GOD I loved your MidCin reviews. I remember loving Rayvis (I was just 14 back then, so yeah...) because I felt he was the most decent guy there. Also, I don't remember they having SO much sex so I wasn't uncomfortable, at least. But I agree most of my love for this game are pure nostalgia and respect to my first true otome I've played. I wanted to ask: did you play any other Cybird game? I'd love to see you roasting them more (esp their twu wuv's w/o chemistry problem!!)
Ooookay, Tumblr wouldn't let me answer the first time, hoping it works now
I hope I'm not replying too late! I really need to be better about checking... online things in general ^^;; (also also I don't understand why I don't get an alert? Or why they don't show the dates of asks? I'm probably missing something...)
Hmm, I think I tested out that historical Cybird one with the voice acting because the MC's a seamstress but the buck wild use of historical figures and the convenient absence of an actual black man who actually lived in Japan at the time, serving under Oda Nobunaga(!) just kinda made me not want to play. Especially when these men's lives were incredibly interesting in their own right; the forced romance and vaguely explained time travel was wholly unnecessary. They couldn't even do anything meaningful with the seamstress thing besides oh she sews some stuff for her beau du jour. Dude voice acting Masamune's hot though >.>
As you might have noticed, I have markedly less time to play anything in general, much less otomes with lacklustre plots. In fact, I have an ever growing list of games/books that I mean to get to but, uh, haven't touched yet >.<
But let me end on a more positive note: a recommendation of otomes I did enjoy!
Changeling by Steamberry Studio: The team put a lot of effort into researching and building the lore in this one. I appreciate the fact that high school teenagers read like high school teenagers and since our characters are, well, teenagers, you aren't getting huge all or nothing confessions of love in the romantic endings. Also, I just saw that it's on sale for another day?! Quick, check out the demo, and take advantage of the sale if the VN's to your fancy! Side note, Steamberry's newest otome is on my [much too long] list of games to play, that's how much I enjoyed Changeling.
Ebon Light by Underbliss: Very impressive for a pay-what-you-want. You can even customize the MC's look! I found the lore interesting but a touch underdeveloped, and the story had a few pacing issues, but all in all, I had lots of fun playing.
War of Roses by owl: If you're looking for something short and sweet and relaxing, this might be up your alley. Also has a customizable MC!
Arcade Spirits by Fiction Factory: I low-key love the setting of this game. I wouldn't necessarily categorise this game as an otome since you can keep all relationships platonic and you don't have to play as a female MC. As a paid game, I kind of wish the MC customization had more options and that the different love interest routes varied more. It's not my favourite of the VNs I've played "recently" but I do like the world and appreciate the love that clearly went into making the game.
Thanks for letting me mini-rant and I hope you're doing well, wherever you are!