Japan is known for putting out a variety of games that range from amazing to morally questionable. One genre that is growing in popularity is otome, which literally translates to “maiden game”. This genre is targeted towards women with a focus on developing a romantic relationship with one of the many male characters.
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, women are turning to more sustainable dating options where their fears of being treated like a sofa cushion may be assuaged. Numbers show that otome games have quickly grown in popularity over the past five years in the United States, and why not? There’s always a buffet of gorgeous men capable of fulfilling every dream scenario they could ever want. Fantasy? Covered. Butlers? Covered. School drama? Got it.
Of course, within every game there lies certain types for every woman. Certainly, there are always variations and different versions depending on the setting, artist, and publisher, but the standards are usually the same in each game. Let’s take a visual tour of the classics waiting to come alive on your screen.
The Eligible Bachelors
Megane
Glasses give a sense of intelligence and awkwardness to these creatures. Often Type A’s, this specimen has his shit together the most out of any other option available. He’s a crowd favorite for sure and a staple of EVERY game. If there is no megane, don’t even bother with the game. Or do.
Bad Boy/Player
Another classic, this is the guy your parents warned you about, followed by promptly telling them to stop controlling your life. He’s usually extremely pretty and has girls chasing after him constantly. His ego is a frequent reminder that you’re nothing special to him despite the fact he’ll still put you above anyone else, but strangely, this makes him even more attractive. Perhaps everyone wants what they can’t have?
Shouta
As every man will remind us, women have innate mother abilities. Shoutas seek to fulfill that deep desire because women absolutely love to clean up after their partner like a child. The innocent wonder shoutas express are akin to that of a toddler newly exploring the world, but don’t let that fool you. He’s legal ladies.
Best Friend
Even in Western culture, the best friend trope has become a staple of romantic comedies and anime alike. He already knows your bathroom schedule, when you’re on the rag, and that you secretly have a collection of your idol’s toenails, yet he still sticks around. The only problem is that you two have become like siblings, but if anime has taught us anything, blood bonds mean nothing when it comes to love. *insert cringe here*
Prince
A certain mouse-eared studio has nothing on this guy. He’s ripped, charming, and remembers your favorite boba flavor from that time you ordered three months ago. He’s absolutely perfect and knows it. The only problem is getting his family’s approval, but he doesn’t care in the end because that’s the kind of guy he is. There are absolutely, probably no repercussions politically or otherwise by him being with you.
Jerk
The tsundere of the genre, the jerk will actively push you away, but you absolutely know he has a sweet spot. Mainly because every form of media has taught women that men can change for the better. He will actively insult you and try to emotionally manipulate you, but his actions aren’t unfamiliar from what’s available in the real world. The only difference is that this one actually changes his ways.
Quiet/Mysterious
Usually a vampire or vampire wannabe with some deep, dark secret that draws women to him, he rarely speaks. As he becomes familiar with you, he begins to open up and reveal his sweet side. He’s a crowd favorite among fans because it’s actually nice to have a man listen to you for ten seconds without cutting you off to explain how he would fix all the problems.
Senpai
Congrats! He noticed you! Be prepared for a some generic high school drama and don’t forget to watch out for those popular girls who will attempt to bully anyone who dares hog the best man in the school. Don’t worry though, senpai will always be there to shut them down, yet still maintain his impeccable image and high grades while doing so.
The only obstacle for those choosing the otome life overall is the deeper emotional and physical aspects of being in a relationship, but fret not! Technology has quickly been making leaps and bounds which is sure to translate over in the next five years, or at least hopefully before Gilead has time to take hold. So grab your extinct Playstation Vitas and prepare your Steam wallet, because you’re gonna need them to be romanced by your favorite digital boy!
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