Best Otome Games You Need Play In 2024

Summary

• 2024 introduced exciting otome games like “Ikemen Series” with five games in various settings.
• “Tears Of Themis” blends romance, suspense, and card battles with engaging mechanics and four diverse love interests.
• “Love 365: Oops, I Said Yes?!” offers a unique office romance with interactive features and a modern plot, perfect for beginners.

Otome games allow players to cozy up with their favorite fictional characters. Some of the best are available on our phones, which makes it easier to stay up to date with what’s happening in the game. Many otome games require players to romance a specific suitor, and a player’s main goal is to make sure they don’t lose any “intimacy points/love points.”

2024 looks to be an amazing year for otome games, and these options are a great step in the right direction for any newcomers to the genre. Romancing a suitor can be difficult. With that in mind, it’s best to start small and get the hang of otome game mechanics, before moving up to more advanced otome games. Here are some of the best to play this year, based on art, story, and interactability with the suitors.

Updated December 16, 2024 by Aditi Jeyanathan: As the months go by, the otome industry has managed to keep fans on their toes with its surprise releases. There have been more talks of localization efforts for popular otome games in Japan, and now Western AND global audiences can enjoy their favorite games in their preferred language. Additionally, players are also getting more chilled-out otome games that seem to be comparably more relaxed than the classic dark gothic ones that ruled the market back in the day.

1 Ikemen Series

Mature & Fantastical Romance

There are a total of 5 games in the Ikemen Multiverse:

• Ikemen Revolution
• Ikemen Sengoku
• Ikemen Vampire
• Ikemen Prince
• Ikemen Villains

In each game, the MC travels to various time periods or worlds, either on Earth or fictional. In their new world, they meet a list of suitors to choose from. Ikemen Revolution is a twist on Alice in Wonderland, where the suitors are divided between the Hearts and Spades Faction. In Ikemen Sengoku, the MC time travels to the Edo Period in Japan and can romance one of the many famous Japanese warlords, such as Nobunaga Oda.

Among the Ikemen Series, Vampire and Prince are more R-rated than the rest. In these games, the MC is an adult worker. The situations she finds herself in with the vampires and princes, respectively, are both wholesome and suggestive. The newest in the series is titled Ikemen Villains and it’s significantly darker than the previous titles. The ‘villains’ in this game are characterized by famous Disney antagonists, and each of them has their own sinister power. These powers are labeled as Curses and it’s up to the MC to navigate her way through this treacherous castle and the evil that lurks within the shadows.

2 Mystic Messenger

Romance In Real Time

Mystic Messenger was released in 2016 and is one of the few otome games that players keep coming back to. What’s unique about this game is that it takes place mainly through chat logs that players need to respond to in real time. There are five romanceable characters, one of whom is a woman. Through various interactions and choices, players will be able to achieve a good ending.

This game is extremely interactive and a joy to play. However, keep in mind that some of the suitors have unfortunate endings that can occur if players do not keep up with the game in real time. Players may need to set alarms that might interrupt their sleep schedule because missing an event will cause the route to derail. Since the game has been around for quite some time, new events and deeper plotlines are what keep players hooked.

3 Tears Of Themis

The Perfect Mix Of Romance And Suspense

Released in 2020, Hoyoverse’s first otome game includes several different mechanics to keep players hooked. The main story takes the form of a visual novel and The MC (Rosa) is a lawyer in Stellis, a city set 30 years in the future. Players are presented with cases in each chapter, where they have to find evidence through interrogations and sleuthing to discover the truth. Usually, each chapter ends with a card battle in court and players need to win to proceed through the story.

The romance part of the game comes in through the side stories. Players can obtain these side stories by obtaining cards from the gacha, playing events, and unlocking personal stories. Tears of Themis provides a variety of mechanics to earn rewards and collect cards that new players might’ve missed out on in previous events. The game has been growing exponentially and any otome gamer would no doubt enjoy it. As of 2024, there are four love interests and each of them is of different ages and professions. The oldest is a Psychiatrist, then comes the Lawyer, a Private Detective, and the youngest is the CEO/Painter. Players have a range to choose from and each LI also comes with additional rewards.

