maid Fuku o Nugasanaide.

Company: MONAKO
Game site: ご主人様、メイド服を脱がさないで。
Release date: September 30, 2016
Comments:
This is the first title by MONAKO, a sub-brand of MORE. Sou was born to a traditional upper class family. It was decided by his family that he will marry his childhood friend Chinatsu when he graduates from school. To ensure that his married life will be perfect, his maids provide sex training to him. While Sou obediently follows along, Chinatsu would not allow anyone else to have sex with him.

I love how simple and straightforward nukige plots are. The art is by kakao, who last worked on Studio Ryokucha’s Hanikami CLOVER. Don’t you wish you were born to an upper class family with cute maids at your call?

Sure it’s dumb,  but I give them credit for not trying to hide it under some really stupid story, mechanic, or random gimmick. 

Kanojo＊Step

Company: SMEE
Game site: カノジョ＊ステップ
Release date: September 30, 2016
Comments:
The protagonist has moved too many counts to count and this time, he has ended up in his grandmother’s minshuku located in Shirasagi, a rural town situated near the mountains. His sister told him that this was their last move, and after he graduates from school, he will be free to do as he wishes. After suppressing his feelings of love until now, he sets out to pursue his first love.

The concept this time is about the progression of a love relationship. You can choose between having an open or closed relationship at the end, that is if you want to keep it secret between the two of you or flaunt your riajuu-ness. SMEE’s previous artist Ameto Yuki left for new company SWEET&TEA, and I really don’t like the new art. It looks too simplistic and shallow. They don’t even list the artist(s) on the game site. I don’t think the story will change much from before since it’s still by Hayase Yuu, but their sales will probably suffer due to the artist choice.

Micchi is right about the art. The lineart is stiff and a bit awkward, while the shading is the same as Your Diary and has no definition, sometimes being completely ignored. Also green eyes short brown hair looks like a guy with cantaloupes stuffed in his shirt at a Scottish pride convention.

Natsu no Majo no Parade

Company: Wonder Fool
Game site: 夏の魔女のパレード
Release date: September 30, 2016
Comments:
This is the debut title for Wonder Fool. In a slightly different world, girls called ‘witches’ who are born with a rare mysterious ability are required to use their powers to help people. Living in the rural village of Kanahara-mura, Yukito is the son of the great witch Yuris. However, he has no magic ability whatsoever and lives a normal life like any other young boy. He thought his days would continue like this, until three witches-in-training appeared before him. The girls, Arisa, Carol and Topia, came to complete their graduation training “Witches’ Parade” in order to become a full-fledged witch. They ended up freeloading at his house, and he was asked to watch over them. He couldn’t just leave these eccentric girls who are new to the area alone, so he agreed to the request. However, that wasn’t the end of his suffering.

On that first night together, Arisa and Carol both proclaimed that he was their fiancé. He didn’t remember having ever made such a promise, but when he asked Yuris, she told him that he had promised to marry them when they became a witch. He couldn’t back out from a witch’s promise, so he must choose one of them before they complete their training, that is unless he already has a girlfriend. With his senpai Azuki aggressively going after him and his bracon imouto Saya returning from witch’s school, he senses that this will be the most boisterous summer of his life.

The story is written by Hozakura, who previously had only worked on single routes in Kodomo no Asobi and Rensou Relation. It’s a dotabata love comedy which is pretty easy to read. I like Ani’s drawings of smaller characters like Topia and Azuki (the big boobs look so unnatural). Speaking of the innocent brown girl Topia, unfortunately she’s not a heroine! Too bad!

Sigh, so generic, so stupid. Typical utterly worthless protagonist in every way except for being nice to the point of brain death gets thrown some girls of which he can pick one. Or something like that.

Daimeikyuu & Daimeiwaku -GREAT EDGES IN THE ABYSS-

Company: ライアーソフト (Liar-soft)
Game site: 大迷宮＆大迷惑 -GREAT EDGES IN THE ABYSS-
Release date: September 30, 2016
Comments:
In the world of sword of magic, expert miners discovered an underground labyrinth in a remote area of the continent. “The Abyss” is very huge inside, full of monsters and traps. However, it was rumoured that ancient treasures lie deep inside its depths and adventurers from all over came to challenge the dungeon. Among them is the young and foolish samurai Shouran, and his party consisting of the sexy but problematic alchemist Nicolite, the aggressive M ninja Hakumeimaru and the expressionless mysterious archer Kurozuka.

The story sounds like any other dungeon crawling title. The difference is that each character/class has its own set of ‘effects’. I’m not too interested, so pass.

This is a bit bland for Liar. I’m not sure if that is a good or bad thing, time will tell I suppose. Only hope they can write it decently, as that has pretty much always been their major hindrance.

