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When Cupid Parasite launched on the Switch, it didn’t hold back and told over-the-top, often goofy love stories. Now Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling is here to continue the routes from the original otome game and add two others, and it is just as silly and stylish. 

The meat of Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling is that there are new After Drama and Bonus Episodes for Allan Melville, Gill Lovecraft, Peter Flage, Raul Aconite, Ryuki Keisaiin, and Shelby Snail. After Drama stories all pick up after the good endings in the Cupid Parasite otome game, with Lynette in committed relationships with the other characters. You choose responses that are “sweet” or “spicy” in response to them, netting different situations that can be cute or sexy. So there typically aren’t so much “bad” endings and you mainly experience different types of romance, though there are some exceptions to that. Getting to the end of a story can then unlock the subsequent Bonus Episodes for the love interests. 

All of these routes are generally pretty fun, and they’re often well-thought out. I was amazed how much I enjoyed Raul and Ryuki’s stories, because I they weren’t my favorites in the original games. Some of them feel like perhaps they take directions that don’t always take into plot points or character development in the original, such as Shelby’s. I also appreciated that some of the out-there elements from the original showed up in the plots for Allan and Peter. I also didn’t mind the fact that the Bonus Episodes are locked behind After Drama, because it does feel like it makes sense in this situation.

There is also the matter of Merenice Levin. While 90% of Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling involves new moments with existing characters, his story is entirely new. It’s a case for Lynette that immediately falls after the common route in the first Cupid Parasite otome game, making you pretend any character development or other romantic developments ever existed. He does have his own “gimmick” like the other guys that gives him trouble, in this case using a doughnut like a crystal ball to see the future. I felt it has its moments and could be funny sometimes, but the pacing felt a bit rushed compared to the original routes. That, paired with the way Merenice pursues Lynette, made it a difficult to see that romance as being as genuine as some of the others.

I will say that even if one of the additional original stories don’t go exactly like you’d want or expect and Merenice doesn’t click with you, Idea Factory International and Otomate did not miss when it came to appearances. Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling is as poppy and gorgeous as the original. I love the UI elements. The use of color is fantastic throughout. Plus there are some absolutely fantastic CGs here. I think I’d even say I liked the event images better in this follow-up than I did in the original otome game.

The main downsides, aside from some narrative choices in the main After Drama routes and Merenice perhaps not being everyone’s cup of tea, is that Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling has more of a limited audience than some otome games. If you didn’t play the first game, you need to play that first. There’s no possible way to jump into this and still have a good time, because they are too tightly bound together. I also ended up getting one of the apparently few “bad” endings when I went through one of my past favorite’s routes, and it sort of soured my whole experience with that love interest in this entry.

Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling is a clear situation of more of a good thing, and people who enjoyed the original Switch otome game will be pleased. The new routes build on existing characters in typically entertaining ways. I will say that someone’s opinions of Merenice may vary, as it may come across a bit forced compared to the goofiness from the first game. Still, there’s a lot here for people who loved Shelby, Peter, Allan, Ryuki, Raul, and Gill. 

Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling will come to the Nintendo Switch on May 28, 2024, and the original otome game is immediately available on the platform. 

The post Review: Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling Is Delicious appeared first on Siliconera.

Let’s be frank. A lot of otome dating sim visual novels’ plots are completely out there. They’re pure flights of fancy. But of all the ones I’ve played, and consider that includes every localized Otomate game so far, Cupid Parasite is the one that best embraces the absurdity of the situation. It gets absolutely bonkers, which makes it all the more amusing and appealing.

So right away, Cupid Parasite barges in with big guns. Our heroine is Cupid, goddess of love. Her adopted father, Ares, is upset because people aren’t getting together and getting married. He wants her to work harder. Which drives her to her Aunt Minerva, a huge fan of humans who introduces her to movies and social media. Cupid learns about Cupid Corp, a matchmaking company that also handles weddings. Cupid tells her dad humans can handle love better than gods. He disagrees. Minerva helps Cupid sneak down to Earth, and she goes to college and gets a job with Cupid Corp as their top matchmaker/Bridal Advisor.

Things get even crazier from there. Cupid is so good at her job that the company president Shelby Snail assigns her the Parasite 5. They’re the five bachelors nobody can find partners for. Why? In some way, they’re all sort of not great people. It falls to her to help her college friend Gill, actor Raul, designer Ryuki, playboy pillow saleman Allan, and Monsieur Esse (Shelby) find partners. Which in turn leads to a reality TV show, opportunities for Cupid to be the one they fall in love with, and various shenanigans.

Which means Cupid Parasite presents players with a challenge. Why would anyone like these guys? Okay, they are very handsome (well-drawn) men. But this Switch otome game begins by putting all of their faults on display. We’ll groan along with Shelby Snail each time Cupid eviscerates him with her words. We’ll roll our eyes at Ryuki’s demands. We’ll be glad we didn’t actually have to get away from Raul’s tirades. While all that might be off-putting, I feel it also makes character development more satisfying. Because the love interests do grow and become more attractive and identifiable.

