It’s been awhile since I revisited Kissed by the Baddest, but, with the Switch port this is as good a time as any. So, let’s kick things off with Ota Kisaki’s route. The media just can’t get enough of this talented, multidisciplinary artist and high fashion model. Baba takes notice of his charisma and invites him to get involved in the auction. But behind his angelic artist façade, Ota Kisaki is controlling, deceptive, and hot. And… he bought you.
Available: Google Play | App Store | Amazon App Store | Nintendo Switch
I’ve learned over the years that I’m just not going to like every character in an otome game. There are always going to be a love interest (or two) that you just don’t vibe with and for me, Ota Kisaki is one of those characters. After being auctioned off the MC is bought by none other than the Angelic Artist, Ota Kisaki. Charmed by his sweet smile and easygoing personality, the MC believes that she is in good hands. But, much like the other bidders, she soon discovers that Ota is anything but the angel he pretends to be in public.
In reality, Ota is a bit of a sadist and he demands that the MC act like his “pet”. I’m not really into pet play, and even though he never hurts the MC, it’s hard to sit through Ota ordering the MC around like a dog. He even takes to calling her Koro, after his childhood pet and occasionally takes her out on walks. The MC for her part, doesn’t like being treated like a dog, and at first, does try to resist. But, eventually resigns herself to her “pet” role and comes to look forward to Ota’s praise and affections. The whole thing feels very Stockholm-esque and I never felt comfortable with the MC’s acceptance of the situation.
Like most otome love interests, Ota has been hurt in the past, so he doesn’t easily let other people in. Even when he’s interacting with the other bidders, you get the sense that he’s putting up a front with them too. As the story progresses, we learn that his “angelic” public persona is a way to protect himself from potentially being hurt by those around him. Ideally, what Ota craves above all else is acceptance and unwavering loyalty. Like one would receive from a pet and the MC gives him exactly what he desires. Because he paid for her, the MC literally can’t disobey him. So Ota is free to be his true self without fear of rejection.
It’s not a healthy arrangement, but at the very least he doesn’t mistreat the MC. He’s actually kind of sweet to her, if you can overlook the whole “you’re my pet” situation (which I could not). So, your enjoyment of the route will depend wholly on whether you’re okay with being treated like a dog for 13 chapters. Its hard to pinpoint the moment Ota actually falls for the MC. Even during her big confession, Ota seems genuinely surprised (and confused) that the MC is in love with him. Also, in this route, Ota and the MC have sex before they become an official couple. And, much like everything else in this route, your mileage may vary on whether or not you’ll enjoy the moment.
Is Ota Kisaki’s Route Worth Playing?
Honestly, it depends. I really am not a fan of the pet/master relationship dynamic, but Ota is an interesting character. Like the other bidders he’s got a lot of baggage to sort through, but he’s at the very least not a complete jerk like Eisuke. Now that their feelings are mutual and he’s opened up to the MC, I can see them developing a much healthier relationship with one another. If, you’re still on the fence, I say give the first free chapter of his route in the Love 365 app and see how you feel about pet play.
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Honestly, the setting of Kissed By The Baddest Bidder appeals to me more because I wrote an entire novel about gambling ( The Sure Bet King ), even if its premise is… iffy.
It definitely is an interesting premise (tho I kind of wish they had actually done some gambling in the routes). Some of the characters are okay though, but the others are hit or miss lol