4 Lovebrush Chronicles

Fantastical Love In Parallel Worlds

Since its 2023 release, Lovebrush Chronicles has taken players by storm. The concept of this game involves a parallel world, which the MC is connected to through the five main suitors. It follows a gacha system where players can acquire limited and standard banner cards to help them in battles. The suitors can only be romanced through the main story. Each world is divided into five chapters, one for each suitor and yes, all their stories are interconnected. The game also involves birthday stories, personal interactions, and the calling facility whereby players can interact with their biases.

This is a must-try game for new otome players. The mechanics are fairly easy to understand, the cards are easy to obtain, and the art is gorgeous. The best part about this game is how well the stories are intricately woven to coincide with the original plot from the MC’s home world. Additionally, the game is pretty chilled out when it comes to farming materials for cards, as players can simply click Auto Mode and let the battles continue.

5 Love 365: Oops, I Said Yes?!

Modern-Day, Forced Proximity Romance

Love 365 is a massive otome visual novel franchise. There are hundreds of story paths that players can choose from, with a variety of suitors to romance. Currently, it has one of the biggest number of routes available in the otome game industry. Players can choose love interests that range from CEOs, Florists, college students, and more.

The game recently introduced a Steam-friendly version of their latest update, Oops, I Said Yes?! The premise differs from the usual plotlines. This time, the player wakes up one day to find herself married to her coworker after a drunken mistake. This visual novel is a classic “marriage-of-convenience-turned-love-marriage” scenario. It’s a modern setting and the story’s pace is great for any new players starting out.

6 Love And Deepspace

A Whirlwind Sci-Fi Romance

In the long list of otome games, Love and Deepspace takes the cake with its inclusivity and dynamic story. The game allows players to create their avatar and design it however they like. Players can either model the MC after their facial features or create alter-egos. Additionally, Love and Deepspace is the first otome ARPG. Not only do players get to romance the boys and follow the story, but they also get to fight enemies with them. The plot revolves around the MC’s background as a Hunter and the main storyline is separated based on each interaction she has with her love interests.

The world is set against a sci-fi backdrop and the main character is an Evol, tasked with destroying the Wanderers while trying to discover her mysterious past. There are currently only three suitors in the game, and the 3D designs make it more realistic than traditional otome games. Most romantic situations are available through the cards that can be obtained from the Gacha facility or events. The main story also has some romance, but the cards are more personalized. Furthermore, the game does get a little R-rated, so players can experience a more adult romance should they choose to obtain certain cards.

7 Sympathy Kiss

Adult Romances In An Office Setting

A much-awaited game for Nintendo Switch players, Sympathy Kiss made its debut on February 27, 2024. This otome game centers around a whirlwind office romance. So far, the game has been exceptionally interactive, with systems that tackle emotional responses, work-love balance, and text/call functions. There are several characters to romance, and depending on player choices within the game, they may be able to obtain a favorable ending.

This game offers a fresh new take on what otome games are meant to be. It portrays adult women in the workforce and examines the issues that can arise when trying to maintain a work-life-love balance. Otomes are usually meant to take players out of the current bore of their repetitive lives, but Sympathy Kiss has players diving back into it with something more exciting. With the rush of an office romance and six love interests to choose from, they can try out whichever route they like the best.

8 Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling

Play Cupid & Find Love

Currently only available as a Nintendo Switch game, players who have already traversed the Cupid Parasite universe should be no stranger to this new version. However, anyone new to the fandom can jump on the bandwagon and enjoy the magnificent art and the light-hearted comedy romance. It isn’t necessary to play the previous version before starting this upcoming game, as the premises are different. In the new release, the player is now seen as the suitor’s “Goddess” instead of playing a full-fledged Cupid like in the previous game.

