Most of us are still kicking it in our homes, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the world stops. Between work, school, and family, it can seem like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything we want done. Finding time for your responsibilities and your hobbies can be a bit of a balancing act, and for a lot of folks that means that our hobbies get relegated to the weekends (or late into the night).

Well if you’re looking for some games you can play through in a single weekend, I have the list for you! Each of the games on this list have fantastic stories and characters, but without the long gameplay hours of other otome game releases! So, with the weekend right around the corner, consider adding some of these games to your library!

Sifting Thyme

5 – 10 Hours of Gameplay

Get the Game: Android | iOS

Looking for a cute slice of life otome game with cute boys and delicious food? Check out Nochi Studio’s mobile otome game, Sifting Thyme. In the game you play as the newest transfer student at the prestigious culinary school, Lincoln Academy–the place to be for anyone looking to start a career in the food industry. There you meet a group of aspiring culinary boys who are more than happy to help acclimate you to your brand new school. Navigate the ups and downs of school life, immersing yourself in the fast pace world of food, and discover your culinary calling~

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My Vow My Liege

10 – 15 Hours of Gameplay

Get the Game: Steam

Maybe historical fantasy is more your speed? Check out, My Vow My Liege, the latest otome game from Yetu Games (the folks that brought us the delightful Lost in Secular Love). In the game you play as a young woman masquerading as  the King of Ng, FuChai. Romance one of four male love interests as you navigate the highs and lows of court politics. My Vow to My Liege is a compelling story that blends together Chinese history and mythology that gives a depth to the world and the characters. And if that isn’t enough to sell you on the game, look at the gorgeous visuals!!

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Dot Kareshi series

2 – 5 Hours of Gameplay

Ever wonder what it’d be like to get isekai’d into an RPG full of hot boys? Well, Rejet has you covered with their Dot Kareshi series! Yes, the same rejet that brought us Ken ga Kimi and Diabolik Lovers–so you know this is gonna be wild… In the game you are the player of the 8bit RPG, Ultimate Quest. In the past you made some not so great choices that seriously threw off the balance of your team and you haven’t touched the game in a super long time. Your characters, both miss and lowkey hate you for messing up their storylines in the game, so they use magic (?) to pull you into the world of the game so you can take responsibility for all the damage you caused. Shenanigans ensue… expect lots of lots of video game humor, gratuitous fanservice, and maybe a little romance~ The series is a trilogy that features love interests based on traditional RPG characters (Thief, Mage, Demon Lord, etc.) and each game features a different set of character to romance!

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Want to Learn more? Check out the game review: Dot Kareshi – We’re 8bit Lovers ~ The Legendary Maiden~ Otome Game Review

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Magical Otoge Anholly

2 – 5 Hours of Gameplay

Get the Game: Window and Mac

Looking an emotional story? Check out the fantasy indie otome game, Magical Otoge Anholly developed by Batensan. In the game you play as a bubbly young girl named Anholly, who is the only resident of the freezing town of Solvalis. One day, she meets a dying ice spirit who has resigned to his fate. She takes it upon herself to convince him otherwise and to find a way to save him… Magical Otoge Anholly gives me some serious Psychedelica of the Ashen Hawk vibes, so be sure to have a few tissues handy, because this game is one heck of an emotional ride!

Anholly is the 2nd game in the Magical Otoge series and I totally recommend checking out the other two games in the series: Magical Otoge Ciel and Magical Otoge Iris.

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How To Take Off Your Mask

5 – 10 Hours of Gameplay

Get the Game: Steam | Nintendo Switch

Rounding out the list is a cute fantasy romance that is bound to leave you with some feels! Check out the newly remastered, How To Take Off Your Mask by indie otome developer Roseverte Games! The game story follows Lilia, just an ordinary girl who works in a bakery. She spends every day happily with her childhood friend, Ronan. One day Lilia finds her body has shrunk. Moreover, she has grown cat ears and a tail?! She panics, jumps out through her room’s window, and runs towards the town. And the first person she bumps into is the city guard, Ronan. It’s a cute childhood friend romance with a secret identity twist that makes for some pretty funny situations!

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Want to Learn more? Check out the game review: How To Take Off Your Mask Remastered Nintendo Switch Game Review

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So whether you’re short on time or just looking for something to play with a great story and a shorter run time, you can’t go wrong with the games on this list! Each of these games are loads of fun, without taking up too much time, so you can definitely squeeze them into a lazy Sunday afternoon. So, what are you waiting for? Give these short plays a try–you won’t be disappointed!

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