Micchi’s Top 3 for This Month

1. D.C.III With You
2. Sen no Hatou, Tsukisome no Kouki
3. Tayutama 2 -you’re the only one-

Zen’s Top 3 for This Month

1. Sen no Hatou, Tsukisome no Kouki
2. Daimeikyuu & Daimeiwaku -GREAT EDGES IN THE ABYSS-
3. Backlog.

CIRCUS ended up going back D.C. after all. It never ends!

Does it ever begin with Circus?

The second episode for SkyFish poco‘s Hoshizora Tea Party has been announced for October 31st. There’s also a H version planned for December 22nd, called Hoshizora Tea Party Extra. Other new titles announced this week include:

AkabeiSoft3 – Ryuukishi Bloody†Saga
Tanuki Soft – Onii-chan Daisuki!
Vanadis – Mamono Musume no Sodatekata

Release dates have been set for the following:

Getsuei no Simulacre – October 1st
Hi no Nai Tokoro ni Kemuri wa Tatanai – October 1st

The following titles have been delayed:

Karenai Sekai to Owaru Hana – November 25th
Low Spec!? – November 25th
Love Love Sisters – December 22nd

The Tsuriotsu2 append disc will be sold on November 25th for ￥2800. It adds voices for Asahi, and also includes an after-after story for Luna.

The chara poll for Bitch Shimai has started up and will run until October 31st.

The Akeiro and Nanarin visual fan book will be on sold on November 30th for ￥3685.

The music CDs from AUGUST LIVE! 2016 and the Blu-ray disc for sprite LIVE 2015 will be available on October 28th and November 25th, respectively. CLOCKUP’s vocal collection for their works from 2003 to 2015, first sold at Denkigai this summer, will be available in stores on October 28th for ￥3800.

New figures available for pre-order include:

Aquamarine – 1/8 scale Rise Arabian armor ver. (Persona4, May, ￥14,800)
Kotobukiya – 1/8 scale Velvet (Tales of Berseria, March, ￥12,000)
Max Factory – figma Makoto (Persona3, April, ￥6000)
Max Factory – figma Shielder/Mash Kyrielight (Fate/Grand Order, May, ￥6000)
PLUM – 1/7 scale Caster/Medea Lily (Fate/Grand Order, December, ￥12,500)

Finally got some free time this weekend, so I’ll probably try out the Re:LieF and Soratsuku trials.

The Flying Circus mobile game, Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm -ETERNAL SKY-, has been released on iOS and Android! The gameplay is quite simplistic (essentially rock-paper-scissors and some RNG), but I’m still playing it for Mashiro.

Release dates have been set for the following:

Ryuukishi Bloody†Saga – December 22nd
Koinosu☆Ichacolize – March 24th

EvoLL’s Ojou-sama wa Iinari Mitai Desu!? has been delayed to January 27th.

Sui topped the 2nd Ren’ai Kyoushitsu chara poll. The vote counts are pretty low, but that’s expected from a game that has possibly up to 16 heroines.

The first volume of the PRETTY×CATION 2 H OVA, featuring Honami and Suzuka, comes out on November 25th.

WAVE has a series of 1/8 scale one-piece style figures coming out Fate‘s Saber, Rin and Sakura. They are each priced at ￥9800 and ship in March. KADOKAWA also has a 1/7 scale figure of Super Sonico birthday party ver., also out in March for ￥14,904.

Dakimakuras for Yozora FD‘s Saya (naked apron ver.) and Hinami can be pre-ordered from Nijirushi. They’re each ￥12,960.

Go try out the free light visual novels Tsukikage no Simulacre and Hi no Nai Tokoro ni Kemuri wa Tatanai if you haven’t already!

HULOTTE’s next title will be Kamidanomi Shisugite Ore no Mirai ga Yabai., scheduled for March 24th. It has the awesome subtitle “My future prays to God for help too much, and is dicey.”. I love Engrish.

Other new titles announced this week include:

MintCUBE – Ninki Seiyuu no Tsukurikata (January 27th)
Tachikawa Software – Sai Love (December 22nd)

The following titles have been delayed:

Gakkou no Seiiki – November 25th
Liber_7 – December 22nd
Zettai Junshu☆New Kozukuri World – December 22nd

Ayane topped the Hanahime chara poll, while the Kimiyume chara poll has started up and will run until October 21st.

Frontwing’s crowdfunding for Corona Blossom Vol.2 has been underway for a while now, but it’s worth noting that there will be an uncensored (‘completely mosaic-free’) patch for Western audiences only.

The H anime for Hataraku Otona no Ren’ai Jijou will come out on December 22nd.

The official guide book for Utawarerumono will be on shelves on November 5th.