Cupid’s Parasite is a relatively easy visual novel otome game. However, it is recommended to play each of the available routes in a certain order to unlock any secret routes. Players can romance over six guys and if they feel like they need more context to the situation, they can always play the prequel to gain a better understanding. This time players see a hard-working, career-driven woman trying to woo the suitors that she interacts with.

9 Tengoku Struggle ~ Strayside

Forge Romances In Heaven Or Hell

Tengoku Struggle ~ Strayside focuses mainly on the differences between Heaven and Hell. Set in the Reiwa period, the world is more fantastical than one would presume. The city of Asakusa is a tourist attraction for all things dead and when Hell’s prisoners suddenly escape, it’s up to Hell’s Guardian daughter to capture them. There are a total of five routes for players to choose from and most of them have pretty explosive backgrounds.

Players follow Rin’s (the main character) footsteps as she navigates through the Human Realm with her companions, and uncovers secrets that the citizens of the Hell Realm are not privy to. The art is spectacular, and the world is multi-layered. Players can form various connections and relationships with each of the characters and the elements of action, fantasy, and comedy add perfectly to the overall plot. The game is quite lengthy, but definitely not too hard when it comes to securing any good endings.

10 Astoria: Fate’s Kiss

Fall In Love With Greek Gods & Monsters

Initially only playable on the Lovestruck mobile app, Astoria: Fate’s Kiss has now been optimized for Steam and Switch as well. The game introduces players to romanceable gods and monsters from Greek mythology. They’re set against the backdrop of a modern world where these gods and monsters are kept under check by a secret agency.

The game brings a sense of nostalgia with its new and improved routes, and each love interest is sure to keep players hooked from their first meet-cute. Although the game was recently released, there have been discussions for more love interests to be added in future updates. It’s not your typical cliché romance game as the story has quite a few twists and turns to keep players interested for more.

11 The Villainess Is Adored By The Prince Of The Neighbor Kingdom

A Villainess Can Also Find Love

The Villainess Is Adored By The Prince Of The Neighbour Kingdom, more commonly known as Akuyaku, finally has an English localization. The game did relatively well on the Japanese market, which is why OperaHouse has decided to release the game globally. Similar to the famous villainess manhwas that have taken the internet by storm, Akuyaku follows Tiara and Aqua – the canon couple of the game and Aqua is a reincarnator who has fallen into her favorite otome.

As the game is based on a visual novel, it’s vastly different when it comes to the plot, as there are alternate endings that the novel does not include. The game is fairly simple and very heartwarming when compared to the more heavy themes found in other otome games. It’s all about following the story of the life of a villainess, trying to survive in the royal castle.

12 Him, The Smile & Bloom

The Fragrant Scent Of Love

Him, The Smile & Bloom, also known as Hanakare, gives players a chance to dabble in a workplace romance amidst the backdrop of a floral shop. The player has the option of choosing four love stories (or four flowers), each representing a love interest with some sort of connection to her. Each route has 4 distinct couples, giving players the chance to romance all the boys without any common story “interrupting” them.

Another difference in this game that players might enjoy, is that each heroine is completely different in each story. This goes for looks, personality, and character traits – making this quite intriguing with every route. The story is also intertwined- this means each couple’s love story occurs within the same timeline. Players looking for something soft and light-hearted should check this out. Each route is sure to put a smile on one’s face as one gets to know the intricacies behind each love interest.

13 Date Z

Find A Date Or Get Zombie-fied

High school, drama, and a zombie apocalypse are all the rage with Date Z, as players have to secure a date by the end of the week to survive the mysteries surrounding the town. As a new indie otome, Date Z adds a little horror to the plot to spice things up. Every decision made can be the difference between life and death and could easily disrupt the suburgatory routine of high school.

