Otome KittenEnd of Year Round Up Part 1 – Best and Worst of 2025
Otome KittenEnd of Year Round Up Part 1 – Best and Worst of 2025
Cover Illustration: Chlo and Douma (#Chlouma) cosplay as Aprose and John from Mistonia by artist Queen_of_Swords. Thank you so much for this wonderful piece!
Welcome to Otome Kitten’s Year-End Round Up for 2025 (Part 1). As per tradition, this year’s end-of-year recap will be divided into two parts. The first part (which is this post) will be dedicated to the infamous Itabag Awards, which, unfortunately, don’t really involve a lot of itabags this year (too busy to be creative in 2025 sadly… sob 🥲).
Jokes aside, if you’re new here, this year-end post is where I give out my personal “game awards” to the fictional characters who stuck with me (for better or worse) throughout 2025. The second part will be a more personal retrospective, recapping both my gaming highlights and personal hijinks from the year, along with what’s in store for this blog going forward. It will be posted by the final week of 2025.
Games Completed, Reviewed, Dropped and Stalled
I’ve noticed that I haven’t exactly played a lot of games this year. Oof. Most of the ones I’ve actually completed are otome games,🤣 and the only non-otome game I finished is Hades, investing in over 30+ hours for it (laughs). I am totally not obsessed with the Zag x Thanos ship! Nope! 🙈
The rest of the games I’ve stalled are mostly titles I picked up randomly from my backlog during tiny moments of downtime when I’m not playing anything to review, or just resting after a work-travel. I fully plan to finish most of these stalled games next year though. That said, this is probably one of those years in a long while where I haven’t really gamed much (to my standards lol). But to be fair, I’ve been quite engaged with other hobbies and traveling a lot as well, both for work and leisure so it’s quite hard to find time to game while constantly on the go.
Games I’ve dropped and Picked Up Again
- I dropped Steam Prison -Beyond the Steam-. This one was unfortunate. To be completely honest, I only bought the game for Mister Sachsen Brandenburg (like many others probably, lol). The way HuneX marketed this fandisc made it seem like my man was finally getting his own proper romance route. It was heavily promoted too, which even boggles me when there was barely any romance at all. The route was incredibly short, had no fluff, and felt more like a one-shot afterthought.🙄 I ended up dropping the entire game after this. I didn’t care about the new LIs and didn’t want my experience with the original LIs to be soured if the main “highlight” of this fandisc was supposed to be the new characters. Like… what’s even the point of calling it a fandisc? hmm…
- I gave Mineko’s Night Market another try. I had dropped this title last year because it was plagued by bugs, but I decided to give it another shot this year and downloaded its recent patch, which was supposed to fix its massive buggy issues. Sadly, not all of the bugs were fixed, loading screens still lag, and the game sometimes crashes if left idle for too long. Still, these issues were fairly tolerable, and I was able to still have fun playing this cute, cozy game. Just a heads-up though, the game can be a bit grindy, so just keep that in mind if you plan to pick it up.
Games I Finished Last Year, But Reviewed This Year:
Hana Awase New Moon (All Volumes) – This game won by a landslide in my 2024 Motivation Corner, which is why I finally released my review for it this year. As for what happened to my “Motivation Corner” itself, I removed it from the site midway through the year after I saw that my schedule wasn’t exactly gaming-friendly during Q3, and Q4.🥲 And I didn’t want to squeeze in another title, let alone promise a review when I’d barely even done a dozen titles this year.
My Favorite Post/Review of 2025
Love and Deepspace: Xavier’s Story Branch, Myths, and Lore Analysis – this post literally took me three to four weeks of re-reading every card, myth, main story chapter, anecdote…literally everything Xavier-related content in LaDs. Created summaries for each myth story, dedicated chapters in the main story, and the story branch itself, all while taking notes as theories came up. Plus, dissected Xavier’s lore piece by piece, narrative by narrative. Was I crazy? I still can’t believe I did all of this on top my day job, in between playing and reviewing other games, as well as travelling. 😂 I remember even writing my Deepspace Tunnel time-travel theory just a few hours before heading to Taemin’s concert! 😂😂😂 Perhaps I really was crazy after all. I wish I still had this same level of energy by the end of the year, but alas! I’m exhausted af.
Itabag Awards: Best and Worst Of 2025
This year we had some surprisingly amazing new title releases, and, well… some forgettable ones too. But love them or hate them, none shall escape this year’s Itabag Awards! As always I’ll be limiting entries to the new localized titles of the console/pc games that were released this year. That means 7’scarlet will not be joining this year’s nominees, since this game was a port.
Because of the game’s global release delay, the title Neon Clash: Echoes of the Lost will also not be joining this year’s awards, but will be included on next year’s round-up instead.
I’m not going to promise that this year’s awards won’t be as chaotic as last year (probably even more), but I can promise you at least a cackle or two! So go ahead, sit back, relax, grab your popcorn, or your fav snacks and drinks, and let the shitposting begin!
🛑DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that this is all in jest and for fun, Please do not take this seriously!
Best Heroine Of 2025
Aprose E. Randolf (Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight-)
Bow down to the QUEEN! Yes, you heathen!
Do you want revenge?
Do you want your house deep-cleaned?
Do you want ☠️☠️☠️ questionable tasting dishes made from the goodness of this damsel’s heart? Aprose can do it all! better watch out though as her venom kinda stings!
I am so happy to have met this heroine this year. Aprose was such a fun, amazing MC. Truly deserving of a place in the Hall of Fame of otoge heroines of all-time. Not only were her hazardous dishes iconic, but her deadpan stare could send you straight to an early grave. Best girl fr!
Worst Heroine of 2025
Hinagiku a.k.a The Leeroy Jenkins of Otoge Heroines (Illusion of Itehari)
I am a firm believer that Awayuki’s hair was originally a different color and only turned white/gray after he was assigned to be Hinagiku’s poor long-suffering butler. I mean, my own gray hairs multiply tenfold whenever girlie here, charges straight into danger with zero plan, zero skills, and zero caution, and just full-on Leeeeroy Jenkins mode.