New figures available for pre-order include:

ALPHA×OMEGA – 1/8 scale Nao Triad Primus ver. (Deremas, May, ￥11,800)
Dragon Toy – 1/6 scale Super Sonico wet see-through photo shoot ver. (Sonicomi, February, ￥16,956)
FREEing – 1/12 scale Anastasia swimsuit ver. (Deremas, April, ￥3222)
FREEing – 1/12 scale Minami swimsuit ver. (Deremas, April, ￥3222)
FREEing – 1/12 scale Uzuki swimsuit ver. (Deremas, April, ￥3222)
Max Factory – 1/7 scale Minami sleeping little devil ver. (Deremas, August, ￥13,704)

I wish I was at CG4th…

GIGA’s append disc BALDR HEART EXE will not contain any new scenario, although it does add some updates to the battle system. It comes out on December 22nd. Other new titles announced this week include:

Digital Cute – Tantei Seven
Galette – Chiccha na Hanayome ~Mada Mada Tsubomi da mon~ (January 27th)
Hexenhaus – Serufure -Self Friend- (February 24th)
NO BRAND – Chrono Box (March 31st)

Parasol’s Kanojo to Ore to Lovely Day has been delayed to January 27th.

Release dates have been set for the following:

Mamono Musume no Sodatekata – December 22nd
Ojou-sama no Hanbun wa Renai de Dekiteimasu! – February 24th
Onii-chan, Kiss no Junbi wa Mada Desu ka? FD – February 24th

Chihiro topped the Otoiro chara poll, and gets a special voice drama, along with top finishers Kotoe, Serika and Satsuki. You will need the game’s serial code to listen to them.

The Wagahigh visual fan book comes out on shelves on October 28th.

The Sayuki chapter for the Amakano H OVA will be out on November 18th.

The PS4/PSV port for YU-NO has been pushed back to March 16th.

ALTER’s next Deremas figure will be the 1/8 scale Minami Memories ver.. It comes out in April for ￥11,800.

So it seems like there’s an 18+ version of Aokana ES… Tempting…

There’s a lot more games this month, but many are of arguably lower quality. The ones which stand out would be RASK’s Re:LieF ~Shin’Ai Naru Anata e~ and COSMIC CUTE’s Sora no Tsukurikata -under the same sky, over the rainbow-. There’s also the free light visual novels Tsukikage no Simulacre and Hi no Nai Tokoro ni Kemuri wa Tatanai, from Applique and Akatsuki Works, respectively.

What a painful month. The only thing more painful than a lot of boring titles is having to write about them as fast as humanly possible. Honestly I can’t think of anything I actually want to play this month, at best I may glance at a few out of sheer boredom. At least I can finish some of the games I’m in the middle of I suppose.

Tsukikage no Simulacre

Company: あっぷりけ (Applique)
Game site: 月影のシミュラクル
Release date: October 1, 2016
Comments:
This is a free light visual novel from Applique. Seiichi received an invitation letter from his dear cousin Rei who he hadn’t seen since he moved. She asked for his presence at the family’s mysterious ceremony which is held once every few years. He decided to return to the town of Izawa where he had once lived, and was reunited with his childhood friends. There is a legend of a living doll at the large mansion in the forest, and it always takes the form of a girl from the Kisaragi family.

So you might be wondering: what is a light visual novel? It’s only about 3 hours worth of reading and is designed to be easily read on smartphones. You could more or less think of them as trials, especially if the story doesn’t wrap up nicely. But then again it’s free, so if you’ve got nothing else better to do, this horror/suspense title might be worth your time.

This applies to the first two games on the list this month as they are both the same kind of game. The idea of a short game easy to read on smartphones is not necessarily bad. That is however if it is only being used as a teaser or trial.

The game itself is essentially “Another Applique game” but simplified. Babies first Applique if you will. I am not against wrapping things up quickly as many games tend to drag things out for what often feels like an eternity while waiting for events you know are going to happen to just get on with it already. However it does worry me that a lot of content may be trimmed to shorten things down would result in a less satisfying experience.

Hi no Nai Tokoro ni Kemuri wa Tatanai

Company: 暁WORKS (Akatsuki Works)
Game site: 緋のない所に烟は立たない
Release date: October 1, 2016
Comments:
This is a free light visual novel from Akatsuki Works.　Aside from his usual business as a consultant in Okushima, Shuuri is actually a ‘katariya’ who can get himself out of any problems with words alone. Every day is different from the one before it, and this time was no different. He found the granddaughter of the most prominent family in the town, Tsuki, lying on the street and took her in. When she came to, she requested that she find her grandfather. But how can you find someone who is already dead?

Pretty much the same as above, although this is more of a supernatural mystery than suspense/horror. Feels more like a short story, with a potential continuation. Maybe instead of a light visual novel, it’s more of a visual light novel? Would that be the same thing?

The second one feels like a much less thought out version of the above. Similar in overall tone, yet much less well developed story wise. So same as above really, another Akatsuki game, just the lite version.

