Valentine Video Games Festival: Cupid Parasite

For our final review of this year’s Valentine Video Games Festival, we’ve got a big one to discuss: Cupid Parasite, an otome in which the main character is literally Cupid.

Cupid is a young goddess who realizes that humanity has made all sorts of advancements on its own, but the gods won’t acknowledge that. So she descends to Earth to prove that she can bring couples together as a human, without using her bow.

Under the name Lynette, she becomes an advisor at Cupid Corporation, a prestigious matchmaking company, and her big opportunity comes when she’s asked to take charge of the matchmaking for five male clients who have been nicknamed the “Parasite 5.”

From an actor so obsessed with mythology that he can’t stop talking about it for five minutes, to a businessman who refuses to appear in person and sends a representative in his place, the Parasite 5 have proven to be so troublesome for the company, she’s guaranteed a promotion if she can help them find love.

Cupid Parasite is a romantic comedy, and it is funny. There were parts of the common route that made me laugh out loud, and a lot of the routes had equally funny moments.

(The secret route was also so much funnier than I expected.)

When I finished my first route, I was already satisfied. I enjoyed it so much that I would have considered it a game worth playing even if I didn’t like the rest. Little did I know he wouldn’t even end up being my favorite, with a couple of the others unexpectedly rising to the top.

This is one of the rare ones where I’d say I loved every route. I liked some more than others, but even my least favorite was still good.

(Although for a minor thing that bugs me, how did they give a character the last name Lovecraft and not acknowledge H.P. Lovecraft at all?)

The romances all feel natural, and their stories go in different directions depending on whose route it is. They’re fairly lighthearted, although a few have more serious plot stakes, and some of the “normal” endings are arguably more interesting than the best endings.

I also appreciate that it doesn’t keep the protagonist in the dark for too long. Certain characters have secrets that the player learns before Lynette does, but once you’re actually on their route, she usually finds out pretty quickly.

I had so much fun with Cupid Parasite, it’s already one of my favorite otome games despite not having as strong a focus on plot as my usual favorites. It’s romantic and hilarious, and I love these characters so much. A fandisc was recently announced for Japan, so I can only pray it gets localized.

What better way to end the romance game festival than with an excellent otome where you play as Cupid? Today is your last chance to enter this year’s contest, so check out the details and leave a comment below with your thoughts on Cupid Parasite!