Sadly, she earns a bottom-tier ranking in this year’s Heroine Hall of Shame for being a massive gray-hair-inducing menace, collectively aging the entire otome community in the process.
Best Tsundere Of 2025
Lucas Sullivan (Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight-)
Oh this precious, loveable kind-hearted, pure-souled, fluffy, adorable, awkward weirdo. I absolutely love this man. His route is great too and deserves more chapters. He and Aprose needs to be happy…ALWAYS ya hear! I normally dont like re-playing routes but i’m tempted to do another run for Lucas’s next year for serotonin purposes! Best boy!
Worst Tsundere of 2025
NONE
Best Kuudere Of 2025
Shu Lyn O’Keefe (BUSTAFELLOWS Season 2)
Truth be told, I had someone else in mind for this award until I skimmed through my review of Bustafellows Season 2 and realized, there exists… Shu! How could I not give this award to him now? He was practically the best kuudere this year, and his route in Season 2 really showed so much of the character growth he had in Season 1. Shu was an absolute darling. Give this man some love, y’all. He deserves this gold star!
Worst Kuudere Of 2025
Mozu Shepherd (BUSTAFELLOWS Season 2)
I am so sorry to all the Mozu fans.You know I love Mozu a lot in Bustafellows. But his route in Season 2 was just NOT IT for me, fam! It was great story-wise in the sense that the drama genuinely frustrated me to no end. lol However, Mozu and Teuta really needed to communicate better, and that lack of proper communication as a couple ended them in a frustrating mess this season. Because of that, he earns the bottom rank this year. Sorry, Mozu, dear!💔
Best Himbo Of 2025
Scarecrow (BUSTAFELLOWS Season 2)
Bro is actually a rich-rich, but stays super humble and super pure! Teuta definitely hit the jackpot with Crow, and his route in Season 2 wasn’t just suspenseful with lots of food for thought, but it was also filled with some really good fluff that I devoured all of it!
Worst Himbo of 2025
NONE
Best Flirt Of 2025
Lustin (Battlefield Waltz)
I mean, his name says it all! But the dude actually drinks respect-women juice on a daily which makes him not really ‘lust’ful 🤣 per se. Still, the man has a lot of riz and shares a really great dynamic with the heroine Lan, both as combat partners and as a couple~!
Worst Flirt Of 2025
Fenn Luxure (Court of Darkness)
Fenn’s route was by far one of the worst this year for me. His route was literally a landmine. All the tropes that make you want to punch a hole in the wall, make no mistake, are in this route. It’s not even the kind of trash you’d want to collect. You can check the spoiler dropdown in my review if you’re curious about the type of story this man has in the game.
Best Cinnamon Roll Of 2025
Lyon (Genso Manege)
This meme still perfectly captures how I feel about Lyon’s route in Genso Manege. This boy needs to be protected, prioritized, and sheltered. If you hate this boy, that’s between you and God. Seek happiness immediately!⛪
Worst Cinnamon Roll Of 2025
Lynt Akedia (Court of Darkness)
Another one in the stinker! Lynt’s route was yet another experience that drove me up the wall. This LI was frustrating and flip-floppy throughout the entire route. It was just a bad run all around. That said, I’m sure he’s probably better in the mobile app through other in-game content/s. Still, his main story in Temptation’s Kiss on the Switch is one I’d definitely recommend skipping.
Best LI Of 2025
Limbo Fitzgerald (BUSTAFELLOWS Season 2)
I realized that Bustafellows 2 characters have been racking up all my awards this year. And deservedly so, as they were all pretty outstanding in the sequel. My Best LI award this year goes to the crooked lawyer, Limbo Fitzgerald. The way he managed to get Guero out of a pickle in the common route was sooooooo smooth! (and hot!) His route may not be as strong as some of the others, but wow, this man. What a man indeed.
And despite his morally gray reputation in New Sieg, he has always remained absolutely respectful to Teuta in almost every way imaginable. Even Teuta’s mom was a huge fan of Limbo! Go get your award king! 👑
Worst LI Of 2025
Hamiel Luis (Despera Drops)
I’m sorry, but the man being absolutely petty and Japanophobic…. I could not get past it. None of his redemption scenes or supposed redeeming qualities at the end changed my mind, unfortunately.
Best Childhood Friend Of 2025
Tsuyukusa (Illusion of Itehari)
There were so many games that used the childhood friend trope this year, (and a lot of them were pretty good too), but my favorite this year was definitely Tsuyukusa. Something about his droopy, lethargic demeanor, plus his adorable clinginess toward Hinagiku, was too endearing and completely won me over.
Worst Childhood Friend of 2025
NONE
Best Route Of 2025
Helvetica Orsted (BUSTAFELLOWS Season 2)
One of the highlights for me playing otome games this year was getting to experience Helvetica’s route in Bustafellows Season 2. It was the absolute most PEAK route I’ve played in a long while, hands down! Helvetica’s route in Season 2 was pure cinema, and Helvetica himself was just the best. Such a damn good LI! I was absolutely blown away. LOL I know, big words, big words, but whatever. WE STAN THE FONT MAN!
Worst Route Of 2025
Fenn Luxure (Court of Darkness)
🔽SpoilersNot only does he get you in trouble at school and shows no remorse for it. But he also takes you with him on a trip to rescue his ex lover, first love, aka one of his stepmothers 💀💀💀, only to arrive and find out that she’s already kicked the bucket.