Deep Love Diary -Koibito Nikki-

Company: Campus
Game site: Deep Love Diary -恋人日記-
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
Wataru met his fiancée Chika for the first time at a formal marriage interview. As strangers, they didn’t have any friendship between them, let alone feelings of love. They didn’t want to trouble their parents without any particular objections, but they were at a loss of what to do since they were both earnest students who had no dating experience.

While Wataru had no issues with the beautiful and seemingly flawless Chika, he believed that it was pitiful for a man to have his love chosen for him. He wished to be free to choose his own bride. In return, Chika said that since their marriage had already been decided and she had no issues with his parents, she would be willing to marry him. However, it would be rude to him and their future children if she became his wife without having any feelings for him. So, she suggested that they work hard to become “true lovers” before their marriage date. Swayed by her reasoning, he agreed with her proposition.

They promised to fall in love with each other, in order to ensure that their planned marriage will last. To this end, they created a “love diary” and try out the things which lovers do, like going out for a date, doing shopping while holding hands, cooking dinner and feeding each other, and much more. This is the first page of their true love.

A very straightforward story with one heroine and one goal. Chika is very polite, yet her lack of experience in romance shows through. It also means she would be willing to push the bounds of their budding relationship. Again, Campus re-uses BGMs to lower their costs, although this title doesn’t seem to have any fantasy elements like their other games.

An interesting idea to take the somewhat common arranged marriage issue then expand on it. That said, there is more a focus on inexperience than on actual feelings. Which, happens to be a missed opportunity in my opinion. A focus on the stress, friction, and obligation would make a more meaningful story. Other than that the diary itself is completely unnecessary. It adds little to the plot or characters, and does nothing to actually bring them closer. Even should the ending in all likelihood include a reference to it finally realizing their feelings or something its just not a useful device. Anything that cheapens the characters or their relationships should be thrown out by a competent team.

Re:LieF ~Shin’Ai Naru Anata e~

Company: RASK
Game site: Re：LieF ～親愛なるあなたへ～
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
This is the debut game by RASK. The isolated Pacific island of Mikumo has no internet nor cell phones, not even any convenience stores or family restaurants. There’s not much to do in terms of entertainment. It is here that Tsukasa begins his new school life, a new beginning, with both hope and unease. He shares a room with a girl who he meets for the first time. How will his relationship turn out and what will their ‘graduation’ be like?

We often say that new companies need to make their first product stand out in order to survive. This is just the case with RASK, who captivated me with Re:LieF. The beautiful art by Kurono Mitsuki and Shizuku Shoui first got my attention, but the setting is one that stands out among the mountain of titles. Yes, it seems like your usual romance/drama in a school setting, but it’s more than that.

The characters are actually workers in their 20s, but due to circumstances, they agreed to participate in the ‘Tryment’ program, attending a mock boarding school where they can ‘grow’ and overcome their fears and traumas before returning to society. Since the average age is higher, the dialogue is more subdued and mature (enhanced by the well-chosen nostalgic BGMs), although there are still funny moments. As an older eroge player who could identify with some of the situations presented, I haven’t really seen this setting employed much and I enjoyed reading the trial a lot.

I would recommend this title for those who have experienced the work environment and want to read an eroge which is a little bit different from the rest. You could say that it’s a good choice for eroge fans, whose median age is increasing. I’ll definitely be cheering Hinako on and wishing her the best in her return.

Well there go the few brain cells I saved this month. Whoever created this travesty must be simultaneously itching to write something new, and absolutely terrified of the world outside of high school. Personally I hope for the end to be a plot twist where they are all actually in an insane asylum and the whole retarded back to high school thing is just what they perceive because ya know, crazy. I could accept a bunch of loons thinking something like this up. Anyone sane, not so much. Unless they are really really really, really, really… really stupid of course.

Now the idea to base a game around older characters is a good one, one that I wholeheartedly commend. But I fail to see the point when you are just going to stuff them right back in school. It more than just slightly defeats the entire point of having older characters. I mean they could have just as easily made the setting a university instead of crazy people high school prison and the character ages would have matched up no problems. Innovation is a good thing, even if it fails. Changing the number on a character profile and at best slightly changing the tone of a story is NOT innovation however. It is just looting any generic eroge from the garbage and renaming it. A cliche high school based romance by any other name, would be just as boring and pointless.

Furthermore the concept of older characters seems to becoming more common. A theme headed off recently by Hataraku Otona no Renai, which was a much better design, if still full of flaws. Even more there was Giniro Haruka just the other month which really is just a much better version of this garbage. Well aside from the pacing time warps which implies the protagonist is smoking enough meth to satisfy the American adderall market for a year between 5 minute interlude scenes. Well that and the lack of sprites making it feel like a ghost town. Point is though play Giniro Haruka instead of this, same thing, better written, better idea. Hataraku works too but eh, harder to recommend that thanks to the terrible protagonist.

