ok so real talk what IS the thing you're into and how do i get into it because i don't have a hyperfixation rn and i need something free and beautiful to get into
oh god i hope youre ready for a long answer because you just activated my Infodump Sales Pitch Mode
SAY HELLO TO TEARS OF THEMIS!!!!
what is it?
it's a mobile otome (romance and dating) game where you play as the Main Character (codename Rosa) who is a lawyer whisked into a mysterious plot involving an illegal drug substance and the havoc it's wrecking on the city of Stellis. its main genres are mystery, crime, investigation, and law procedural. imagine ace attorney, something like that!!
but if ace attorney had 4 hot guys head over heels in love with you
there are two (okay there are... more, but for the purposes of this very beginner-friendly primer, i'll say two) primary story routes that are distinct from each other:
first, main story. in main story, there is no chosen romance, so you arent pursuing or ending up with any of the boys during this plot. main story is mostly focused on the, well, main story of the illegal NXX substance and the NXX Investigation Team, which comprises of MC and all the boys, and their trials and tribulations as they investigate leads trying to get to the bottom of every murder and crime that's related to the NXX substance.
second, theres the personal story/romance routes. these are the stories you play to get to know the boys' context, emotions, and backstory more, and eventually you enter a relationship with them in these stories. this involves pining, confession, moving in together, proposal, looooots of cute dates and experiences in between, etc. this story/route comprises of most of the card stories and special personal story solo events.
"zak, why are these two routes distinct from each other?" the answer to that is too complicated and confusing to discuss for a beginner-friendly primer, so WE MOVE ON.
who are the boys?
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO ALL OF THEM ONE BY ONE!!!! (with no spoilers)
this is my favorite, my sunshine, the warmth of my life, my will to live, Luke Pearce
key details and tropes include: 24 years old at the start of the story, MC's childhood friend, sunshine puppy boy but also attack guard dog, secret dark side, guilt and self loathing, themes of hoping in spite of how hard things are, of not giving up no matter how bleak things look, of how it's not over 'til it's over, detective, knight, living weapon, best boy in the whole game, I LOVE HIM SO MUCH HES EVERYTHING TO ME, and i cannot emphasize enough how much he is a dog. btw. okay wait i need to shut up about luke we've got 3 other dudes to go
next up we have Artem Wing!
key details and tropes include: 29 year's old at the start of the story, MC's senior coworker, top lawyer in the city, stoic and serious but awkward and earnest in reality, autism/neurodivergence vibes is something many players read from him, he cooks he cleans hes malewife
next up, Vyn Richter!
key details and tropes include: 27 at the start of the story, a psychiatrist and psychology professor, elegant, mysterious, and posh. hes got two doctorate degrees and bragged about it in canon that hes got one degree more than artem does. legendary moment.
and last we have my second fave, Marius von Hagen!!
key details and tropes include: 21 at the start of the story, the acting CEO of one of the largest companies in the world, artist and grad student, themes of self expression and freedom vs responsibility and duty, facades and masks, also hes a teasing little shit who loves to rile you up
let's make this response interactive!!!
people who havent played tot, which guy interests you most?
Luke Pearce
Artem Wing
Vyn Richter
Marius von Hagen
button to press if you already play tot
anyhoo, thats our main cast!! each of their personal stories and routes are so interesting and nuanced and a joy to experience
now, for the most important part of your ask
"i need something free and beautiful to get into"
is it free?
uh. well, it CAN IF YOU WANT IT TO BE. tears of themis is completely possible to play free. you can make no purchases whatsoever and still be able to clear main story levels, so long as you maximize your level up materials and cards and stuff. but be warned, because this game IS a gacha. so you can spend. and it will definitely try to convince you to spend. but so long as youre responsible and strict with yourself, it's not that much of a problem tbh.
is it beautiful?
it is. it really, really is. ive been obsessed with this game since the day it was globally released in 2021 and im still obsessed with it now in 2026. the obsession has not left me whatsoever at ANY point. its stories are gripping, emotional, heart wrenching, riveting, disturbing. but theyre also life affirming, comforting, fluffy, joyous. some stories are a hit or a miss but overall, the quality of writing is very very good. if it wasnt good, i wouldnt have been fixated on this game for LITERAL YEARS. WITH 71 FANFICS FOR TOT WRITTEN UNDER MY BELT. SEVEN FUCKING ONE!!!
anyway. thats what im into these days. i love tot so much. it is so dear to me. it got me out of a really dark part of my life and continues to bring me joy and happiness. you can get into it by downloading the app onto your phone and falling into the abyss from there
hope you have a great day, spencer!!!