Best DILF LI Of 2025
Gib Baltzer (Despera Drops)
The daddiest of them all! Honest to god, such a good LI, this man can work that sniper rifle on the clock smoothly, bro is just too good. Despera Drops may not be one of my favorite titles this year, but I am so glad I played it, otherwise I would have totally missed out on this hunk. Gib was one of the main reasons I think of the title Despera Drops so fondly this yr!🤩
Worst DILF LI of 2025
NONE
Best DILF Side Character Of 2025
Guero Neruda (BUSTAFELLOWS Season 2)
What a man! What a man!🤤🤤🤤What an amazing addition to the already incredible roster of side characters in Bustafellows. Not only was Guero such an upstanding guy to his people, a loving husband to his wife, and an affectionate father to his daughter, but he was also a friend to Limbo and the gang. The way he lent them a hand multiple times in the sequel, in each route, right in the nick of time was immaculate!
Worst DILF Side Character Of 2025
Edmund Bernstein (Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight-)
Sir, you are an asshole to your late wife, to your daughter, to your son and to your friends. Congratulations! You win the award for biggest disappointment to everyone in your life. The garbage truck is waiting…
Itabag Awards 2025: Special Awards Category
Best Side Character Syndrome of 2025
Tsuwabuki (Illusion of Itehari)
The most vile thing a dev can do is make the most beautiful character in the game unromanceable. We’ve seen these in past games for sure, but this year, Tsuwabuki is basically the definition of Side Character Syndrome for many of us! We need his route in the fandisc, like, ASAP, fr!
Bias Wrecker Of 2025
Linus Ward (Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight-)
Bias wreckers are characters who aren’t even your # 1 fav in a game, yet you somehow spend more time brainrotting about them than your actual fave. This year, Linus takes that cake for me. His route kept me awake the whole time, and his dynamic with Aprose was something I thoroughly enjoyed this year that I ended up brainrotting about it for days.
Best BFF Side Character Of 2025
Yuriana (Battlefield Waltz)
Lan could not have wished for a better roomie and BFF in Battlefield Waltz. Yuriana certainly got her back in everything, from schoolwork to the battlefield, and even in matters of the heart.
Most Creative LI Name Award
John (Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight-)
Otomate Devs Rule of Thumb: When in doubt, just name him “John” ….🧍♂️
Jokes aside, John actually became one of my favorite characters in Mistonia, so he deserves this recognition regardless, lol.
Too fine for plot Award
Tifalet (Battlefield Waltz)
This man is too beautiful, too sexy, and too fine for me to care about whatever the heck was happening in his route. I honestly couldn’t even remember the whole “plot” of Tifalet’s story, but I enjoyed it regardless because of his pretty face.😝
Jesus-Tier Fighter Award
Ciaran Lowell (The Red Bell’s Lament)
It’s honestly tragic how absolutely STRONK AF Ciaran is in RBL, yet the game barely capitalizes on his capabilities or gives his skills the spotlight they deserve. I mean, this man was practically missing for half the game (sad!). Anyway, may this award serve as a humble tribute to Ciaran’s Jesus-tier combat skills..
Couture is Crying Award👗💔
Alfred Creswell (Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight-)
Surprisingly, I don’t even take offense at Alfred’s top hat. But it’s definitely hilarious to poke fun at his bright yellow coat, with all the medals, crystals, and birthday ribbons!😂
yap Too Much Award
Camu Einhard (Despera Drops)
This award goes to the LI who turns every conversation into a full-blown cringy weeb monologue. Please, give this man a mute button!
This Route Could’ve been an Email Award
Sachsen Brandenburg (Steam Prison -Beyond the Steam-)
Ngl, I’m still really peeved how Sachsen was heavily marketed for Steam Prison’s fandisk, yet his route was shorter than my attention span! AND zero romance, at that. Sachsen fans, consider yourselves officially bullied. 💔
Route Needs a Snooze Button Award🥱😴
Yashiro (Illusion of Itehari)
Or should I say, Yawnshiro? Four 12-oz cups of black coffee couldn’t save me from how much of a sleeper this route is. In a way, I’m kinda thankful, since I normally get only about 4 hours of sleep a day, playing Yashiro’s route made me feel like I finally got a full eight. All in all, I guess it worked out well for me ha!… 😅
Would Monologue Before Kissing Award
Meiyo Mabuchi (Club Suicide)
Yapping in eloquent allegories is definitely a Meiyo Mabuchi-kun thing to do, LOL. Surprisingly enough, his route ended up being my favorite in ClubSui.
Thinks He’s the Protagonist Award
Yori (Illusion of Itehari)
Bro really struts around like a diva without a care in the world. As long as he gets what he wants, it’s all good. Yori has zero redeeming qualities and is trashbando all the waaaaay, through. But his neck mole is sexy af so he’s instantly forgiven.🤪
Looks like Trouble, Is Trouble Award
Ascot Lindell (Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight-)
Pure chaotic energy. Ascot is certainly a ‘the man be vibin, while the world be dyin’ kinda guy. Despite all my rants about his character, his route was a “so bad it’s good” masterpiece, because man, I had a blast the entire time for some reason, lol! Plus one of his endings got us one of the best CGs in the game! IYKYK!🤭
Best Soundtrack of 2025
So originally, this award should rightfully go to NEON CLASH: Echoes of the Lost, because woooowza! Have you heard the game’s current OP? Absolutely divine! But since that title completely forfeits its entries for this year’s awards, the second-best soundtrack I loved this year was the second OP from 7’scarlet… and well that one’s also disqualified as its not a new title, LOL. Soooo…with all that being said, 2025’s best otome soundtrack goes to… drumroll please!
The Red Bell’s Lament OP, “Sakebi -The Freedom You Need-,” by 9mm Parabellum Bullet absolutely slaps! Voltage Inc. has been killing it lately with their console game soundtracks. I remember listening to RBL’s OP for the first time a few months back, and it had me so hyped to start the game!
