2024] Whether you want to cry or be thrilled! 10 recommended bishojo games you will never regret!

In this article, Akiba Research Institute will introduce some of the recommended titles among these fascinating bishojo games.

What are Bishojo Games?

Bishojo games, as the term implies, are a genre of games in which beautiful girls are the main characters. However, the content of these games is quite broad and deep.

Royal Road Adventure Games

When most people hear the word "bishojo game," they probably imagine this adventure game style. Players read the text and choose from time to time from a variety of options to branch off into different storylines, eventually taking individual routes with the desired bishojo to reach the ending.

Many games have a grand finale, a true ending that is released after all the heroines have been conquered.

Another characteristic of the story-oriented adventure game style is that many of the games are "cry games," in which a touching story unfolds.

Basically, there is no such concept as "game over," and the objective is to continue reading the story. This category is recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in the story and lose themselves in the drama with beautiful girls.

Dedication & Strategy Games

This category includes strong-style bishojo games with challenging systems such as RPGs and training SLGs.

In RPGs, battles with enemies naturally occur, and if you don't win, the game is over. In the case of training SLGs, the player must think of a proper training menu or else he or she will not be able to take the desired route or attack the characters. Even in adventure game style games, there are games such as ...... where you have to set the right flags and choose the correct route in order to progress in the story.

This is a category where you can not only play with beautiful girls, but also experience a sense of accomplishment as a game at the same time.

Social Games

Bishojo games are also a part of social games, which seem to have become well established. There are many major social games in the style of ...... where players collect cards of various bishojo characters, build a deck, and attack. It is also nice to know that playing the game itself is basically free.

Do you want to focus on the fun of collecting the characters you want through gacha? Or do you prefer to build a powerful deck?

The only regret is that when the service ends, you will lose the experience you have built up over the years. Since the service is basically free, we may have to put up with that.

Other

Bishojo games also include titles with free ideas that do not fit into the above categories. Some are sound games, some are games aimed at communication, some are VR games, and many other games with bishojo as the hook are being created every day.

Even unusual games or games in genres that you have never touched before, you will surely enjoy them as long as they feature beautiful girls! If you come across such a title, why not play it without hesitation?

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Royal road adventure games

Dedication & strategy games

Social game

Other

Royal Road Adventure Games

ONE.

• Compatibility: Switch, Windows 10 / 11, Steam
• Genre: Love adventure
• Release date: December 22, 2023
• CERO: C (for ages 15 and up)
• Price: Memorial BOX 26,400 yen (tax included), Normal Edition 8,250 yen (tax included), Download Edition 7,700 yen (tax included)
• Publisher: PC/Steam version: Nexton Corporation, Switch version: Ares Inc.

This title is a refined version of "ONE: Into the Shining Season" released in May 1998. As a title commemorating the 30th anniversary of the founding of Nexton Corporation, it is a newly revitalized title with new illustrations and the latest graphics by Tsuru Higami, who worked on the original version, with a period ". The title is a new generation title with a period ".

ONE: Into the Shining Season" pioneered the category of so-called "crying games" and is said to have influenced the otaku scene in the years that followed. The creators of the game, including character designer Itaru Higami and scenario writers Jun Maeda and Naoki Hisaya, who went on to create many popular works, are all represented in this title, making it one that fans of crying games should definitely keep on their radar.

At the same time that many users were moved to tears, fans at the time of its release were also passionately considering what exactly the "eternal world" was that the protagonist, who lost his sister when he was a child, was traveling to. This new version of the game allows you to think about it again, or simply enjoy the storyline with the cute heroines.

In addition, the cast has been completely renewed for this refined version (the cast differs for the PC full-voice version, the PS version, and the drama CD, etc.). The main characters are played by Mainaka Ishimi, Kaori Maeda, Aimi, Hina Tachibana, Natsumi Takamori, and Hanabayashi Takahashi. It will be interesting to see what kind of acting they bring to the characters.

