I usually check first whether there is a voice actor and then look at the character design.
what makes you want to play a game?
- Thread starter kuuchan
- Start date
- May 1, 2026
- 76
- 62
Plot comes first, art style second.
I like stories with strong plot tension and a touch of darkness.
I like stories with strong plot tension and a touch of darkness.
- Sep 1, 2024
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I feel like there aren't many otome games that allow character customization... While you can't customize your character in Norn9, it features three different female protagonists, and you can choose who to play as. Also, in Ayakashi Gohan, the protagonist's personality and appearance change depending on your choices early in the game! It's not as deeply customizable as Our Life: Beginnings & Always, but I'd still highly recommend checking them out if you're interested.
Personally, I get into games based on the male leads' designs and the art style. No matter how amazing the story is, if I don't vibe with the illustrations... I just can't get immersed in it.
Personally, I get into games based on the male leads' designs and the art style. No matter how amazing the story is, if I don't vibe with the illustrations... I just can't get immersed in it.
- Dec 3, 2024
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Interesting character designs and premise. But if the game is centered around romance entirely and that's the whole purpose (it has no plot otherwise) then the character designs have to be good. If a game is set in school I absolutely won't play it because the cliches are agonising.
- Nov 7, 2025
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- Sep 5, 2015
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What makes me want to play a game? ;)
For me, I usually get interested because of the cover art first, and then I read the summary to see if the story sounds interesting.
I also get really drawn in by the CG artwork, character designs, and the soundtrack — those things attract me a lot
For me, I usually get interested because of the cover art first, and then I read the summary to see if the story sounds interesting.
I also get really drawn in by the CG artwork, character designs, and the soundtrack — those things attract me a lot
- Feb 22, 2015
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It's usually the artwork that first catches my eye, but the main reason I actually decide to play a game is that I find the backstory and setting intriguing. Another factor is that if I like the voice actors playing the characters, that will also prompt me to play the game.
Another factor that makes me want to play a game is if the music has that kind of poignant, melancholic quality that I enjoy. If just listening to the BGM in the promotional trailer makes me imagine a series of moving scenes, then there's a very good chance I'll give the game a go, regardless of whether the art style is to my taste or not.
Another factor that makes me want to play a game is if the music has that kind of poignant, melancholic quality that I enjoy. If just listening to the BGM in the promotional trailer makes me imagine a series of moving scenes, then there's a very good chance I'll give the game a go, regardless of whether the art style is to my taste or not.
- Nov 24, 2025
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- May 15, 2026
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- Sep 7, 2020
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For me, what really appeals to a game is a fully realized background story, a fresh and novel theme, and incredibly handsome male leads. The character designs need to be fleshed out with real substance—not purely saints or villains, but characters who have their own strengths alongside minor flaws. It's also highly attractive if the story pacing is reasonable and the plot logic comes full circle.