Hi there, I’m Naja B. and welcome to Blerdy Otome, your go to source for news and reviews of Otome Games, Indie Visual Novels and everything in between. I started my blogging journey back in 2015 and what started as a way to procrastinate on my Master’s thesis has grown into a place where I can share my love of these game with you! As a Black female gamer, it’s my mission to not only to spread the gospel of Otome to everyone I meet, but to use my voice to spotlight games featuring characters of color and stories that are representative of the wonderfully diverse gaming community. Blerdy Otome is a place that runs on Black Girl Magic and Dreams–together I hope that we can create a community of folks that love games and aren’t afraid to share their stories!
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FAQs
What was your first otome game? How did you get into otome games?
I honestly don’t remember, it’s been that long. LOL But, the earliest otome games I remember playing were (P)lanets and the Pacthesis’s flash games. But, as far as Japanese otome games, the Voltage Inc games were among my first, I was DEEP into A Knight’s Devotion–Lute was the LOVE OF MY LIFE back in the day.
What is your favorite otome game?
Honestly, it depends on when you ask me. I tend to really get into a game while I’m playing it and kind of fall off once I’m done. But, the game I usually give for this question is Collar x Malice! I love investigation games like Ace Attorney and anything with a good mystery and CxM gives me all of that with the added bonus of smooching cute boys!
What games do you recommend to someone new to otome games?
I will always recommend indie games to anyone just starting out. They tend to be the most diverse and have phenomenal stories! You can check out some of the games I’ve covered at Indie Game Reviews. For Japanese otome games, I usually say something like Amnesia Memories or Hakuoki since they are “classics” but you can always check out my recommendation lists for more specific recs.
What is your favorite character? Archetype?
I am a sucker for cute and dumb characters or himbos. But, I have a soft spot for fiery redheads. Best example would be Mineo from Collar x Malice, he’s cute, dumb, and a redhead. However, I am a true lover of megane! Slap some glasses on a 2D boy and I’m on them like bees to flowers.
Have you played X game? I think you should play X game! Can you play my game?
Check my Game Review page or search the game’s name from the homepage.
If you want to recommend a game for me to check out, please use the Contact Page form or email me at blerdyotome@gmail.com.
Testimonials
Thanks so much for providing such robust and in-depth coverage for a genre that does not see much if any support from traditional games journalism. And an extra thanks for your focus on diversity!
I very much enjoy your website, especially the reviews, walkthroughs, and the developer interviews! It is a site that feels like it was made for me!
Joe
Blerdy!!! I just want to express my appreciation for the consistent quality of your otome guides. I used a guide from another big otome creator and it was unfortunately very incorrect and full of errors. Your guides are always so easy to follow and never feel rushed or lacking in QC. I can tell you put a lot of passion and care into your guides even if you don’t necessarily care for the route and/or game.
Thank you so so much for everything you continue to do for the otome community!
Ara
I just discovered your blog and I wanted to let you know how much I love it. It’s so informative, interesting, inclusive and so many other great things. I really enjoy reading your takes on otome games, and you offer a really nuanced, sensitive perspective on everything you review. This blog is a real gem, and you should be really proud of it. 🙂
Jane S
Just wanted to say I LOVE your site! Your reviews are thorough and fun. Also appreciate hearing from a a fellow lady gamer. 🙂 I read a ton of gaming articles, magazines and review sites. Yours stands out as it is very easy to navigate and has a ton of reviews which is something I love. Thank you! No need to reply, just giving you feedback.
Melissa
Hello! I found this website from your article about Our Life (which is my favourite visual novel and has been for months) and let me just say I love your content so far! Your recommendations are amazing and I can tell how passionate you are about visual novels . Thank you for creating this wonderful website
Jaime
Hi Naja! I hope this email finds you well. I’m a really big fan of your website and lover of otome games myself (I used to almost exclusively play RPGs, but the otome-like aspect of “Fire Emblem: Three Houses” introduced me to the world of otome games and I will never look back, ha ha). Your blog is amazing — I stumbled upon it after reading your essay on how otome gamers are real gamers, which is one of my favorite reads on the internet.
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