Kinkyuu Sengen: Onee-chan-tachi wa Shojo o Sotsugyou Shimasu!!

Company: Sweet HEART
Game site: 《緊急宣言》お姉ちゃん達は処女を卒業しますっ!!
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
This is the first title by Sweet HEART. Naoto has four older sisters: androphobic Haruka, proud ‘ojou-sama’ Miyu, slightly tennen Kasumi, and my-pace Akina. They were always together when they were small, and he had even promised to marry them in the future. However, they gradually became distant as they grew up and now their relationship is no more than daily conversations.

One day, his grandfather told his sisters that they will be married off this year. As such, they were forbidden from associating with the opposite sex, and must protect their virginity at all costs. However, they were at the age when they are very interested in sex and began to vent their frustrations. They wanted to experience sex before becoming a bride and ordered Naoto to help their cause.

A game for masochistic guys who like older sisters (especially Miyu who bosses you around all the time). Luckily, I am not one of them. Pass.

I’m fine with the older sisters though again I’d rather have a wider range of heroines to choose from but the general idea is meh. It’s just a nukige.

Signalist Stars!!

Company: Ibiza
Game site: しぐなリスト スターズ!!
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
This is the first game by Ibiza. Anyone is welcome to the special island model city of Koumei, so long as you are steadfast to your dreams, no more how big or small. For example, it could be wishing to falling in love like in the movies, or becoming a bride.

Atsushi wishes to become a hero who protects the city. One day, as if by fate, he met the transfer student Kureha who wants to become a prince who protects everyone. Neither wanted to give up on their very similar goals, so the school chairman Isumi announced a competition to determine who will be the hero. They have to help others and the appropriate winner will be chosen based on everyone’s votes. Will they be able to protect the culture festival from aspiring evil-doers and seize the hero title?

As the synopsis suggests, this is a baka-ge. This probably means the common route will be fun to play, but then it’ll turn more to the romantic side once you’re locked into a route. This is the first script by Morino Izumi and it seems a bit shallow, with the standard puns and clichés. I don’t expect too much from this.

Can we just throw them in a ring and have the two fight to the death to solve this quicker? Do away with the dumb setting, and just let the characters be silly because they are. Then maybe I would be more inclined to find things amusing.

I put my bets on the girl.

Sono Hanabira ni Kuchizuke o Hajimete Deatta Ano Hi Kara

Company: 聖ミカエル女子学園 (St. Michael Girls’ School)
Game site: その花びらにくちづけを 初めて出逢ったあの日から
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
This is the PC port for the Sonohana series’ free mobile game Deatta Koro no Omoide ni, with H scenes added. Autumn had arrived and as Risa was changing from her summer to her winter school uniform, she thought back to her first day at St. Michael Girls’ School. It was the day when she first met her classmate and lover Miya.

Now the lovey-dovey couple lives together at Risa’s apartment, but back then they were always bickering with each other. Their relationship had begun to change when the earnest and studious Risa tried to make Miya, who often skipped classes, come regularly to them. Even after they became lovers, she still has that tendency.

After another passionate making out session, Risa giggled to herself as they rested in bed, causing a puzzled Miya to question her. She replied that she was thinking back to when they first met, and together they reminisce about that unforgettable day.

Yuri yuri~

Thank god for yuri. Saves me from writing.

Chicchakunai mon! ~School Bus de Omukae Chu Chu~

Company: Iris
Game site: ちっちゃくないもんっ！ ～スクールバスでおむかえちゅっちゅ～
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
On the orders of his grandmother Kikuchiyo, Hajime worked as the janitor at a depopulated school on the remote Southern island of Makishima. Not only was he the school bus driver for the cute and petite students, but he was also entrusted as the manager of the girls’ dormitory. Every day he is tormented as he endures their innocent charms.

One day, a part-time teacher arrived at the school and he was tasked with supporting her in her new post. Nono was exceptionally gifted, having skipped many grades and becoming a teacher, even though she was the same size as the students in her class. Under the guise of a silly sex education lesson, the students began to be conscious of him as a man. Will he be able to hold it together?

Everyone on the yellow school bus! We’re going to Youjou Gakuen!

You perverts disgust me.

Insert song

Nanairo＊Clip ~Saigo no Stage~

Company: ディーオー (D.O.)
Game site: なないろ＊クリップ ～最後のステージ～
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
The remote island of Hoshimiga is located far south of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. It was rich with nature, being protected by the sacred tree, but it was now threatened by redevelopment. To protect the sacred tree and the island, they have to gather 5000 visitors for the sacred tree festival. It was a seemingly impossible task, but Shinji and his osananajimi Hiromi had a plan: they would become idols and attract visitors to the island. Their radiance would brighten their surroundings, while their feelings would spread across the world. With the goal of protecting what meant the most to them, their summer of passion begins now.