You can listen to this song in Spotify btw!
https://open.spotify.com/track/5jbxRNi4MQx4gGAMK3ffBY?si=df88518d2611440d
👜Itabags Made this Year👜
Unfortunately, I didn’t end up making any itabags this year, but here’s an unfinished Tsugunobu itabag I started when the Birushana FD was announced. Work got in the way over the next few days, so I couldn’t really find the time or headspace to be creative, and I didn’t want to rush this. I’d hate to half-ass a bag for my favorite Birushana character, Tsugu, LOML.🥺 I should be able to finish this after the holidays though, and definitely before the FD actually comes out, which isn’t anytime soon anyway lol.
https://bsky.app/profile/otomekitten.com/post/3m5hpe6rzxs22
Favorite Ships 🚢
- Aprose and Lucas (Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight-) – Their dynamic was so precious, and it felt like their romance developed naturally in the game rather than the story enforcing it. I can’t even remember how many times I replayed their fluffy scenes at the Sullivan mansion, or how much time I wasted just staring at all of Lucas’s yearning CGs. I don’t think Mistonia is getting a fandisc, but damn, it really needs one!
- Aprose and Linus (Mistonia’s Hope -The Lost Delight-) – another dynamic I completely brainrotted over while playing Mistonia. Their relationship felt so refreshing, and the amount of pining they go through while struggling between their roles and their feelings for each other…. holy!! I devoured everything! All of that! Wish the route could’ve been longer and the drama could’ve been angstier, cause Linus was peak!
- Lan and Nike (Battlefield Waltz) – Nike’s route, his relationship with Lan, and the way his story unfolds with all its mysteries, reveals, and twists feels like a masterclass in everything I had missed from the older titles. Battlefield Waltz, to me, is the kind of title that really ticked all the boxes I want in an otome game. Just thinking about Nike’s route atm, makes me want to grab my switch and replay it all over again, lol.
OGOTY (Otome Game of The Year)
Looking back at all the games I played this year, Bustafellows Season 2 is the title I rated the highest, with a glowing 9/10. This honestly surprised me, since I wasn’t exactly that big on the first game. I did enjoy it, and even gave it an objective-leaning rating of 8, but none of the routes really made me go; “Yeah…I’d gladly play this again,” If y’know what I mean. Auld Lang Syne, really, was the bane of my existence in the first game, haha!😂
The sequel though, completely blew me away! The story had everything I felt was missing in the first game. This installment I can say, was such a pleasant experience. No glaring rushed plots, and the reveals and suspense all landed perfectly. Every beat of the story felt like cinema to me, honestly. The tragedies and twists weren’t overdone, and everything kinda flowed seamlessly within the plot. I just feel like Bustafellows 2 is a showpiece in how to do well-paced storytelling. The romance was thoughtfully woven into the story too, and while it might not be the main focus, I was still very satisfied with all the fluff that I got from this game. While not flawless, it was without a doubt the most emotionally fulfilling title I played this year. Basically, a game deserving of the OGOTY (Otome Game of the Year) award for 2025!
Personal Hobby Ramblings
Q: “What in your opinion is the best way the western audience can try and get more otome games localized?“
Someone asked this in my end-of-year survey Q&A, so I’m just going over the questions here that I feel are worth discussing as a community. My answer to this question is:
Pre-order games, or buy them during its release week. As harsh as it may sound, localization is, first and foremost, a business. If we want more otome games localized, we have to show up by supporting releases with actual purchases. From a business perspective, sales numbers are the clearest and most concrete proof of demand. SNS likes, engagement, petitions, and fan enthusiasms are great and all, but they do not carry the same weight/impact as actual revenue. If a title performs well financially, it becomes easier for a publisher to see that the market exists and that future localizations are worth the risk. If it does not…(and this is a hard pill to swallow but), no amount of online enthusiasm or virality is going to outweigh weak sales data.
Another harsh truth is that buying games at deep discounts does very little to support localization, especially in the long term. Normally its the early sales, pre-orders, and release-week purchases are what publishers always look at to measure demand. Those numbers determine whether a localization was worth the upfront cost (especially if there’s a Limited or Collector’s Edition) and whether similar titles are worth bringing over in the future. Also, revenue from heavily discounted sales is usually way too small to meaningfully affect future planning. At the end of the day, money talks. It is what it is.🤷🏻♀️
And yes, I know console games are incredibly expensive these days, especially in the US, with the economy tanking and recession concerns looming. 🥲I definitely understand why a lot of us are hesitant to spend too much on our hobbies right now. Otome games are also a niche, and while the western otome community is certainly growing, it is still relatively small. We are not a monolith in the way the JP and CN communities are, especially when it comes to spending power. So we are definitely not there yet, as far as making a financial impact to back up high *demands*. I don’t mean to be a downer here, but I think it’s easier to accept that this is simply the reality we’re facing right now.🙂↕️
Q: “Do you value plot over romance in otome games, or is it the other way around for you? Has that changed over the years as you’ve played and reviewed so many otome games?”
This is actually a really good question. Over a decade ago, I came from the visual novel side before I really got hooked on otome games, so I was more of a plot-over-romance girlie when I started getting into otome. However, over the years, I’ve realized that this can actually change depending on mood, state of mind, environment, and even the season. So sometimes my preference for valuing romance or plot varies depending on those factors, if that makes sense?😅
Though I have to say, in recent years I’ve been valuing romance more in my otomes. I find that I can easily forgive a lackluster plot if the romance is good. My affinities for certain characters also play a big role in how much I enjoy the romantic elements of a story. Tengoku Struggle, for example, had a plot that kind of fumbles around but I was so invested in the characters that I loved all the romantic interactions between the heroine and her LIs. So, to give an answer to this question, at the moment, I would definitely say I value romance more.
Q: “Over the years, I have found that the otome genre has gradually lost some of its spark for me as I continue to play more titles. As someone who regularly plays and reviews otome games, how do you continue to find enjoyment in repeated tropes and recurring storylines with each new release?“
I’m glad this question was asked, because it’s something I’ve been wanting to talk about a little this year. Personally, I think that as a community, we sometimes ask and expect too much of this already niche genre. As players, especially once we’ve become familiar with otome games and their conventions, it becomes unconsciously easy to go into new titles with an overly critical mindset. We’re quick to judge and pounce on a game right away the moment the story doesn’t unfold the way we expect it to. We sometimes fail to see the good aspects of newer otome titles because we almost immediately begin to look for the next flawless, ten-out-of-ten masterpiece. So when a game doesn’t live up to those idealized expectations, it’s easily labeled as “bad” or dismissed as “not worth anyone’s time.” I’ll admit that I’ve been guilty of this myself, especially during my vita era.
