Dating Sims have always intrigued me. There have been so many that I have looked at and wanted to play but never found the time. Growing up I enjoyed the dating mechanic in the Harvest Moon series. Harvest Moon and Rune Factory have really been the only games with dating mechanics that I have dabbled in; other than a little Hatoful Boyfriend and Katawa Shoujo.
When I saw that Chic Pixel’s game-along genre for January was Dating Sims I had to participate. I asked online what good Otome games were available on a tight budget and the majority of people mentioned Sweet Fuse.
The premise sounded really interesting and sold me on the game. I went to see how much a physical copy was and the $100 price tag was somewhat off putting. I generally buy physical games as opposed to digital but I may have to make an exception in this case.
My other consideration was Rune Factory 4. I imported both the game and a US 2DS when it came out as there was no announcement in regards to a PAL release and I was still riding on the high that was the Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny double platinum. So many other games came out during that time and my copy is embarrassingly still sealed. The dating elements make Rune Factory 4 both a great candidate for the months game-along and a game that I can take off my backlog. My only concern is the games length and if I will be able to finish it on time. I always find I spend more time on console games as opposed to handhelds. My 3DS is about to be xonsumed with me working on the National Dex on Pokemon Omega Ruby with a friend. I am working on the platinum for Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution before the next installment releases early next month. I also have two current MMO subs – RuneScape and Final Fantasy XIV. With that I still think I can finish Rune Factory 4 this month. How Long To Beat has the main story for Rune Factory 4 listed at 65 hours. I wonder how true that is.
So that is where I stand. The longer I take to make a decision; the less time I have to play it! Ideally I wanted a game that was cheap and roughly twenty hours or less. I’m not sure if I am going to find such a game though.
Cilla vs. Games 
Rune Factory 4 is really good. If you are looking for Otome games there have been a few releases recently on the Vita.
Thank you! I will have a look at the library!
They’re both such awesome games! Don’t worry about completing within the month, I say. Just have fun with fantastic games!
Thanks! I definitely do plan on playing both of them at some stage! My backlog is over 300 and life has just been getting busier and busier! I’ll get to it one day :).