That one staff member/studio whose games you can never skip when they're credited?

[raccoonNiko]

Like the title says, art, music, writing, voice actors, anything!

Personally, I can never skip a game with art by Kazuaki (Starry Sky, I'll conquer you soon). The special illustrations for the new Switch ports of Ayakashi Gohan and Blackish House are so, so gorgeous that I might buy them just for the packaging lol. I'm also restlessly waiting for the release of Key la box, everything about it looks super yummy, both the art and the plot.

My friend, for example, decided she has to play every single game with music by Love Solfege, while I personally really love every single opening by Annabel, especially the ones for NilAdo.

And while Katagiri Yuma's writing might not be for everyone, and I do agree with a lot of the criticism people have, I'm always extremely satisfied with how she writes romance. Not a single game I've played by her has disappointed me, especially Tengoku Struggle, which I didn't really vibe with at first, but the romance really carried and made it one of my highest-rated games. I'm also extremely excited for Ayashiki Tougenkyou no Arias. The visuals look stunning too, with art by Suzushiro Karin!

This has turned into an appreciation post more than anything, but I'm curious to see the community's favorites that make you want to pick up a game instantly

 

[Daisy Magnus229]

I'll be rooting for you to conquer Starry Sky! Same here. For me, Kazuaki is in first place, while second and third place go to Satoi and Teita. I collect every Kazuaki illustrations, their drama cd or even novel's covers. It's beautiful!

For R18, it's Shinyu; I even bought their artbook (the content is dangerous as hell, but I'm glad the cover is safe! lol). However, Shinyu has more presence drawing drama CD covers rather than otome games. Pairing Shinyu with the writer Setsuka is a good combination. To be honest, I'm really happy when the drama cd I love get a game adaptation!

 

[raccoonNiko]

I'll be rooting for you to conquer Starry Sky! Same here. For me, Kazuaki is in first place, while second and third place go to Satoi and Teita. I collect every Kazuaki illustrations, their drama cd or even novel's covers. It's beautiful!

For R18, it's Shinyu; I even bought their artbook (the content is dangerous as hell, but I'm glad the cover is safe! lol). However, Shinyu has more presence drawing drama CD covers rather than otome games. Pairing Shinyu with the writer Setsuka is a good combination. To be honest, I'm really happy when the drama cd I love get a game adaptation!

Thank you!
The drama CD covers by Kazuaki are gorgeous too, but all I've done so far is stare at them since it's not a medium I've really gotten deep into. I'm definitely getting more and more interested though
Hard agree on Satoi and Teita too! >ᴗ<

 

[q1w3e5]

I wouldn't go out of my way to skip it—I might watch it once? Just to see who's involved—mainly to check out the staff members besides the voice actors.

 

[b3rryb3rry]

I love every game by Cheritz. I started with Mystic Messenger when it came out, but I love their PC releases even more (Nameless is my fave). It's a shame what happened with The Ssum though.

 

[woodypei]

Voice Actor Horie Shun! So far I have played allll of the otome games with him in it as an LI (or at least still waiting for my WakuDeki copy that has him in it).

I think Katagiri Yuma is close second considering I loved her OlySoi and Nil Ado series (tho I still need to play Nil Ado sequel). Im currently also playing Tengoku struggle that I ended up enjoying more than expected. Senjou no Waltz was also solid. Although I have a hard time wanting to play some older games she wrote like Princess Arthur. I think I will play her upcoming game Ayashiki Tougenkyou no Arias tho!!

 

[osanajimimi]

I don't know much about staff, because honestly I play any otome that catches my attention, but after having finished even if tempest, and now playing sins of kaleido, I want to play another game written by Ushio Ayane (I think she's in charge of the scenario and all). I saw the credits and it said that was part of norn9. I have a good impression of her narrative.

 

[dreamilyshoujo]

For me I'm sold when the art is made by Yuuya (Cupid Parasite, Café Enchanté, Hanakare, etc). I really like her art I'm also a big fan of MANYO soundtracks (Amnesia, Collar x Malice, Illusion of Itehari) and get really excited when I see his name in the team. I get excited with any VA, but my favorite one is Maeno Tomoaki to the point I start to let out smal screams of happiness when I see he's in some media I'm about to start

 

[SweetTranq]

A voice actor I really like is Kobayashi Chiaki. He voiced Hairi in Olympia Soiree Catharsis — unfortunately, he's not a romanceable character. But he played the tsundere role so well, I really loved it. He also voiced Yashiro in Illusion of Itehari, and I liked that performance too. I really hope he gets more roles in otome games!

As for artists — Yomi (読) draws such beautiful CGs. Her notable works include Ken ga Kimi, Virche, and CRAZY CHA!N. I'm really looking forward to her future projects.

And the publisher LicoBiTs — I'm absolutely hooked on their team's Live2D work.

 

[bravelyflee]

I always like to check out games written by Yoshimura Ririka. I think most of her characters are likable and most of her endings are satisfying.

She does sometimes repeat something. Say it again. Reiterate a statement. Retell a declaration. But the rest is good so I don't mind. :)

 

[konjikinoyami2]

Anything related to いわた志信 (Iwata Shinobu)!

She directed Wand of Fortune and has also produced several projects that I absolutely love, such as Variable Barricade, Radiant Tale, and Reine des Fleurs.

At this point, if I see her name attached to a project, I'm basically sold. I really love how unusual and creative her ideas tend to be. There's something about the concepts and overall direction of her projects that always catches my attention, so she's definitely one of those creators whose games I can never skip.