I finally (sort of!) understand what it’s like to think (a bit!) in another language — a revelation via Nightshade (Hanzo’s route)

When I play localized otome, I’ve gotten to the point where I ✨automatically✨ start shifting bits of unvoiced dialogue back into Japanese, which sounds vague, but it feels super cool. Hear me out, though—I’m not translating. What I mean is, I read the stories in English, right? But parts of the dialogue spontaneously become Japanese …

This is not a game about a coffee shop. ☕️ – a “Café Enchanté” Review

[Spoiler free until specified section] For the first time since 2019, I am the proud owner of new otome! I'd been wanting a few new titles released this year for quite some time, but I couldn't justify purchasing them for myself without reason; happily, I was fortunate enough to be gifted them for Christmas. As …

Mystic Messenger Hell (707’s route—day 9)

Dear Anime Compatriots. After all this talk of babies, if there isn’t some REAL BABY ACTION in the epilogue, I’m going to be so disappointed... Then the MC has an option to say “You can make a family. I’m right here.” If you think I picked that option, your darn right!!! They’re gonna start a …

Mystic Messenger Hell (707’s route—days 6, 7, & 8)

Dear Anime Compatriots, This very tired blog post is full of potential spoilers. Please turn back if you are worried. Okay, so Seven and his twin brother grow up in this super repressed household. Seven’s brother is Mama’s favorite, and Seven is often sent out on errands. Seven is learning about computers in secret so …

Mystic Messenger Hell (707’s route — day 5)

I did it. I’m committed. I have returned. Mystic Messenger, I am coming for you. Please click here if you need a refresher on what Mystic Messenger Hell entails. Please click here to access previously played route reports. Dear Anime Compatriots, I write this nearing midnight and very sleepily. 707’s route tomorrow! I’m starting on …

Untangling this Otoge! (or, thoughts on a decent starter mobage, Shall We Date? Love Tangle+)

Overview: A nameless MC has just achieved her dream! But studying leopards at the world-famous Kaleido Sanctuary has necessitated moving into the closely situated boarding house/apartment complex at Lilac Court, wherein MC meets multiple eligible bachelors. From amongst this group of men (and, as of the time of writing, one woman) with diverse careers (lawyer, …

Mystic Messenger Hell (Jumin’s Route –Party Day!) *first attempt*

Dear Anime Compatriots, It's over. It's over and I just... https://youtu.be/mNZzt5Vcsbs Yeah. He was a yandere. Jumin Han was a yandere. I credit the game makers in that it incredibly well done, honestly reminiscent of Toma's 0 to 60 transformation, so I liked it a lot, but still... wow. I did not expect that much …

Mystic Messenger Hell (Jumin’s Route –Days 9 & 10) *first attempt*

Dear Anime Compatriots, I cannot say this post will be spoiler free. I'm combining the posts for days 9 and 10 with my own musings, and I'll give you fair warning that if you're not down for potential spoilers, skip to day 11 (aka Party Day!) tomorrow. Okay, so I had a feeling for the …

Mystic Messenger Hell (Jumin’s Route –Day 8) *first attempt*

Dear Anime Compatriots, When a cat is the only thing that's stopping your leading man from going full-yandere mode on your MC... I can't say much from today I because I need to try and avoid massive spoilers, but... Jumin is getting really creepy when he accidentally let's things slip about how the MC "couldn't …

Mystic Messenger Hell (Jumin’s Route –Day 7) *first attempt*

Dear Anime Compatriots, Before I go anywhere with today's commentary, I offer advice for Jumin's route: 1. Elizabeth the 3rd is a treasure. Recognize that fact. 2. Jumin has emotions just like everyone else. Defend him, but help him recognize those emotions in a calm, collected way. 3. It is okay (and you are encouraged!) …