What's your top otome recommendations for newcomers?

[stellasikes]

This one is pretty hard because it really depends on the person. If someone loves RPGs and is looking for a game that goes beyond just selecting routes, I'd recommend starting with either the Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side series or the Haruka naru Toki no Naka de series, especially the 3rd one, because a lot of otome fans got hooked on that one.

Otherwise, I might suggest starting with Code: Realize or Piofiore, since both feature beautiful characters, strong stories, and great soundtracks.

 

[mammonsfluffysheep]

Definitely Hakuoki, Amnesia, Collar x Malice, Code Realize, Hiiro no Kakera, Harukanaru Toki no Naka de, Tokimeki Memorial Girls' Side, and Angelique.

 

[hafuong]

Bustafellows is my first otome game ever and it's still one of my favorites!! It has distinct routes after common routes, the LIs story gave me many suprise, especially Helvetica (I luv his route despite him not being my usual type). I recommend Scarecrow route if you like a dorky, silly, funny, yearning-for-mc-in-every-route type:PP He's so adorable and made me laugh whenever he showed up.

 

[lanying]

I'll recommend some free games first.Just like Cinderella Phenomenon,Dark Nights,DOTOKOI / 像素男友.These games are free and perfect for beginners to start with.And then there are some paid PC games.For example Amnesia™: Memories and 私のリアルは充実しすぎている フルボイス版 are more likely to be accepted.Finally, there are games on NS, like Collar×Malice,code realize.I think the storylines of these games are pretty classic and quite representative.Although Jack Jeanne is also a game with really good story and high acceptance, I'm not really keen on recommending it.Because its storyline lacks romantic love, and its style isn't like most otome games.If I play this first and then try other otome games, I'm worried they might be disappointed because other otome games focus way too much on romance and love rather than the main story.

 

[enren]

Although Jack Jeanne is also a game with really good story and high acceptance, I'm not really keen on recommending it.Because its storyline lacks romantic love, and its style isn't like most otome games.

Jack Jeanne was made by the creator of Tokyo Ghoul - Sui Ishida - and his sister.
That's why it's different from other otome games and lacks romance.

Personally I couldn't help but see those two projecting themselves onto Kisa and Tsuki.
Especially when school's director told Kisa "yeah, you're just as talented as your brother" after the year was over.

 

[Reizerolei]

I recommend the game Handsome Laundering.

I just started playing it recently, and I already really love it.
Some parts of the story feel *so* Japanese, and I get really excited about the game system because it lets you choose different things and explains the types of those items too.

And they run both a restaurant and a laundromat at the same time — but it's not just an ordinary shop.
They can actually help people who are feeling sad or emotionally exhausted feel better again.

Also, the characters are SO handsome omg lol
♡⁠(⁠>⁠ ⁠ਊ⁠ ⁠<⁠)⁠♡
You should totally play it, it's seriously so good.

You can even listen to the drama CDs before playing the game.
That's what my friend recommended to me too (⁠☆⁠▽⁠☆⁠)

 

[nemaiaish]

From me:
1. Diabolik lovers then Cupid parasite

 

[AkaTe]

I'd say Amnesia: Memories. It was—alongside Starry Sky—at least one of my first otome games. But given the many releases in recent years, there's now a huge selection of good otome games out there. The Hakuoki franchise is also quite extensive, comprising numerous titles.

Among the much more recent titles, I thought Mistonia's Hope -The Lost Delight- was absolutely brilliant. If you're into something a bit more unconventional, Jack Jeanne would be a great choice, too.

If you're looking for more action or horror, I'd definitely recommend Collar x Malice and 9 R.I.P. as well.

 

[fr4pp3cinn]

I get the Amnesia recs because it does introduce many common tropes very well, but as someone who plays (mostly) older otoge, I'd be more inclined to recommend something like CupiPara or Bustafellows like mentioned on here too!

Although Amnesia is still a pretty good rec, I think many newer titles in the otome space have shifted a bit to slightly more mature themes, so a romcom and a mystery with a plot-focus seems best to someone interested in the genre now

For people looking for stuff a bit on the older side, Code: Realize also has a decent balance of plot and romance, and the MC is probably more likable for certain players. I've seen some rcs for Lover Pretend in the past too, but I think CupiPara works better as a beginner otoge romcom

 

[meissica]

I'd recommend Code: Realize for newcomers. It has a great balance of plot and romance, gorgeous art, and the characters are all likeable. The story is easy to follow even if you're new to otome games. Plus, it has a few anime adaptations, which might help newcomers get interested first. Not too grindy, not too complicated — just a solid entry point

 

[Lianhun]

Meiji Tokyo Renka!!!!! Honestly, I played it for the first time when it was released on PSP, and I immediately fell in love with how the story wasn't that heavy for my high school brain at the time, hahaha

 

[koba/こば]

I'd recommend Meiji Tokyo Renka, London Detective Mysteria, and Bustafellows for beginners.

I played them a lot!

London Detective Mysteria is fun, but the time limit on choices might make you feel a bit rushed.