Players can date five types of characters, but each love interest you end up with depends on the choices you make in the common story. Like a good ol’ classic romance game, players can score multiple endings with each potential date. Players are introduced to each one and have to hope they end up dating one of them by the end of the week.

14 Melty Amethyst

Cutesy Slice-Of-Life Workplace Romance

Melty Amethyst has finally been localized for the Western market. It introduces players to the heroine Hotaru, a simple petite girl looking to make it in Tokyo. She lives a peaceful life as a part-time worker at a convenience store, and it’s only when the cold, brash Nao becomes her coworker do things make a change.

Melty Amethyst is a cute and short game, something players might enjoy as a way to pass the time. Right now, there is only one love interest in the game and there has been no news about any further developments. If players fancy themselves a simple slice-of-life romance encounter without dedicating too much time, this otome is the best one out there.

15 Celestia: Chain of Fate

Angels vs Demons vs Humans

In an Academy where Angelus and Daemon co-exist, the heroine is a hybrid who starts her new term in this fantastical world. There are three romanceable characters from each magical realm and it’s up to the player to choose which route they prefer. Each of the suitors has a distinct personality, making it quite a battle to choose a favorite. Unfortunately, the game is not all sunshine and roses, since it can be a little difficult to make sure the route ends in a good way. The heroine does jump from one love interest to another based on the choices made, so to make sure one gets all the endings, players need to make sure they make the right choices.

Aside from the heart-stopping romances, Celestia: Chain of Fate has exquisite hand-drawn art that cannot be missed. It adds a special extravagance to the already gripping story, and as players uncover the secrets behind the Academy, they realize there’s so much more to their suitors than they initially thought. From the human Crown Prince to an Angel and Daemon, the heroine can experience different types of romances with each.

16 Meiji Tokyo Renka Full Moon

Romances Across Time

As one of the oldest otome games on the market, Meiji Tokyo Renka Full Moon has finally been localized for a worldwide release on all platforms. The heroine travels back in time to the Meiji period and has the thrilling chance to romance popular figures from that time. Although the characters are from the past, they are not accurate representations of them, making them quite likable in a player’s eyes.

Aside from the gorgeous art, the game also has an amazing story that brings in action, romance, mystery, and comedy. Each of the eight suitors is unique in their own way and each story brings a new outlook each time. Since this is just a localization, fans of the Japanese version can now revisit the game in English and enjoy the nostalgia behind it, whilst newbies should give this a try if they fancy a historical romance.

17 9 R.I.P.

Occult Romance In The Spirit World

9 R.I.P. will be getting an English localization and entering the Western market on Switch. The game has been around for a while, and it’s safe to say that it is known for its occult factor. The heroine is whisked off to the spirit world and it’s there she meets her love interests, who are modeled after urban legends. The story and characters are far from sweet since there’s a lot of supernatural content wrapped into each route. The routes are divided into arcs and each one has two suitors to choose from.

Unfortunately, the game does have a lot of bad endings, which can sometimes be frustrating, but many fans have found them to be equally satisfying in their own way. Besides this, 9 R.I.P. is a great otome to jump on or jump back into if fans enjoy supernatural romance in the spirit world. The atmosphere that the game creates is astonishingly enchanting, so choosing this as one’s first otome game is a splendid option.

18 Genso Manége

Enter A Whimsical World Hidden Behind Trapped Smiles

Despite the lighthearted and colorful presentation of Genso Manége, this otome covers quite a few heavy topics when it comes to the characters’ backgrounds. Players take on the role of the heroine Emma, who is secretly a witch who has lost her memories. It’s only when she visits a traveling amusement park and finds out the dark secrets behind its whimsical setting does she begin her journey to unlock her hidden past.

This new release is a localization for the Western market and is perfect for any otome fans who enjoy a game that manages to balance out the story and aesthetics. Like most otomes, the game does have good and bad ends, with some that weigh heavy on the heart and some that make players look back on them fondly.