What helped me move past that mindset was reminding myself why I play games in the first place. My priority is enjoyment, above anything else. I play to have fun, not to dissect every flaw of a title. Repeated tropes or cliche plotlines don’t bother me as long as I’m enjoying the experience. Of course, there are tropes that still peeve me (like the other woman trope lol),😂 and story decisions that make me roll my eyes, and that’s perfectly fine. Not every game is made specifically for me, and accepting that has honestly made the experience far more enjoyable. Once you let go of those idealized expectations, you will begin to realize that it really isn’t that big of a deal.
That said, if you’re really not enjoying a game, it’s also completely okay to drop it. There’s no point in forcing yourself to continue something that isn’t fun anymore.
Another thing that can really help is branching out into other game genres, not just visual novels. You’d be surprised by how many overused tropes and recycled plotlines appear just as frequently in RPGs and FPS games. In that sense, I think sometimes, we’re just too harsh on otome games, when in reality, every genre struggles with repetition if you play enough titles within it.😅
At the same time, as we grow older, our tastes in stories naturally change. Like before, I used to be really into plotlines that go into dark and edgy for the sake of being dark and edgy lol but now, I’m kind of tired of it. I also tend to be really dismissive of the slice of life genre a decade ago but now that I’m older, I crave for it and its more relaxing vibe. When you look at it from this angle and perspective, it may not be that the otome genre is declining in quality at all. Instead, it’s possible that our preferences have just simply shifted over time.🤔
What Xiaolei said.🙂↕️If you’re still here, congratulations, you’ve made it through the first part of my 2025 rambles! We’re almost at the end of Part 1. I want to wish you an early Merry Christmas, and I hope you’re having a cozy and relaxing holiday break (if any).🥲 The second part of my 2025 Round Up will be posted before New Year’s Eve, so thank you, as always, for your continued support of Otome Kitten.
The final section of this post will be the Q&A portion, where I’ll be answering questions from my End of Year survey. P.S. Similar or repeated questions will be answered collectively. If you submitted a question, stick around for a bit! xoxo
Q&A
🙀THE QUESTIONS🙀
- Do you ever get burned out from playing otome games? If so, what helps you get back into otome games after a break?
I get burned out from playing otome games all the time, honestly.But the things I do to help me get back in the swing of things have been quite rather effective for me through out the years so I stick with these methods:
***First, Pick up a completely different hobby that’s far removed from otome games or gaming in general. Mine, is always indulging in idol survival shows. So every year, I make it a point to watch at least one and really get into it. This year, I was deep into Boys II Planet, lmao.😂
***After that, I’ll watch a show, series, or play a game that’s romance-adjacent, but doesn’t follow the conventional otome-style romance. I notice that when the romance in whatever I’m consuming starts to feel lacking (in my personal standards), it naturally makes me crave to play otome games again. That itch ends up motivating me to pick up a new otome title to get my fix.
This year, I was absolutely hooked on the series The Immortal Ascension. Everything about it was 10/10, but the romance or lack thereof was completely frustrating. This eventually, fueled me to start Bustafellows 2!😂
- When did you get into Otomes and what was your first thoughts and experience!
My first otome game was Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden on the PS2, but the title that really hooked me into the genre was Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossoms on the PSP. It was, of course, an immaculate experience!
Having been into the reverse harem genre since my teenage years, I always found it frustrating that in the manga or anime, i consume, i could only romance the “canon” boy (main male lead). In Marmalade Boy, I disliked Yuu and really wanted Miki to end up with Kei. In Fushigi Yugi, I was a Tamahome hater lol and wanted Miaka to be with Tasuki. And in Ayashi no Ceres, I was always a Yuhi apologist and defender, and have always been fighting tooth-and-nail in the Ceres fandom because my boy Yuhi gets so much shit for not being the poster boy.😭😭😭
Can you imagine my shock when I realized theres this whole ass new genre that lets you romance the entire harem and not just the poster boy???!!! BLEW MY MIND.
- You might’ve already answered this one, but, what was your first Otome?
Yep, this question always comes up every year. lol So I’ll be copy-pasting my answers from 2023 and 2024:
Fushigi Yuugi Genbu Kaiden and Suzaku Ibun! I didn’t know these were called “otome game” at that time (2008-2009). All I know is that I’m playing a game adaptation of my fav mangas lol. Pls excuse my dusty shelf.
- Are you still into “red flag” LI’s like for example Yang from Piofiore or do you feel you may have “grown out” of them? Who are your top three?
I do think I’m still into “red flag” characters, though I don’t prioritize them or favor them as much as I used to. If that makes sense? Lately, I’ve become a bit pickier with red flags because some games will include a problematic character just to tick a trope box, and their stories, character development or lack thereof ends up feeling like an afterthought. So I guess, atm, there has to be some kind of wow-ick factor for me to really rally behind a red-flag character. For example, Ron in Norn9 is an absolute douchebag with zero redemption, and he keeps that assholey attitude consistent in the fandisk.LOL Conrad in Even if Tempest is just vile and horrible, and he actually gets worse in the FD, haha.
As for my top three… I’ll throw in a top 5 instead, as I’ve adopted a few favs over the years:
- Have you ever played any old voltage mobile titles/routes? If so, do you have a favorite and would you ever do a short silly review on any old voltage mobile titles? They’re kinda trashy lol but its such a guilty pleasure to go back and play a new route or replay an old one.
