Review: Otome 9 RIP Plays With Urban Legends, Insanity 

Otomate isn’t shy about making otome video games which might be exterior the vary of regular expectations, with some some being darkish like Virche Evermore or foolish like Cupid Parasite. What we will depend on is the developer going all-in on a theme. 9 RIP, the newest Swap otome that includes courting characters impressed by city legends, ghosts, and supernatural entities, totally commits to the bit. In so doing, it additionally tells a number of tales of otherworldly encounters that really feel like their very own (romantic) city legends.

A part of what makes 9 RIP such a novel otome sport is its execution. Whereas all three of the storylines start on a typical route, they diverge primarily based on a alternative made early on. So on the outset, we’re offered with a younger girl about to graduate highschool, however getting ready to declare what she’d love to do subsequent and if she’ll attend the faculty her mom desperately desires her to attend. Making one in every of three choices whereas contemplating how one can deal with the issue causes the story to department off into three foremost tales. Every one has no less than two potential love pursuits tied to otherworldly parts. (In the event you’ve cleared different routes, this goes as much as three on one path.) It’s actually fascinating, as we get to see how her future splits and a number of encounters and outcomes primarily based on her resolution.

It additionally signifies that the following romantic storylines on every path get to extra closely characteristic the chosen characters tied to it. They’re higher built-in to the story, which suggests each their love tales and the general arc feels stronger. This doesn’t imply you received’t encounter a few of these different leads within the arcs that don’t characteristic them as a candidate to chase. For example, while you first assembly Koyo in that storyline department, you’ll additionally encounter Kureha and Yui. Nevertheless, Kureha and Yui are supporting forged members there, and play bigger elements in one other department. It means every part ties collectively in a extra tidy method, which I appreciated and felt enhanced the general expertise. 

As does the madness system. Whereas there are the standard selections that may improve affection with specific love pursuits, there are others that have an effect on the heroine’s psychological state. In every of the routes, our avatar leads to various predicaments. The sanity gauge comes into play primarily based on the kinds of reactions we will choose for sure conditions and predicaments. These can, in flip, have an effect on our destiny. It’s an fascinating ingredient, particularly because it does tie in with the horror and supernatural themes at play. In spite of everything, the character does find yourself in some dire predicaments, and among the love pursuits are intimidating or unsettling people. 

Talking of which, I genuinely love the vary of affection pursuits obtainable in 9 RIP, because it actually feels extra various than most otome video games. There are such a lot of romance choices, they usually actually match the theme of the sport nicely. Actually, I believe the choice means it’d be even simpler for a participant to search out no less than one which appeals to them. They’re all fairly nicely written, with distinct personalities that come via and are interesting for numerous causes. Additionally, whereas there are sometimes “scary” moments, there’s a superb sense of steadiness between drama, comedy, romance, and supernatural segments. The one suggestion I’ve is that because the characters are tied to totally different storylines, it’s beneficial to make a number of saves on one of many save file pages so you possibly can soar again to get on the route the place you possibly can pursue your favorites. 

What’s additionally nice about 9 RIP is how nicely this otome sport nails the overall aesthetic and ambiance. Otomate understood the task. The UI, colour schemes, and particulars all completely seize the temper. The CGs vary from typical ones you’d see with love pursuits, along with some in which you’ll see the character of those otherworldly companions and maybe even darker tendencies. It’s good at establishing and sustaining a temper, which actually fits the theme nicely. 

The one factor that basically bought to me is a stylistic alternative concerning views. In different Otomate otome video games, there would sometimes be choices to see elements of the tales from different characters’ views. So possibly we’d see what the love curiosity was pondering. In 9 RIP, you don’t get that alternative. As a part of the conventional development down a path, it can out of the blue reduce from the heroine’s viewpoint to that of one of many guys we will pursue in that route or an NPC. Often, it’s fascinating or useful. Nevertheless, typically it actually took me out of the second — particularly if it didn’t add something beneficial to the second and was simply the man pondering how he’s immediately drawn to her or desires to be along with her — and I’d have most popular if that was optionally available.

9 RIP is one other a kind of Otomate otome video games that experiments with what we count on from these types of courting sims, and it’s an amazing success in consequence. The prospect the developer took on storytelling means the love pursuits get extra moments with the heroine and in addition really feel like stars of their storylines. It involving city legends and a few horror staples imply we get some surprising and enjoyable romance choices. Plus, the aesthetic is nice. There are a number of parts which may not be as appreciated individuals, however I really feel like that comes down to private tastes slightly than precise failings on the a part of the developer or sport itself. 

9 RIP will come to the Nintendo Swap on October 15, 2024.