Note, these are not reviews, rather recommendations so your mileage may vary with some of these titles. This week’s post will include a brief synopsis and links to each game so you can add them to your gaming library! You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy your hobbies, so save a little bread and check out this week’s thrifty gaming picks!
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Christmas Otome
- Publisher: Synokoria
- Genre: Slice-of-Life | Indie | Romance
- Cost: Name Your Own Price
- Where to Play: Windows, Mac, & Linux
With graduation drawing near and Emma’s relationship getting serious, Maia starts to wonder about her future. Should she listen to her parents and return home or try to make it here in the city? A chance encounter leaves her with just a couple of months to melt a frozen heart but can this super serious girl do it?
– Synopsis
Christmas Otome is the sequel to Valentines Otome and the third entry in the “Holiday Otome” series by indie developer Synokoria. While this is the latest in a trio of visual novels, you don’t need to have played the first two games to play this one. This time around we follow Maia as she attempts to find love with three new love characters, Garret, Mick, and Liam. Each route has three unique endings (9 total) and features a handful of interactive features. The map system which allows you to explore various locales around the city, and you can buy items for your chosen LIs using the shop! Players can also gain insight into the thoughts of the LIs with the dreamscape system.
The team’s recommended play order is Garret—> Mick—> Liam.
Graveyard Girls
- Publisher: Tidal Blossoms
- Genre: Yuri | Drama | Romance
- Cost: Name Your Own Price
- Where to Play: Windows Mac & Linux
“Grief isn’t a low. It’s a terrifying high, atop a mountain I never climbed.”
Visiting her father’s grave on Halloween was never the plan, but inexplicably, Elle finds herself drawn to the local cemetery.
Hoping to find a semblance of closure, she arrives at his graveside with a notebook clutched to her chest.
Sitting against his headstone, Elle talks to her dad for the first time in years.
Drowning in a downpour of memories, she closes her eyes and focuses on breathing.
Daylight slips away, but before Elle can leave, a stranger approaches.
When Elle and Lucia meet on Hallows Eve, two grieving worlds collide…
-Synopsis
Graveyard Girls is short yuri visual novel developed by Tidal Blossoms for the Spooktober 2021 Visual Novel Game Jam. While visiting her father’s grave on Halloween, Elle meets Lucia and the two bond over their shared grief. A short emotional story that honest, heartwarming moments. Collect Elle’s “Scribbles” and learn about her thoughts and feelings.
Misty Hollow
- Publisher: Cozii Studios
- Genre: LGBTQ+ | Supernatural | Romance
- Cost: Name Your Own Price
- Where to Play: Windows, Mac & Linux
You’re the guy with the pumpkin head that everyone was talking about right? Welcome to Misty Hollow! With the Halloween Party just around the corner, you’ve moved in at the perfect time! Don’t be a stranger; I’m sure you’ll fit right in.
-Synopsis
Misty Hollow is a short monster themed visual novel developed by Cozii Studios for the Spooktober 2021 Visual Novel Game Jam. You’re the newest resident in Misty Hollow and with the town’s annual Halloween party right around the corner you figure it’s the perfect time to get out and make some friends! Get to know four of the town’s eligible singles and maybe make a connection or two!
That’s it for this week’s thrifty buys, but, don’t worry I’ll have more titles for in next week’s post, so be on the look out for that next Thursday! But, if all that extra money you saved is burning a hole in your pocket and you just can’t wait for next week’s list, definitely check out some of my previous Thrifty Gaming posts, there are tons of games for gamers who like me are ballin’ on a budget!
Thank you for reading and Supporting Blerdy Otome! If you like what you see be sure to drop a like or a comment to let me know your thoughts on this week’s Thrifty Picks!!
I really liked Halloween Otome back in the day so it’s great to see a new Christmas themed one!
Right! I love when devs expand on their older games and with this team you can see how much they’ve grown as a studio over the years
Christmas Otome is really good (esp. the secret LI). It’s even better if you’ve played the prior entries (Halloween & Valentine) since you get cameos and more teases of the Guardian subplot.
I love games that are connected, but can also be played separately. That way new fans can jump into the series for the first time and still have fun and there are cool easter eggs for returning fans