This is D.O.’s first game in a while and honestly, it isn’t that attractive. It seems like the group is setting themselves up for disaster as almost all of them can’t even sing nor dance. That’s not how you become an idol. The system also looks like something from the 90s, aside from the moving sprites. There’s also a female Micchi (real name Michiru), which rather amused me while reading the trial. I wonder if this is how it feels when you see your own name in a game…

Logical conclusion of course. Magically get a few people to visit will somehow save everyone so should totally just become an idol group. As usual I would like to point out when both Micchi and I are down on a game that is usually a pretty bad sign for everyone. 

Furerute Love Connect ~Ore to Kanojo no Love Skinship~

Company: Nephrite
Game site: ふれるてラブコネクト ～オレとカノジョの恋愛表現（ラブスキンシップ）～
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
This is the first title by Nephrite. When he was a kid, Makoto was always together with four girls: very shy Manami, who has a fear of strangers; older cousin Reiko, who was his first love; strong-willed and open-hearted Tsukasa; and, his imouto Momo, who seems to always be pouting around him. They had thought that they would always be together forever, but they were all separated after he had to move for his father’s job change.

Ten years later, he finally returned to his hometown of Nagashimo and was happily welcomed back by his childhood friends. However, he noticed that they seemed distant from one another. What had happened between them during the ten years that he was away?

While talking to each of them separately, he learned that the change arose from misunderstandings and insecurity. As he eased their concerns, he realized that he had a deep affection for them.

If you’re looking for a depressing back story, you won’t find it here as this is purely a light-hearted love comedy. The scenario writer from Nephrite, Koharu Enishi, doesn’t have that great of a track record though. I find the oppai balance to be quite one-sided. Luckily, the imouto is here to save the day. After so many years away, she still asks if you want to bathe with her. Imoutos are the best!

Now under normal circumstances I would be disinclined to even glance at what should be the most generic and boring game of a month. For this October however the bar has been set so low that something normal and average actually looks good. Not going to say it is actually good however. Just a normal average generic eroge. If you want a time killer that is as close to the median as possible, this is your best choice this month.

Schwarzesmarken: Junkyousha-tachi

Company: アージュ (âge)
Game site: シュヴァルツェスマーケン 殉教者たち
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
This is the second of two all-ages games based on âge’s light novels set in the Muv-luv Alternative universe. In 1983, East Germany had been forced by the invading BETA into a hopeless war of attrition. Theodor Eberbach, a member of the East Germany Army 666th TSF Squadron “Schwarzemarken” (Black Marks), found out about his commanding officer Irisdina Bernhard’s secret after rescuing the exiled West German soldier Katia Waldheim.

Irisdina had once sold out her brother Jürgen to the Ministry of State Security (Stasi) and killed him herself, and was heavily rewarded by them. However, actually his sacrifice allowed her to live on and secretly work towards a rebellion. Theodor was strongly attracted to her plans to sacrifice everything for the future of East Germany, and vowed to fight alongside her.

However, his adopted sister Lise, who he thought was dead, appeared one day to join his squadron. Everyone suspected that she was a Stasi spy, but he tried to believe otherwise.

This is the continuation of the previous Schwarzemarken game and finally gets into the main conflicts. Even though I’m not invested in the series, the synopsis does seem interesting.

More of the same for those who follow this.

Unionism Quartet A3-DAYS

Company: CLIP☆CRAFT
Game site: ユニオリズム・カルテット A3-DAYS
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
This is the sequel for Unionism Quartet. Fehde, a ceremonial duel with its origins in the Middle Ages, has morphed into the wildly popular sport ‘fehda’, with the combatants being called ‘knights’. Akita trained every day with the goal of becoming a knight, and he joined the school’s grand tournament Vartok Fehda with Yurina, Remilia, Amane and Milly. They faced many strong enemies and fought through tough battles, and ultimately won the tournament in spectacular fashion.

Two months later, things have returned to normal. However, even though the intense battles of the Vartok Fehda were long over, the girls all began to show affection to Akito, sparking a new battle: the battle for Akito’s heart!

The changing of the seasons meant that it was time for the advancement exams. Akito planned to participate in the solo tournament to determine the extent of his power. One day, the school’s headmistress called them for a meeting, and they were greeted with two knights-in-training who they have not met before…

The three A’s stand for “Another”, “After” and “Advance”, with these stories all starting from the end of the previous game. Eight subcharacters now have their own routes, along with new heroines Tia and Selphi. It doesn’t seem too bad. There’s Milly and Yuno after all.

Sequel of the Valkyrie Romance ripoff.

Gusha no Kyouben: Ima Shika Dekinai Koto ga Takusan Arun da!