- Speaking of mobile Otome, Have you every played any of NTT Solmare/Shall we date’s old games before they went all in on obey me? (RIP The Niflheim) If so, did you have a favorite from there as well? The times before all these localizations were rough lol
- Have you played other Fire emblem games? Who’s your favorite Fire emblem character? Although not an Otome, Awakening was kind of my gateway into the Otome genre since I realized I liked the dating aspect of it, and I’ve been a fan of both ever since. Chrom is such a best boi!
1. I’ve actually only played a few of the older Voltage mobile games, I was more of a Shall We Date girlie back in the mobage era, haha. The older Voltage titles I played were SLBP. I did Ieyasu and Nobunaga’s routes. I ended up liking Nobunaga among the two, lol. As for reviewing these games, I recently reviewed the Switch port of Court of Darkness, which is also an older Voltage title.
2. Oh, I loved the old Shall We Date games, are you kidding me! Haha. My favs were Ninja Shadow (I actually played a lot of routes here, lol), and I think Eduard (my first route) still holds the top spot for me, followed by Asagi, the dancing blue flame man, mmhmm. I also loved Toru; his route was kinda angsty iirc.
Lost Alice was super good too! I remember brainrotting over Owen’s route, and that beautiful cloaked LI but his name escapes me,😭 I also loved Ace Spade, Sid was meh.
3. Awakening was my first FE game, and then 3H (+ DLC), then Engage, though I haven’t finished Engage yet 😭. I loved Dimitri and Byleth’s dad (Jeralt) in 3H, such a hot dilf! 😮💨
- Do you have a favorite LI archetype?
DILFs, tsunderes, the otherworldly lover transcending timelines, and the loyal servants are currently my fav LI archetypes atm.
I also loved LIs who are a wolf in sheep’s clothing, although they’re more of a trope than an archetype.
- What was your first Otome game and how do you like it looking back?
Fushigi Yuugi Genbu Kaiden – the game is kind of a blur to me now because I have only played it 1s in 2008-ish and at the time I did not know I was playing an “otome game”. My vague memories about this game was that I was miffed that I was not playing Takiko as MC (the OG heroine of Genbu in the manga), instead its a different MC romancing the characters I have shipped with Takiko in the manga. 😭 I love Tomite, but I had mixed feelings of him ending up with another girl other than Takiko. I did not finish all of the routes because of this, I did not even know there are other endings. It was dark times for me LOL (I was also relying on a fan translation uploaded in live journal or was it multiply dot com?? and I even printed the texts at an internet cafe to take it home with me home after school) I was ignorant on how to play visual novels lmao
- What would your ultimate otome game have to feature?
My ultimate otome game would be a trilogy where each title is completely different. Different heroines, LIs, different artists, and artstyles with no obvious connection at first. But, each game would contain very subtle hints that kind of ties the 3 stories together. The last game (aka the final installment) will require players to recognize clues hinted at in the first two games and decode a cipher built across them within a limited time frame in order to unlock the true final game.
There will also be 6 ciphers. Decoding one correctly within the given time frame unlocks the final game, but you’ll need to solve all six (within a specific time frame) to get the true ending.🤪🤪🤪
- What’s your mbti?
ISTJ. I cant live my life properly without following a set of daily schedules and checklists. 😂
- Have you ever considered taking a break from this blog or otome games in general? What keeps you consistent with not only providing us with content but with playing games as well?
If taking a break, you mean going on a long year or two hiatus? I have, many times, considered abandoning the blog and even the hobby itself when I’m PMSing, lol. However, otome blogging has become part of my routine, which makes it hard to drop, especially since I still enjoy what I do. I also don’t think I’m particularly consistent, tbh. I only really publish limited no. of posts each month and only play and review the games I want to play and review. So I guess in a way you could say I take breaks during those little downtimes?
- Which Otome Game disappointetd you so much that you barely think or talk about it?
BeniBana I think. LOL
- Who are your top three otome game MCs + top three routes (not necessarily favorite LIs, you just especially love the route itself (great story, etc)?
LOL Its honestly hard to give a singular answer to “top 1,2 and 3, so I’ll just throw in some of my fav MCs.
As for fav routes….as of recent, these are the unforgettable ones.
- Out of everything you did this year, what are you most proud of?
- If you did, tell me something new you tried this year!
- If you had to describe 2025 otome in one word, which would it be?
- Out of all the games that were announced for 2026, which one are you most excited for?
- And of course, please predict a game that is going to be localized in 2026!
- When do you prefer to play bad ends? Right after finishing the character’s good ending, or after you are “done” with everyone? (I know that you are playing blind since you are making walkthroughs and all, but just general preference in cases where it’s easy to navigate with love catch or so on)
- Who was your favorite LI in this years line up of Otome games?
Limbo (Bustafellows 2)
- Do you plan to keep updating this blog in the near future? I really love your writing and opinions and would love to follow you on this blogging journey! Also, as mentioned in one of the poll questions above, do you have any plans to do unlocalized games review this far?
I do plan to keep updating the blog, unless I lose interest in otome games or my health doesn’t allow me to anymore, then thats the only time I’ll stop. As for unlocalized games, I try to review at least one or two each year, but with how busy new game releases can be, it’s sometimes hard to squeeze them in with the limited free time I have.
- How do you manage your corporate job and playing otoges ^o^ ?
I don’t sleep.😭
- What route of 2025 was the most difficult (in terms of reaching the best ending)?
The Red Bell’s Lament (all routes). Also, Shiki’s route in Club Suicide, because of a known bug.
- Nothing to ask, just keep being brave enough to share with everyone.
THANK YOU!!!🥰🥰🥰
- What’s an unusual or different type of Otome you’d like to see localized?
It’s not really “unusual” per se. But I love rhythm games and would like to see more rhythm otoges get localizations (La corda games, utapri titles for example) – though thats prob a long shot, ngl.
- What are your thoughts on the otome genre supposedly declining over in Japan? Do you think it’s true/is overblown, and do you think it will affect the English otome side?
- Also are there any indie games you’re looking forward to? Either otome or otherwise.