Kanon

• Compatibility: Switch
• Genre: Love Adventure
• Release date: April 20, 2023
• CERO: B (for ages 12 and up)
• >Price: 5,720 yen (including tax) for package version, 5,000 yen (including tax) for download version
• Manufacturer：Prototype

AIR

• Compatibility: Switch
• Genre: Love adventure
• Release date: September 9, 2021
• CERO: C (for ages 15 and up)
• Price: 4,950 yen (including tax) for package version, 4,300 yen (including tax) for download version
• Maker：Prototype

CLANNAD

• Compatibility: Switch
• Genre: Love Adventure
• Release date: July 4, 2019
• CERO: C (for ages 15 and up)
• Price: 5,720 yen (tax included) for package version, 4,685 yen (tax included) for download version
• Maker：Prototype

If you want to trace the lineage of "crying games," you can't miss these titles. They are representative of "Key," the game brand of Visual Arts Corporation, and have all been made into anime, so even if you have never played the games, you are probably familiar with the titles. Perhaps you may have heard the phrase "ugh" in their mouths.

To be honest, each of these games is a masterpiece, so if you like this type of game, you should play all of them, but if you have to choose one of them, you can choose according to the theme ("Kanon": miracle, "AIR": parent-child love, "CLANNAD": family), character setting, voice actors, etc. (Kanon: miracles, AIR: parent-child love, CLANNAD: family), character settings, voice actors, and so on. You can also choose "Kanon" because you will be playing it in winter and the story is told in a town covered in deep snow.

All of the Nintendo Switch versions feature fully voiced heroines (whether or not the protagonist is voiced depends on the title), allowing you to immerse yourself in an excellent scenario. If you have heard that this is a well-known work that will make you cry, but you have not played it yet (......), please have a handkerchief ready and play it. A moving story awaits you for sure.

Senkoi*Manka

• Compatibility: Switch (download only), Steam
• Genre: Adventure
• Release date: Switch May 26, 2022, Steam February 14, 2020
• IARC: 16 years old and up (Nintendo Switch version)
• Price: Switch 3,995 yen (tax included), Steam 3,995 yen (tax included)
• Manufacturer：NekoNyan

This is a Yuzusoft title, several of which have appeared in the anime "16-bit Sensation ANOTHER LAYER". Although the original, 18-rated PC game version appears in the play, this title has been released for Nintendo Switch and Steam with the adult scenes cut out. The original PC game version is a popular title that won the Moe Game Award 2016 runner-up prize and the Getsu Bishojo Game Award for first place in the overall category.

He is responsible for breaking the divine sword that no one has ever been able to pull out, and is now married to a shrine maiden princess! The story that begins in such a way is a Japanesque adventure set in a hot spring town full of Japanese atmosphere. The heroines, dressed in kimono, including a princess, a mischievous ninja, and a girl who dwells in a divine sword, are all cute and full of individuality. Find out for yourself what happens when they meet and fall in love.

Challenge & Strategy Games

Dōkyūsei: Bangin' Summer

• Compatibility: Steam
• Genre: Love adventure
• Release date: April 15, 2022
• Price: 5,720 yen (tax included) for package version, 4,685 yen (tax included) for download version
• Manufacturer: Shiravune

In terms of titles appearing in the anime "16-bit Sensation ANOTHER LAYER," elf's 1992 release "Classmate" is also of interest, but unfortunately it has not been ported to the Nintendo Switch (on consumer consoles, it was once ported to PlayStation and Sega Saturn). However, "Dōkyūsei: Bangin' Summer," based on the fully remade "Dōkyūsei Remake" (released as a PC game in 2021), can be played on Steam. This one is for all ages.

Dōkyūsei: Bangin' Summer" is a milestone in the romance adventure genre, in which the protagonist meets various heroines during his last summer vacation in high school, and the story unfolds. The game has been fully remade with full voices, and the system has been brushed up to make it easier to play.

However, as you may have guessed from the title, this title is available in Japanese only for the voices, but only in English and Chinese for the rest of the game. For this reason, we cannot recommend this game to everyone, but we would like to introduce it to you because of the value of being able to play "Doukyuu" on Steam. Incidentally, there are many other bishojo games available on Steam, so it would be interesting to find new encounters with them.

