what makes you want to play a game?

[oxpord2]

I usually check first whether there is a voice actor and then look at the character design.

 

[dzccc]

Plot comes first, art style second.

I like stories with strong plot tension and a touch of darkness.

 

[O cha]

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.

 

[Foxgloves]

Writing/studio, protagonist, and art. I prefer serious plots and can be a bit picky with writing, I don't like very blank self-insert protagonists, and I will probably not be interested if the art style or CGs don't catch my eye.

 

[tete]

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.

 

[hyacinthia]

for me it's the art style and the character designs.

 

[Reizerolei]

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

 

[Dhshdy]

The character design and story

 

[marzipan]

Can't underestimate the impact of a good OP! The main way to hook me is plot usually, but sometimes a good song and PV are enough to get my interest.

 

[Lilia16]

I like the character designs

 

[Darmian]

Story and plotline
Character designs
Art… eh, depends i guess?

Looks interesting. Okay, let's rock

 

[Ant_076]

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.

 

[Eril $akurai]

A well written story and characters.

 

[makancurry]

i usually look for the premise of the story and if there's a LI that's my type...
Voice actor is a plus point for me

 

[AmnesiaArya]

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.

 

[mangopie]

I usually don't mind whatever the plot is as long as the art is pretty

 

[Limbo]

CGs, voice acting, and character sprites — it feels more romantic than just reading a novel, plus you can choose which character's route to pursue.

 

[0x0]

The story is important! The voice actor is not important, so I'm not memorizing it at all

 

[diamond_rose]

First of all, I look at the art style. If I don't like it immediately I won't play the game. Second is character designs. If none of the guys are my type it's an instant pass. And third is plot/setting. If I read about the plot and feel like it's too cliche or I don't like the setting (for example, Im not a fan of sci-fi) it's also a pass.

 

[deluluscious]

character and overall art style and quality. and also the main menu must be easy to look at and not confusing.

 

[darlenexie]

It relieves boredom, and I enjoy it. I like playing games for those two reasons. The more I play, the more it becomes a hobby. I'm thinking about trying to stream, so I can play for fun and also be productive.

 

[adlo]

For me, it's the art always. I follow a lot of illustrators online and if I find out they illustrated for a game then that's enough for me lol Outside of the official art, a lot of the things I've gained an interest in was because I saw amazing fanart online too!

 

[a1045466329]

for me, it's a mix of a few things. First, the art style has to catch my eye, if I like the character designs and the CGs, I'm already interested. Second, if one of the LIs is voiced by a seiyuu I love, that's an instant wishlist add. I've definitely bought games just because of the cast before, lol. And third, good word of mouth really matters. If other otome players keep saying the story or characters are good, I'm way more likely to try it. So for me: pretty art, a favorite VA, and good reviews? Yeah, I'm probably gonna play it.

 

[softtv]

Idk, I just find random games, but they always turn out to be good ones (haha, maybe I've got a sixth sense for it).

 

[Kevin1255]

For me, the biggest draw is definitely a well-written, distinct heroine paired with an incredible voice cast! Since I prefer seeing the MC as her own fleshed-out character rather than self-inserting, having her with a defined personality, face, and voice makes the story 10x more engaging. Throw in a compelling dark mystery or high-stakes premise, top-tier voice actors breathing life into the romance, and gorgeous CGs—that's an instant buy for me every time!