- Do you have any favorite games or genres outside of otome you’d like to gush about?
1. Eh. I definitely think it’s blown out of proportion mostly fueled by panic-mongering from a loud minority of fans. It is true that the industry has shifted its focus toward mobile, live-service titles, and gacha, but that shift is happening across the gaming industry as a whole. Even RPGs have been moving in that direction as well. Mobile gaming, esp. now that we have phones with very robust specs built specifically for gaming, is simply far more accessible than console gaming. More accessible platforms mean a wider audience reach, and a wider audience reach means higher potential revenue. From a business perspective, investments will always go where the return is strongest, if that makes sense? That’s just where the gaming industry is headed right now, and this issue is absolutely not unique to otome games alone.
On top of that, a lot of sales and demand have also shifted toward digital purchases. The industry is clearly moving away from physical media (sadly). I mean just look at Nintendo, increasingly focusing on digital distribution atm. Virtual game cards? Hello? LOL
As for whether this will significantly affect the English otome community, TBH, don’t think it will, at least not to a major degree. When you compare Japan’s console otome library to what we currently have in the West, there’s still a huge backlog of titles that we are missing out due to its lack of localization. Japan porting older console otome games to the Switch actually opens up more opportunities for those legacy titles to finally get localized.
2. I am definitely looking forward to the release of Shattered Souls and Mirage Noir! In fact, I cant wait for those two titles to come out!😭
3. I am a huge Zelda nerd, and I love the Resident Evil games a lot! Those are my top two series of all time. I am a big big BIIIIIIIIIIG AEON shipper (Ada x Leon) btw lol and used to be pretty active on RE spaces when it comes to those two. They love each other okay! Leon yearns for Ada! Idc! lmao
- What time zone are you in? Just so if we were to want to watch you live, would we expect you more towards Lunchtime/Dinner/Working hours for others across the world.
I’m on US Central Time. I rarely do public live streams unfortunately, but my most flexible hours are always Saturday 2PM to 8PM (US-CST).
- What’s your favorite otome game and what was your favorite game to review?
- Do you have tips for writing reviews and upkeeping a blog?
- Have you played any unlocalized titles and if so, which one(s) did you enjoy?
- What is your dream localization?
- Do you ever replay games and which one have you replayed the most?
- What inspired you to make a website, and when did you first get into otomes?
This question was also asked last year so I’ll be copy-pasting my answer from 2024:
I started reviewing the games I play because I really just wanted somewhere to scream into the void about them. The gaming group I was part of back in the day, are male dominated spaces (mostly online forums and message boards), and no one has a single iota of what an otome game was. There was literally no one else to talk to about it because the otome community was almost non-existent. If it existed, you actually have to go thru heaps and lengths to find other players lol (it was dark times). The blogging part was kind of the only way for me to thought dump otherwise I’d lose it.😆
- What games would you like to see localised?
Tierblade!😇
- What is your fav food when you just need some comfort? Whatever you want when you just need to relax after a long day!
Kimchi fried rice and this.🥺
- Are you a fan of more story-driven/choice-driven titles (example: Dispatch or games similiar to that)? If so, would like to see something along those lines in an Otome release?
I’m personally not a fan of otome games moving in that direction. I really love the strong, intentional writing in traditional otome games right now and would hate for that to change just to add more choices that feel unnecessary or exist solely for the sake of having multiple branches. Maybe Im just warry that having too many choices could potentially result in shallower storytelling as a whole?🤔
- Do you generally play unlocalized game? If so, which one are your top 3?
I really have not played anything recently due to lack of free time. Top 3 unlocalized games:
- How did you discover otome?
Getting into reverse harem media in the ’90s is what made me sought out similar media in the joseimuke space and what later brought me to discovering the otome genre.
- If there’ll be an otome game made from pre-existing media, be it movie, novel, tv series, manga, etc, what would be your most anticipated one?
OH BOY! Do I have a list!
- Do you play BL games? If so, what’s your favorite?
I do, but I haven’t played any recent releases due to a lack of free time. I love DMMd.
- Are there any rare tropes or ‘types’ you’d like to see in an new Otome?
After Linus’s route in Mistonia, I’d love to see more of the Lovers-to-Enemies trope. Luckily, Neon Clash has one LI that kinda fits this mold, so I’m definitely eating good this year when it comes to that. I don’t think this can be called a “rare” trope though, as we see it quite a lot in reverse harem mangas, but it’s definitely less common in otoges esp. when comparing it to its reverse counterpart, enemies-to-lovers.
- What was your favorite otome game that you played this year(doesn’t have to be released this year, just primarily played during this year)? Have any non-otome game guys caught your interest this year?
Fav title this year is hands down Bustafellows Season 2. Per my OGOTY above lol
I also have not gamed enough this year to answer the second question in the gaming front but Im down bad for Han Li, in the new series The Immortal Ascension. 🥹
- As an otome game fan, would you like to see more games adapted into anime? If yes, what are some titles that haven’t yet been adapted you’d like to see, or maybe even as a manga/light novel? This could also be a reverse situation like an anime/manga be adapted into an otome game (For me, I *really* want to see “My Happy Marriage” adapted into an otome game!
YES!!
Otome titles I want to see as anime:
Reverse Harem Titles I want as otome games (copying my answers above):
- Would you consider writing reviews for other games which aren’t otome games?
Unfortunately as of right now, I’m only interested in reviewing games that fall under the joseimuke umbrella.
- What would you like to see localized next year?
Just like many others, Id also wanna see 9RIP Sequel, and Olympia Soiree Catharsis get announced next year!
- Are there any visual novel/ dating sim type games you like that aren’t in the otome genre?
I actually like the Nekopara series lol and I like a lot of BL games like Togaino no chi, Lamento BtV, DmmD, Lucky Dog, Hashihime, Neinomachi and NU Carnival.
Also love the VN, The House in Fata Morgana 10/10!!
