Jacob Ross at Save/Continue writes:
"Few genres have the ability to cultivate a sense of earned camaraderie between characters as well as visual novels can – a welcome byproduct of the intersection between unusual length and strong narrative focus. It is a potent mixture that gave us two of this generation’s very best games in the form of the Zero Escape series, and it has now yielded yet another delicious fruit, though this one of a decidedly different flavor. Sweet Fuse: At Your Side, an otome developed by Idea Factory and published by the once again on-point Aksys Games, does not reach the dizzying heights of Spike Chunsoft‘s magnum opus, nor does it attempt to. But what it does, and what it does damn well, is present an incredibly likeable and ultimately cohesive cast that does not inherit these traits, but attains them. And in an industry where even inheritance is routinely bungled by incompetent storytelling and characterization, that is a feat most impressive."
There is a name people caught up in the otome game craze should know: Otomate. This is the branch of Idea Factory that devotes itself to making games for women. These tend to be visual novels with dating sim elements, though Library Cross is a mobile RPG and I Will Protect You was an Otomate Forte Metroidvania. Lots of Otomate games have been released in English for people to enjoy! Depending on the system you own, you could have at least one title to try.
In the years since Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom made its English debut in 2012, otome games have enjoyed a surge of popularity worldwide. The genre went from an unknown to one that received multiple releases on various platforms each year. Sony handhelds have long been a haven for such titles, with people who own a Vita enjoying the fruits of this bevy of releases.
"Otome is not as niche a genre as it once was. Granted, the genre is still underwhelmed with titles and many fans still feel starved of games, but otome does seem to slowly be gaining momentum. Idea Factory are testing the waters by localising some of their games in English, and other companies such as Manga Gamer and Girls’ Side are also dipping their toes into the localisation pool. Android and iOS has exploded with otome apps, and indie development teams have proven to have a huge interest in the genre, with more games being regularly released." - Rice Digital
I love a good dating sim, otome or otherwise, with Amnesia and Sweet Fuse being some great ones.
There's a special part in my heart for Hatoful Boyfriend however.
I agree with Nameless being number one.
It was so strange, awesome, and unexpectedly dark!
Kawaii, but not the kawaiiest.
Interesting review... Maybe I would consider to try it out when I get a chance.