YU-NO: A Girl Who Sings Her Love to the Ends of the World

• Compatibility: PS4, PSVita, Switch, Steam
• Genre: Science fiction adventure game
• Release date: PS4 & PSVita March 16, 2017; Switch March 14, 2019; Steam October 2, 2019
• CERO: D (for ages 17 and up)
• Price: PS4 & PSVita 7,800 yen (excluding tax) for regular edition / 11,000 yen (excluding tax) for limited edition / 7,000 yen (excluding tax) for download version, Switch 6,800 yen (excluding tax) for package version / 6,000 yen (excluding tax) for download version, Steam 5,480 yen (excluding tax)
• Manufacturer: PS4 & PSVita, Switch version MAGES., Steam version Spike Chunsoft

The original version of this title was released by elf for PC in 1996 and also appeared in the anime "16-bit Sensation ANOTHER LAYER" (Episode 5). This title is a full remake of the original, with all new character designs and voices. It is a full-fledged science fiction adventure game in which the player must walk through a parallel world that is said to exist in countless numbers, and solve a hidden mystery.

One of the features of this work is the implementation of the "Auto Branch Mapping System A.D.A.M.S. (Adams)". The system automatically records the path taken by the player in the complex and difficult parallel world and generates a branching map of the scenario, allowing the player to proceed smoothly with the exploration. The adult elements have been cut in the remake, so even those who are not fond of such elements can enjoy the story with peace of mind.

Social Games

Utawarerumono Lost Flag

• Compatibility: iOS / Android
• Genre: RPG
• Release date: November 26, 2019
• Price: Free for basic play (items are charged)
• Maker: aquaplus

Of the three original authors of the "16-bit Sensation ANOTHER LAYER" anime, Mitsumi Misato and Amaruki belong to Aquaplus, whose works are also highly recommended to play. Their flagship work is the "Utawarerumono" series. Originally released on April 26, 2002 as a PC game, it has been ported to consumer platforms and adapted into an anime, and has become a huge hit, selling more than 1.2 million copies worldwide. The game features a unique worldview with a Japanese flavor and an epic storyline with unique characters.

Utaowarerumono Lost Flag," which began distribution as a social game in 2019, recently celebrated its fourth anniversary. The cuteness and charm of the characters are, of course, second to none. The story is also completely new, so you can easily enjoy the charm of the series on your smartphone.

• Download from AppStore
• Download from Google Play

Heaven Burns Red

• Compatibility: iOS/Android, Steam
• Genre: RPG
• Distribution date: August 11, 2022
• Price: Free for basic play (items are charged)
• Maker: WFS

Heaven Burns Red" is recommended for those who want to enjoy not only the cuteness of the characters and the fun of the story, but also the fun of combat and strategy. The game, which was released in August 2022 as "WRIGHT FLYER STUDIOS x Key's first completely new game in 15 years by Jun Asae," has won numerous awards and is highly acclaimed not only by bishojo game users but also within the industry.

The scenario, whose catchphrase is "The best of sadness. The scenario, whose catchphrase is "The best, sadness," is especially wonderful, and the use of music is also excellent. We recommend that you first play through the second chapter of the game. As the truth about the girls is revealed in chapters 3 and 4, you will be drawn deeper and deeper into the story.

The battle system is not just a matter of lining up strong characters and beating them, so you may have trouble winning until you get used to it, but it is exhilarating when you get the high damage (score) you are aiming for.

However, it is also true that this battle system and the strength of the enemies have been a high hurdle for those who want to casually enjoy the story. Therefore, the difficulty level was adjusted in a recent update. This has made it possible to enjoy the story more easily, so if you have not played the game yet, please take this opportunity to try it out.

• Download from AppStore
• Download from Google Play

More

Beat Reflex

• Compatibility: Steam
• Genre: New sensation rhythm game
• Release date: August 1, 2022
• Price: 2,980 yen (tax included)
• Maker: qureate

Rhythm Game x Bishojo x Massage" is a new type of rhythm game in which you massage a girl to the rhythm.

The game was originally announced under the title "Massage Freaks" for the Nintendo Switch, but the title and content were partially changed and released on Steam after it was pointed out that the characters had the same names as members of a certain popular idol group that actually existed.

Despite these twists and turns, the game is still a casual game with some rewards, and you can enjoy the sound game elements and conversations with the girls. If you are interested in this game, let's give them a secret massage to relax their body and soul and make them feel refreshed.