However in some routes, there are editorial issues. That is, the Raul and Ryuki routes have parts that aren't edited. Spoilers aside, it is noticeable. The patch to rectify this still isn't out. (Siliconera even held its review a month, since original timeline promised a fix by the end of November 2021.) Which is quite unfortunate. These are the sorts of errors and issues that should never make it into a retail release. As much as I enjoyed the routes that are handled well, it breaks immersion in Raul and Ryuki's stories.

As yet another Otomate Switch otome visual novel, the basic foundation is the same. There’s a common route, which involves all the guys, and that then branches out to the solo stories. Quick save and load options are here. You can review past text. Skip functionality is available. There's a love gauge page and flowchart to help you check your progress, look at your path, and even head back to scenes for choices. The UI is, like all elements of the game, extremely vibrant and in-your-face. It’s bright, poppy, and completely suits the extremes this game hits. At times it might even be a bit too much, but Cupid Parasite itself is a lot, so it works. For the most part, you are playing from Cupid’s perspective. Though at some moments, you will see things from the guys’ perspectives as well.

The one unique element is, early on, “Cupid” will take a test Cupid Corp is developing. It’s a test to help pair people up. The responses to the quiz suggest which bachelor might best line up with your values. It doesn’t send you on a specific route, mind you. For example, during my first run my responses suggested Gill, but the first route I went through ended up being Shelby’s.

While Cupid Parasite is a lot of fun and can be ridiculous in good ways, it can often get a bit too out there and extreme. For example, in the common route, Otomate seemed to be trying too hard to make certain people unlikable. Especially once the reality show portion begins. I get that it’s a send-up of actual reality shows, but it went a bit too overboard for me. I cringed my way through an entire scene. Partially because it tried too hard for the sake of fanservice. But namely because I couldn’t shake the thought that every character seemed somewhat out of character. Even Allan, as obnoxious as his views could end up being, seemed dialed up to 11. But people going in should know that there are a lot of “out of left field” elements here. Which might detract from the overall experience or make it difficult to connect with characters in certain stories for some people. However, I will say going in that the parasite I thought I’d like the least, I felt had the best story.

But through it all, Cupid herself is a shining beacon. She’s a fantastic heroine. While she is a bit naive about some matters, she’s got a great personality. She’s ionate about her work. Good at it, too. She genuinely cares about these parasites, even before we start seeing their better qualities. When people act up or get crazy, she can be a voice of reason. Her best friend and co-worker at Cupid Corp Claris also shares the same sort of powerful personality traits. Which makes her equally delightful.

Otomate knows how nonsensical the concept for Cupid Parasite is, rolls with it, and I am here for it. It is absolutely a lot. But it’s so different that it’s refreshing. Especially since Cupid is a great heroine. That does mean that, for some, it’s so ridiculous that it might be distracting. Especially since part of the game is dedicated to making the men seem incredibly weird. But the real heartache comes from the fact that it launched in such a state. Especially since, a month later, it is still like this. I enjoyed it, but I strongly recommend waiting for the patch.

Cupid Parasite will come to the Nintendo Switch on November 2, 2021 in North America. Europe will get it on November 5, 2021.

The post Review: Cupid Parasite Embraces Its Absurdity appeared first on Siliconera.

Idea Factory International's next otome game has a release date. The English release of Cupid Parasite will appear on the Nintendo Switch in North America and Europe in November 2021. It will show up first in North America on November 2, 2021. Then on November 5, 2021, it will appear in Europe. It showed up on the system in Japan back on August 2020. Should people want the Cupid Parasite Limited Edition, its pre-orders will open on October 4, 2021.

The announcement also included more details about the Cupid Parasite Limited Edition that will accompany the English release. (That version was announced alongside the game's localization.) IFI's Online Store will carry the $94.99 bundle. In addition to a physical copy of the game, it will come with merchandise related to the otome. People will get a The Parasite’s Guide to Los York art book, a Radio Los York Presents: Pillow Talk audio drama CD, a Steelbook case, a trading card, and six keychains. Five of the keychains feature art of the bachelors Allan Melville, Gill Lovecraft, Raul Aconite, Ryuki F. Keisaiin, and Shelby Snail. The sixth keychain’s design is a mystery.

The Cupid Parasite Nintendo Switch English release date is November 2, 2021 in North America and November 5, 2021 in Europe. Standard and limited editions will be available.

The post Cupid Parasite Switch English Release Set for November 2021 appeared first on Siliconera.

Idea Factory International announced its next Switch otome game localization during its July 28, 2021 Online Summer Event. It will release Cupid Parasite in English in Fall 2021. The game will be available physically and digitally in North America and Europe.

