Operation Backlog Completion 2026
Dec 212018
 

Back in 2016, I supported a Kickstarter to localize an otome visual novel called Beastmaster and Prince.

The Kickstarter failed, and the team behind it never provided any further updates to backers.

Now, it looks like another publisher might take on Beastmaster and Prince to localize it, at least for mobile devices. As reported by Siliconera, a new Shall We Date app has appeared with a list of available otome games in its description.

This app is a compilation that will let you choose from several localized visual novels. The list includes “Beastmaster and Princes” and “Wand of Fortune,” neither of which has been localized before.

Now, the Kickstarter had hoped to localize Beastmaster and Prince, its fandisc sequel, and side stories. Judging by the listing here, this is probably just for the main visual novel. Nevertheless, that’s a step in the right direction from it not being available at all (even if I would prefer a non-mobile version).

They don’t appear to be available in the app just yet.

Will we finally get to play Beastmaster and Prince? Will mobile be our only option? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Nov 162016
 

tohri-route-pcDo you feel like you’re missing a certain something? Have you noticed the distinct lack of gaudy mad scientist pheasants in your life? Then you’re in luck!

If you played Hatoful Boyfriend on the PC, like I did, you can now experience the route we missed.

Yes, Tohri’s route has finally been released as a standalone short visual novel called Hatoful Boyfriend: Tohri Nishikikouji Special Edition.

For those of you who played the PlayStation 4 or Vita version of Hatoful Boyfriend, you’ve already experienced this story. So, what exactly happened?

I’ll let Tohri tell you himself, as he does at the start of this short visual novel.

tohri-explanation-1

tohri-explanation-2

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A new route for Tohri, who previously appeared only in Holiday Star (which is worth playing if you enjoyed the original), was added to the PlayStation versions. The Steam version couldn’t be updated to include it, so the creator decided to translate Tohri’s route and release it as a standalone visual novel.

And here it is!

It’s about 15-20 minutes long, since it’s just the scenes specific to Tohri’s route, and there are no alternate paths (the two choices you get to make lead to death if you pick the wrong option–not your death for a change, but Tohri’s). As such, it can feel a bit disjointed, although chances are good you’d be fast-forwarding through the in-between scenes by this point in the game.

Short and straightforward though it may be, it’s definitely worth playing, especially if you found Tohri funny in Holiday Star. It plays like any Hatoful Boyfriend route, and it’s one of the more lighthearted ones… Tohri’s route will make you laugh instead of shredding your emotions.

Interestingly, it touches lightly on Shuu’s past, even though players of the PlayStation version would most likely play this before BBL.

Anyway, go check out Tohri’s route!

Jul 252016
 

Sweet-Shuu-2016For April Fool’s Day, Moa Hato accepted questions from fans to be used in a Q&A with none other than Shuu Iwamine. That Q&A is now translated and available in English in visual novel format.

In this universe, Shuu is a sweet, compassionate soul willing to help anyone and everyone with their problems.

(Anyone familiar with the Hatoful Boyfriend games should know why “Sweet Shuu” is appropriate for an April Fool’s Joke.)

Sweet Shuu did a Q&A in 2015 as well, and that one might be translated later.

Sweet Shuu 2016 is quite short, but worth a read if you want more of him or the Hatoful universe, or just the surreal experience of Shuu giving good, kind advice.

Speaking of more Hatoful material, Tohri’s standalone route should be coming soon for those of us who didn’t play the PSN or iOS versions.

That’s right, iOS. Hatoful Boyfriend is available for iOS devices. This version is based on the PS4 and PS Vita versions, so it includes Tohri.

What next, a physical copy? Hey, I’d buy it in an instant!