Tag: Hiro Shimono

Genso Manege – Crier Route ~ Plot & Character Analysis

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I started this route in late February and I never finished it.

A big part of this was that playing Crier’s route on my switch was the last thing I did before my body finally succumbed to the Norovirus (Stomach Flu) that, to that point, had already been in my home for two weeks.

So, honestly, picking up my switch and playing this route was just inviting reliving some bad memories. But as time passed, I realized I had no interest in picking the route up again. And this feeling had nothing to do with terrible memories.

See…even before my body gave up and I threw up eight times in five hours, I wasn’t really enjoying the route. And the distance of these past three months, hadn’t changed this feeling.

There are many narrative related reasons, why this route did not resonate with me. And rather than force myself to complete a route that I obviously have no interest in, I just decided to write up my thoughts and leave it at that.

So, full disclosure, I did not finish Crier’s route.

And here is why.

As always, character and plot analysis and spoilers after the cut!

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Shinobi Koi Utsutsu – Garaiya ~ Plot & Character Analysis

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If ever an otome route demonstrates the importance of kindness and acceptance, it is Garaiya’s route in Shinobi Koi Utsutsu.

I would classify Shinobi Koi Utsutsu as a romantic comedy, adventure story. This game is lighthearted and will make you smile, laugh, and blush! But underlying the fun and sheer silliness of the set up and plot is a story of a lonely young man who desperately wants a place to belong. There is a gravity to this story and it’s the universal desire for genuine acceptance. At the center of this route is Garaiya and Kaede and the strength of their friendship and the power of unconditional acceptance.

The message of this route is outstanding, and I really loved it!

As always, character and plot analysis and spoilers after the cut!

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Nightshade – Kuroyuki ~ Plot & Character Analysis

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It’s been a long time since an otome route hero triggered my “mom” instincts (I’m looking at you, Orlok), and it wasn’t too far into the common route for my heart to hurt for Kuroyuki. This route made me feel things. I cried, and I haven’t done that with an otome game since I finished Hakuouki. And maybe this is some of my own childhood peeking through, but all I could see was a young, hurting boy who needed someone to help him.

I didn’t come to adore Kuroyuki as a romantic “Love Interest.” I came to care for the young boy who had been put through so much crap that he never asked for. This is a hero I love as a son, and I want to help him figure out his life.

This boy needs a loving hug.

And a licensed therapist.

As always, character and plot analysis and spoilers after the cut! There will also be plot a few spoilers for Goemon and Chojiro’s routes as well.

Continue reading “Nightshade – Kuroyuki ~ Plot & Character Analysis” →