Here’s the first English trailer for Cupid Parasite. The game follows a matchmaker at Cupid Corporation that happens to actually be Cupid, the goddess of love. She’s faced with her toughest challenge yet, which is to find five guys who can’t seem to find love a perfect match. (Which, given the nature of this Switch otome game, means she could be the perfect partner.) You take a “quiz” that determines your type to set you on a route, though in subsequent playthroughs you can choose extra routes. There is also a flow chart to help you see your path to romance.

True love waits in Cupid Parasite™, coming to the Nintendo Switch for North America and Europe this Fall!

Official Website:https://t.co/TpNlMsN2WT

Wishlist the Limited Edition!https://t.co/1K8No6NAzB#cupidparasite #otome #OtomeArmada pic.twitter.com/gEv39IQQa1

— Idea Factory International (@IdeaFactoryIntl) July 28, 2021

Idea Factory International also announced there will be a limited edition version of the game. However, its price and contents are currently unknown.

The Cupid Parasite otome visual novel will come to the Nintendo Switch in North America and Europe in Fall 2021. It is available in Japan. The English website is now open.

The post Cupid Parasite Switch Otome Getting an English Release appeared first on Siliconera.

Idea Factory has held its annual Otomate Party event for the Otomate brand of otome titles, and they revealed seven new games, and new trailers for games that were announced last year.

Check out the titles below:

New announcements:

Collar x Malice for Nintendo Switch

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Twitter: @CM_otomate

Release window: 2020

A collection of both Collar x Malice and the Collar x Malice fandisc collection, Collar x Malice –Unlimited-.

Cupid Parasite

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Release window: 2020

The heroine is a cupid, who due to various circumstances (read: an argument with their parents) has descended to the human realm (read: she ran away from home). Now she’s very successful in her job… as a top bridal advisor?! Here’s a cute, happy, and thrilling love comedy of goddesses and married life.

Alice in the Country of Spades ~Wonderful White World~ & ~Wonderful Black World~

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Twitter: @spadealice_info

Welcome to the bullet-riddled world of Wonderland. How long will be keep wanting to go back home?

Alice in the Country of Spades is part of the same series as Alice in the Country of Hearts, and is set to be the first title under the newly announced Otomate sub-brand, QuinRose reborn.

Dairoku: Ayakashimori

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Twitter: @D6_Info

Release window: 2020

Under the government’s direct control is a department that has existed since the ancient times, that handles matters requiring special attention. The Paranormal Division Sixth Special Task Force’s task is to protect and watch over the world of yokai.

Time Device Apocalypse

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Even if I have to destroy the days we spent together and the feelings we’ve built up between us, I will not lose hope in the future as long as you are still here.

Piofiore no Banshou –Episidio 1926-

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Twitter: @pf_otomate

A sequel to Piofiore no Banshou, which released in 2018.

Meiji Kageki Haikara Ryuuseigumi – Seibaishimaseu, Yonaoshi Kagyou -

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Twitter: @haikara_otomate

Release window: 2020

It is the Meiji Era. In the Imperial Capital filled with hate and suffering, shines a group dedicated to healing the dark emotions within people’s hearts. They were called the Haikara Ryuuseigumi…

Previously Announced Games:

Amnesia for Nintendo Switch & Amnesia Later x Crowd for Nintendo Switch

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Release date: [Amnesia] September 12, 2019; [Amnesia Later x Crowd] October 3, 2019

Ports of the ‘V Edition’ versions of these two games that released in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Olympia Soiree

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Twitter: @Olympia_otomate

The latest game by the staff who also made Nil irari no Tenbin, this is “another legendary tale that may have reached its conclusion”.

Café and Bar Dante’s Peak

Official Website

Twitter: @cb_dp_official

The continuing VTuber project by Otomate that originally began back in Fall 2018. Amon and Micha are here to give a good luck message for Otomate Party 2019.

Crimson Clan

Platforms: iOS/Android

Official website

Twitter: @CrimsonClan_tw

Launch date: July 4, 2019

The Taito x Otomate female-oriented smartphone app about a modern death game titled Crimson Clan.

Gensou Kissa Enchanté

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Twitter: @Enchanteotomate

Release date: October 10, 2019

Love between a human and a non-human.

Love between a human and an Inhuman, who live in another world.

This is a story of love that takes place at a relaxing side street café, where even Demon Lords, dullahans, fallen angels, and demonic beasts frequent as regular customers.

Sephirot: World Tree of Time

Platforms: iOS/Android (free to play)

Twitter: @Sephirot_App

An update to the currently available card collection game by Otomate and Gree.

Hypnosis Mike -A.R.B.-

Platforms: iOS, Android (free to play)

Official site

Twitter: @hypnosismic_arb

Release date: 2019

A rhythm game based on the Hypnosis Mic rap song project by King Record and Evil Line Record. Choose your MC, choose your beats, now let your words flow free and compete.

Birshana Senki ~Genpei Hikamusou~

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Release window: 2020

The game is based on the Genpei War, and the characters are split between the Minamoto and Taira clans.

The post Otomate Party 2019 Reveals Seven New Games And New Trailers Galore appeared first on Siliconera.