Company: あかべぇそふとすりぃ (AkabeiSoft3)
Game site: 愚者ノ教鞭 今しかできないことがたくさんあるんだ！
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
That summer, Kazuki and his six friends went on a crusade together. They still don’t know if it was the right thing to do, but they gave it their all. There was no theory, reason or sound judgment behind it; it was just based on their own beliefs. This is a story about innocent and reckless kids who rebelled against the ‘foolish’ adults. They strove for their own futures, unchained from this unreasonable world.

… Why is AkabeiSoft3 making a loli-ge? The premise reminds me of & too, except they’re still all small. It’ll be more serious than your typical loli-ge, but… it’s still a loli-ge. The adults are mostly depicted as nasty people, and I’d like to think that this isn’t normally the case in reality. It does make you think about the words you say to children; it’s better to encourage them than scold and limit them. Like, why would you cage up a playful spirit like Orino?

I guess at least everyone is either loli or shouta. So there’s that going for it. Still creepy though.

Also to answer your question Micchi, because kids are annoying.

You must be one of those scary and nasty adults!

At least I’m not trying to abduct the kids into my white van like I’d imagine most people who want to play this would.

Sora no Tsukurikata -under the same sky, over the rainbow-

Company: COSMIC CUTE
Game site: 空のつくりかた -under the same sky，over the rainbow-
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
Naoka is a city shrouded in a pervasive thick fog. It is known not only for its vampires, but also as the place for people who have lost sight of their goals in life. Ryou is one such individual who lost his purpose and confidence after a past failure. While he works for a detective company, but he’s rather a jack-of-all-trades dealing with minor troubles, like searching for lost belongings or fixing roofs.

One day as he was listlessly passing time, he happened upon a self-proclaimed magician Hal who had come to the city to attend the magic school there. After helping her with some problems, she ended up helping him at the agency. Hal was tough, friendly and positive – all traits which he had lost. Will they fill the voids in each others’ hearts by being together?

COSMIC CUTE’s settings and general feel are usually a notch above. I felt that the trial was much more interesting than their previous title, love, VAMPIRE FLOWERS. Hal has some great reactions. The pacing was much better, but still not my top choice this month.

While the setting is a bit too forcible in establishing a general trend and theme everything will still come down to the writing. One of those games where it starts out at maybe a 30-40% due to being poorly thought out, but good writing can save it. Here’s hoping for a miracle.

Sengokuhime 7 ~Sen’un Tsuranuku Guren no Ishi~

Company: げーせん18 (Gesen18)
Game site: 戦極姫7 ～戦雲つらぬく紅蓮の遺志～
Release date: October 28, 2016
Comments:
This is the latest title in Gesen18’s Sengokuhime series, re-enacting the events up to the Siege of Osaka in 1615. There are some new commanders among the 110 that you can control, as well as new outfits for some returning heroines, such as Oda Nobunaga. Since this game takes place over 65 years, the commanders’ sprites will change as they grow.

It always amazes me how many games they can make off the same premise.

The latest Gesen18 game.

Hoshizora Tea Party ~Episode 2: “Takara no Chizu” Mitsukemashita?~

Company: Skyfish poco
Game site: 星空TeaParty ～第2話「宝の地図」見つけましたか?～
Release date: October 31, 2016
Comments:
This is the second episode for Skyfish poco’s free all-ages Hoshizora Tea Party, set in the summer. The trance reality syndrome problems in spring were resolved and the ‘Tea Party’ members were made to clean up the school pool as punishment. After finishing, they had a great time in the pool… and ended up damaging it. As a result, they had to spend their summer vacation working to pay off the cost.

At this dark moment, Ruiji’s childhood friend Toyo returned and revealed his embarassing moments from his past as well as his whole love experience. Could this summer vacation be any worse? That’s when a tiny mechanic robot brought a letter to him, sparking another adventure.

The first episode didn’t last more than an hour, so I don’t expect this to be anything more than a quick read. It’s also not voiced, but that’s not out of the ordinary for a free title.

Short and pointless. Just like my commentary on it.

Micchi’s Top 3 for This Month

1. Re:LieF ~Shin’Ai Naru Anata e~
2. Sora no Tsukurikata -under the same sky, over the rainbow-
3. Deep Love Diary -Koibito Nikki-

Zen’s Top 3 for This Month

1. Sora no Tsukurikata -under the same sky, over the rainbow-
2. Uhh….
3. Furerute Love Connect ~Ore to Kanojo no Love Skinship~

I wouldn’t mind participating in the ‘Tryment’ program either. I think you’d learn a lot from others and about yourself.

