Game of the Month: Hakuoki

[magnuschase]

To introduce our members to different otome games, each month we'll be having a "Game of the Month." For this month I've chosen the Game of the Month, but for future months there will be a voting in which you simply name a game in the comments, and people reply with a +1 if they want it as the Game of the Month. If there's a tie, then I'll use a randomizer to choose who the winner is.

This month, the Game of the Month is HAKUOKI.

 

 

 

Hakuoki was chosen as the Game of the Month because it was one of the earlier otome games released in English for Handheld systems by Aksys,  back in 2012. It was for some people their first exposure to handheld otome gaming, and Aksys became pretty well known for their selection of otome games in the coming years. Also, Christmas is coming up so it's probably going to be on sale for us Steam players soon, which is another reason I chose it. Keep an eye out, everyone!

Hakuoki is an interesting example of an otome game. It's set in the Edo period (1603 to 1868) and its part tragedy, part horror, and mostly historical drama. However, there are some light-hearted moments too, so don't be scared like I was at first! The romance doesn't really come into play until Edo Blossom, so keep that in mind if you're after only lovey dovey scenes.

The game follows Chizuru, who goes to Kyoto to look for her missing father and comes across the Shinsengumi slaying what appears to be
demons.  They then keep her in their custody to keep what she saw a secret. The cast is diverse and there's a little bit of everything for everyone, from the stern Vice-Commander to the hot-blooded Captain. 

You can acquire Hakuoki either on the Aksys site, your local Amazon, hopefully your local game store, Android, iOS, or on Steam.

Comments

[kalloway]

I believe there's an Android (and iOS?) version, too!

For anyone wanting a little more button-mashing with their pretty men, there's an action game version for PSP which also has playable Sannan~ I have a fave~

And also a three-season + OVAs anime adaptation which I'm partway through and is very good.

I wasn't familiar with the story at all when I first bought Hakuoki but I wanted to support a publisher bringing over otome games (it was a huge gamble at the time)! I've never regretted my decision~

[magnuschase]

Opps, I'll put a link to those then! Thank you for informing me.

Good taste, Sannan is my favorite too. I'm currently playing Heisuke's route and everytime Sannan pops up I want to play him. He'll definitely be the next love interest I play!

[kalloway]

Oh, a Sannan route makes me want to get the new versions. ^^;; Maybe after xmas.

[deborah_judge]

So glad to see all this Sanan love, he's my favorite as well. I liked his route a lot, it basically turns Heisuke's route on its head.

[kalloway]

Ah, I definitely need to play the newer versions, if there's an actual Sannan route!

[deborah_judge]

::nods:: It is absolutely worth it.

[alias_sqbr]

I love this game SO MUCH. I'd express that love in depth here but I might make a top level post to SPREAD THE WORD FURTHER.

[magnuschase]

Ooooh, definitely feel free to! I'm already excited for what you'll post.

[alias_sqbr]

:D

[dhamaphorn]

I volunteer Cinderella Phenomenon as tribute next year's game of the month!

[magnuschase]

Haha, the Game of the Month voting will be it's own post but I'll make sure to remind you when it comes along so you can vote for it.

[dhamaphorn]

Oh gosh I should have read the post more clearly... OTL
But kind of used it as an excuse to show off the icon!
And of course will do once voting comes along!

[thequeenofhearts]

Hakuoki was my first otome game, so it has a special place in my heart. I first played Memories of the Shinsengumi on the 3DS, but then I expanded my collection and bought every physical US release for the series. I just platinumed Stories of the Shinsengumi on PS3 this year.

When I first played, Hijikata's route was by far my favorite. He was still my favorite character in my second playthrough (which was Stories), but for Chizuru, I preferred Souji's and Chikage's routes. The former had the most believable romantic development, and the latter was her best option for a happy ending. All in my opinion, of course.

Despite owning them, I haven't played the reboots on Vita yet. I'm excited to see how much has changed and explore the new routes.