In a world where dating for the first time or in general can be awkward and uncomfortable, dating simulators and Otome games have offered an alternative to real-life dating, providing a fun, comical, and experimental experience to gamers everywhere. But nowadays, gamers aren’t the ones who can enjoy Otome-esque media. Hundreds of Otome-inspired games, manga, comics, and animations are available online, in bookstores, game stores, and more.
You may ask yourself, what counts as an Otome game or dating simulator? As explained in my previous article, Otome Explained, Otome games are often targeted towards women, whereas dating simulators are often targeted towards a more general audience. If you are reading this and are curious to learn more about my initial experience with Otome games, read my Otome Explained article and swing back to this article.
If you want to spice up your virtual dating life, here are ten of the best representations of Otome-esque games. Please note that this list is based entirely on my personal opinion, so don’t hate me if you disagree with my selection. Feel free to leave a few titles in the comments if you don’t see your favorite dating simulator or Otome game mentioned.
Let’s get one of the weirdest examples out of the way, starting with Speed Dating For Ghosts. As the title implies, this video game takes a strangely morbid and comedic response to the dating simulator craze. As a ghost, you are tasked with finding companionship and closure in the afterlife. Like real speed dating, you get to meet and greet other lost souls and see if you can sense a connection. I found this game fascinating and fun, and I recommend it to anyone with a morbid sense of humor and occasional existential crisis. However, watch out for Gary.
Despite what the title implies, you are not dating actual spirits in Arcade Spirits. Instead, you are introduced to various colorfully human characters in a world where the 1983 video game crash never occurred, and arcades thrive for all to enjoy. As “Ari,” you can approach the seven romanceable characters romantically or platonically. Yes, you can just be friends in a dating simulator if that floats your boat. I love this friendly approach to dating simulators and the art style of this game. The characters are funny and fun to interact with, so I recommend this game to anyone looking to test the waters with dating simulators.
Since its debut, the romantic comedy visual novel Cupid Parasite has been highly rated and recommended by the Otome community. As the matchmaker “Lynette,” you are on a heavenly mission to help the notorious Parasite 5 find love and get hitched. This task would be near impossible for any mortal matchmaker, but Lynette is more than meets the eye. I was initially drawn by the artwork and stayed for the story. Without providing spoilers, I found Lynette to be lighthearted and surprisingly innocent as the protagonist of an Otome game. If you like Otome games with a challenge, you will love Cupid Parasite.
If you are an epic fan of anime and musicals like me, you will love Dance with Devils. I originally watched this anime when it debuted in 2015, and I love rewatching it whenever I get the chance. In the anime, the protagonist, Ritsuka, is your seemingly average academy student, but when her mother is kidnapped and her house is ransacked, her entire world turns upside down. With the help of the Student Council, Ritsuka must navigate a new world of demons and vampires. Although I found Ritsuka infuriatingly helpless at times, I loved the music that came with this anime, and I will listen to it on repeat.
If you have yet to hear of My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, what are you waiting for? Watch it. Read it. Play it. With anime, light novels, manga, Otome games, and more, there are numerous ways to enjoy the story of the redeemed villainess Katarina Klaes. Unlike the typical Otome game protagonist, Katarina is initially oblivious to the affection of her reverse harem. Instead of seeking romance, Katarina seeks sweets and friendship. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and comical experience. The characters are endearing and entertaining, and you will enjoy their dynamic as a group.
If you love Otome Isekai, you will love I’m in Love with the Villainess. After overworking herself to death, an office worker reincarnates into her favorite Otome game as the protagonist, “Rae Taylor.” However, she has no interest in pursuing the male love interests and, instead, intends to devote her entire existence to the game’s villainess, Claire. Using her abundant knowledge of the game, Rae wants to give Claire the happy ending she deserves. I watched the anime in 2023, but now I plan to indulge in the light novel series and get a more in-depth look into the love story of Rae and Claire.
In I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss, the protagonist realizes she has reincarnated as the villainess of her favorite Otome game, “Aileen.” Desperate to avoid her dreadful fate, she turns to the Demon Lord and final boss, Claude, and attempts to seduce him. Despite his immediate refusal, Aileen is determined to become his wife and spare herself from her fate, but as time passes, she falls for Claude for real. Do you want to see love blossom between the villainess and the Demon Lord? With only twelve episodes, this anime is easy to binge-watch and offers a unique twist to the Otome Isekai genre.
Suppose you love Otome Isekai with a dark and bloody twist. In that case, you will love The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior, which features the protagonist, Pride Royal Ivy, realizing she has been reincarnated as the final boss in her favorite Otome game. Determined to refuse her destiny as the villainess, Pride makes motions to change her fate and the fate of others. Throughout the anime, Pride is haunted by memories of how she devastated her kingdom as queen, tormenting the heroine and her potential love interests. I highly recommend this anime for those who want a new view of the infamous villainess.
In a unique twist, Villains Are Destined to Die features a protagonist who wakes up as the villainess, “Penelope Eckhart,” in an Otome game she has played multiple times. Craving a challenge, she selects Hard Mode and finds herself as the hated villainess in the game. Aware that her fate will lead to death if she does not conquer one of the romanceable characters, Penelope must choose very, very wisely. With limited options initially, Penelope must learn to navigate this new world and escape alive. I highly recommend this webcomic if you want a more adult version of Otome Isekai. Please be advised the protagonist does curse, and there are implications of torture and abuse.
Any of you familiar with my WEBTOON articles knew this was coming. I am obsessed with webcomics, and Heartbeat Conquest focuses on a girl who has seemingly found herself in a dating simulator as the protagonist, “Diana.” But Diana intends to form a harem instead of honing a single romanceable character. As Diana navigates this new world, she starts to suspect this is more than just a dream come true. I love the art style, and the story has been thoroughly entertaining. The love interests are equally charming, and Diana is, frankly, hilarious as a protagonist. I highly recommend this webcomic for anyone else obsessed with dating simulators.
Thank you for reviewing my recommendations for Otome-esque media. Please comment below if you didn’t see your favorite Otome-esque game, comic, or anime listed. I would love to be introduced to new media and chat with fellow Otome game fans.