I’d learn that living in crazy land is probably more fun than reality. Who cares if its really a mental hospital, reality is what you make of it!~

There’s a lot of hype surrounding new company Recette‘s debut title Shugaten! -sugarfull tempering-, which is planned for a February 24th release. There’s a Chino look-alike in a small sweets shop, as well as a ‘fairy’ protagonist who becomes the saviour pâtissier. The heroines are voiced by Anzu Mitsu, Kusuhara Yui and Fujisaki Usa, while the art is by Shiratama. I might as well put in my pre-order right now…

Frontwing is making an all-ages sequel titled Grisaia: Phantom Trigger, featuring a new cast. It will be released in volumes, with vol.1 & 2 scheduled for spring 2017 and vol.3 tentatively set for the summer. They’ll be priced at ￥1980. Also as expected, there will be a fandisc for D.S.. D.S. i.F. -Dal segno- in Future will be out this spring.

KAI’s Majo to Tsurugi to Sen no Tsuki has been delayed to March 24th, while Digital Cute’s Tantei Seven has been set for February 24th.

It’s time for the individual character outfit polls for Maitetsu, starting with Reina! You have till November 29th to vote for which one you’d like an H scene for (although it’s not guaranteed). Ok, who suggested her naked with only cat ears, tail and a collar bell? This is going to win, isn’t it now?

You can now download the October append for PURELY×CATION.

The second volume of the PRETTY×CATION2 H OVA, featuring Chitose and Azusa, comes out on January 27th.

The PSV port for Glacé’s Timepiece Ensemble is set for February 23rd.

The omake mini game in the Aokana PS4 port looks pretty fun!

New figures available fore pre-order include:

AMAKUNI – 1/7 scale Super Sonico Pisces ver. (Sonicomi, August, ￥13,500)
BellFine – 1/7 scale Asuka baby doll ver. (Aokana, February, ￥14,500)
FLARE – Caster / Elizabeth Bathory [Halloween] (Fate/Grand Order, June, ￥14,000)
Phat! – 1/8 scale Ritsuko (im@s, May, ￥9000)
Queen Ted – 1/7 scale Mashiro dokidoki☆classroom ver. (Aokana, January, ￥13,500)
WAVE – 1/8 scale Mika summer temptation ver. (Deremas, April, ￥11,800)

The second Floflo dakimakura is available for pre-order and it’s Kohane! There’s also one coming out for New Kozukuri World‘s Ichika.

Bar Honest is currently holding a collaboration cafe for Amakano. You can go there until November 20th.

Hau~ omochikaeri~! has reached 4 million page views! Thank you for all your support!

The first Aokana after story from sprite, Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm EXTRA1, will have my favourite kouhai Mashiro in the spotlight! We’ll have to wait until April 28th to play it. More Mashiro ichaicha!! There’ll also be a fandisc coming out for Hearts‘s Rorolog, titled Natsuiro Kokoro Log ~Happy Summer~! I really should get around to playing the original game…

As expected, sequels have been announced for Akatsuki Works‘s Hi no Nai Tokoro ni Kemuri wa Tatanai -Akeno Shuuri to IchirenTakushou no Onna-tachi- and Applique‘s Tsukikage no Simulacre -Fukagyaku Shin’iki no Shoujo-tachi-. Both are planned for January 27th.

Other titles announced this week include:

AkabeiSoft3 – Hataraku Otaku no Ren’ai Jijou (March 24th)
Akatsuki Works – Suisei Ginka (February 24th)
Azarashi Soft – Aikagi (March 24th)
ensemble – Omoi o Sasageru Otome no Melody
PULLTOP Latte – Office ni Sasou Ecchi na Kanojo
SofthouseChara – Noroi no Maken ni Yamitsuki Otome (February 24th)
Tigre – Tonari no Shoujo

The following titles have been delayed:

VenusBlood -RAGNAROK- – December 16th
Haruoto Alice＊Gram – March 24th

The “EGG -Extra Games Garden- anthology 2016” will be on shelves on November 25th. It includes 13 songs from companies which attended the event.

Fate/Grand Order‘s feature-length anime special is planned for later this year.

The visual fan book for Hanikami CLOVER comes out on November 25th.

The PS4/PSV spinoff Chaos;Child Love chu☆chu!! has been set for a March 30th release.

A series of Shinsou Noise SD figures are now on sale for a pricy ￥4980 each. Kotobukiya has a 1/7 scale figure of Fate/Grand Order‘s Assassin/ Mysterious heroine X out in April for ￥13,800.

Doujin circle Yaki-Ubu’s next work Imouto ga Eroge Seiyuu Dattan da ga will be available for download in January. It features art by Takoyaki and a story by Oungouru… and imouto.

I had some time to play through some November trials this weekend (with the extra hour gained from DST). Studio Ryokucha’s Natsukoi was more of their usual hijinks, as was ASa Project’s Sankaku Ren’ai. How can you say no to not one, but TWO imoutos? Yomegami was fine, but for some reason, I liked LOVEREC. more.