- Has the genre of otomes you like changed over the years?
I want to say yes, but I realize these changes every year tbh. As I get older, I’ve become more and more mood-dependent and a lot pickier about storytelling rather than the actual genre of a title.🥲
- What characters are your personal favorites despite maybe sub par overall narrative quality in the rest of the game. Like trash faves i guess.
This is probably not the answer you’re looking for but I am genuinely and automatically biased to characters voiced by Takashi Kondo, Toshiki Masuda and my other fav. seiyuus regardless if their routes are boring, trash, or a hot mess. lol
- What are your favorite “cozy routines” (assuming you have any) when settling in for a day of gaming (especially otome). Setting: you wake up, no work. Outside is overcast. Maybe rainy/snowy. You have time for making the whole day a gaming day. You have a new otome/game you’ve been excited to delve into. What do you do to “prepare” to enjoy the day? Mine involves turning on mood lighting, getting under a warm blanket, cuddling the kittens and keeping tea on the warmer 😊 maybe some yummy snacks.
My cozy routine (and I do this pretty much before I start a new otome game as well as after I post a review) involves a hot tub soak with Rose or Lavander Epsom salt (had to be one of the two flavors) for 30-45 mins. Dim candle lights while listening to ambient light rain and thunder bgm.☺️
- I often have similar feelings on the characters and games as you as well so that works out. 😁 Well with one exception that I absolutely have to ask you about. My very first otome was Diabolik Lovers and as messed up as DiaLovers is I have a special fondness for it with one glaring exception: Kanato. 😂
But I feel like I remember you writing somewhere that he was a favorite. So my question is what drew you to him specifically? Was it more of a pity thing or something about his route spark something with you and his back story?
😂😂😂 I like this question, and I’ll be honest with my answer. Kanato was my very first route in DiaLovers, so I think that also is partly why he’s my favorite in the series.
Though what really drew me to him, especially in the first game, was that he was probably my first ever unhinged, unapologetic, messed-up yandere experience. I’m used to yandere characters who eventually get some sort of redemption arc (like Toma for example), but with Kanato he stayed as messed up the entire time. Because of that, he became oddly unique to me, i guess, which is why his character stuck with me like glue.
If he had gotten some kind of soft redeeming qualities, or if his prickly, screaming, possessive attitude had been toned down even a little, I don’t think he would’ve left nearly the same impact on me, now that I think about it.🤣
- Do you get paid in any way for writing this blog (like receiving free copies in advance, so you can publish your reviews and walkthroughs shortly before the release)? It must be a lot of work.
Publishers send early review copies to reviewers so coverage can go live around a game’s release date. I do not receive any monetary compensation for reviewing games.
- Hi! I hope you don’t mind me asking a slightly reflective question. I really love otome games and the universe around them … buying the games and sometimes related merch genuinely makes me happy, and I don’t regret it. Still, from time to time I wonder about the long-term side of it, especially financially. With the Switch 2 coming, I’m also unsure how I feel about the idea of having to buy a new console if future otome games move there. As someone who’s deeply involved in this world, how do you personally think about the balance between passion, spending, and long-term choices?
This is a very thoughtful question, so thank you for asking it. First, regarding the Switch 2, I defo don’t think future otome titles will move to being Switch 2–exclusive anytime soon. Otome developers are very aware that this is a niche genre with a niche market, and locking releases behind a brand-new console would be an extremely high-risk decision (and kind of dumb). Realistically, most otome fans are not going to buy an entirely new console just to play a 2-3 new titles, and the companies know that. So I don’t think this is something we need to seriously worry about for a while. On top of that, the Switch 2 is backwards compatible, so if you do decide to invest in the console down the line, you’ll still be able to play both the OG Switch and Switch 2 titles without losing access to your existing library.
As for the spending aspect, my attitude toward spending money on hobbies has always been to spend within your means. As a gacha addict, I’ve been very strict with myself lately about setting soft boundaries on how much I’m willing to spend each month on gacha games. For console releases though, I do buy most new releases because I want to support the genre and help localization flourish in the West. That said, this still ties back to spending within your means. I’m able to do this because I have extra doe to burn. Of course, if you’re in a financial pickle, it’s important to pick and choose which titles to buy and try not to give in to FOMO.
If games genuinely make you happy, there’s nothing wrong with indulging in them or treating yourself to a Limited Edition from time to time. And if you eventually grow tired of the genre, you can always sell your physical games later to recoup some of the money you’ve spent. no?😉
- Top 10 fav yandere? (i need more!)
Not really in order:
- What’s your fav coffee?
Turkish Coffee.🥹
- What game are you most looking forward to from all the recent otomate announcements?
Olympia Soiree Catharsis for more Douma content.🥹 I think BUNNIES HIGHSCHOOL also, because of the Director.
- Do you play other genres of games with romance in them (RPGs, life sims, etc.)? If so, who’s your favorite love interest from these types of games?
I have so many fav non otome ML characters so i’ll throw my random top 3 atm:
- Wondering if you’d consider keeping some kind of update list or some such about what announced upcoming localised otome you plan to do reviews/walkthroughs on?
I do updates through my monthly newsletter. In the “Personal Updates” section, I basically share information about the games I’m currently playing, games I’ve dropped, as well as walkthroughs I’m working on and what I plan to play next.
- What do you think about Love and Deepspace today? (After two years of play)
I still love LaDs, tbh. I played since the beta access and still playing as we speak. I think the game’s popularity is well-deserved and not overrated. I won’t comment on the gacha aspect since I have my own qualms with all the gacha games I play (my luck is just that bad, lol). The recent new myths have been really good too! The animations, the stories, the angst, everything! I’m especially excited for Caleb’s second myth, which should be coming up pretty soon!
#1 #2025Retrospective #BestAndWorstOtomeOf2025 #EndOfTheYearReview2025 #EndOfYearRoundUp2025 #ItabagAwards #ItabagAwards2025 #OtomeGameOfTheYear
