XOXO Droplets!
2019-10-18 20:33XOXO Droplets is a very cute and funny m/f dating sim about dating douchey weirdos. It has a free version with three of the guys, and a paid version with another four full routes and two more short routes. I played all endings of the full version and had a fantastic time (though the two short routes were underwhelming)
Here's the reaction posts I wrote while I was playing, including a more detailed review.
Unlike most Jerk Boyfriend otome, it's not about a nice girl being dominated by Sexy Jerks or Redeeming A Jerk With Love (both perfectly valid genres) It's about an asshole girl finding a jerk who's jerkishness is compatible with hers. They don't become Nice or Normal, they just soften in subtle and believable ways as they become closer. As a socially awkward weirdo myself I found this heart-warming :)
"Lovable asshole" characters walk a fine line between "Too assholeish to like" and "not actually an asshole", they worked for me but Steam is full of bad reviews from players who found the jerks TOO jerky.
While I found the romances convincing and sweet, it's kind of emotionally understated, without even onscreen kisses. Also the life management aspects are boring and repetitive and add very little to the game, thankfully you can largely skip them with cheats.
One thing it does especially well is three dimensional characters with complex relationships between each other, not just with the heroine. Also it's enjoyable diverse, including multiple canonically queer LIs.
Anyway, if Daria-esque highschool comedy and romances with lovable jerks sounds like your jam, give it a shot!
Here's the reaction posts I wrote while I was playing, including a more detailed review.
Unlike most Jerk Boyfriend otome, it's not about a nice girl being dominated by Sexy Jerks or Redeeming A Jerk With Love (both perfectly valid genres) It's about an asshole girl finding a jerk who's jerkishness is compatible with hers. They don't become Nice or Normal, they just soften in subtle and believable ways as they become closer. As a socially awkward weirdo myself I found this heart-warming :)
"Lovable asshole" characters walk a fine line between "Too assholeish to like" and "not actually an asshole", they worked for me but Steam is full of bad reviews from players who found the jerks TOO jerky.
While I found the romances convincing and sweet, it's kind of emotionally understated, without even onscreen kisses. Also the life management aspects are boring and repetitive and add very little to the game, thankfully you can largely skip them with cheats.
One thing it does especially well is three dimensional characters with complex relationships between each other, not just with the heroine. Also it's enjoyable diverse, including multiple canonically queer LIs.
Anyway, if Daria-esque highschool comedy and romances with lovable jerks sounds like your jam, give it a shot!