As a non-fan, dating sims can seem unusual for video game genres. What’s the appeal of spending time winning over a character’s love instead or fighting a boss? One reason is that players are invited to participate in the game’s narrative. Their choices lead the game, changing the ending depending on those choices. The genre also plays with different gaming mechanics and visual storytelling that can appeal to veterans and new players.
Continue reading to learn the appeal of dating simulators.
Incorporating Other Gaming Conventions
Although dating sims focus on story and dialogue, several titles have merged with other gaming conventions. A recent and popular feature has been character customization. It may seem like a late inclusion to some, but it allows players to feel represented.
Alternatively, Boyfriend Dungeon (2021) crosses into the dungeon crawler and adventure genres, where players fight beside their suitors. Players fight their way through various dungeons with different combat styles and systems. Obtainable weapons are sentient and possible lovers, expanding the sim genre’s possibilities.
Storylines and multiple endings
Notably, one of the draws of dating sims lies in the love interests and the multiple endings the genre incorporates. LoveChoice (2021) expertly handles the weight and importance a single decision creates in all its endings. There is technically a “correct” path to win over a character, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more than one way to do so.
Characters are developed to like certain choices in games. However, in a player’s first blind playthrough, they will choose whatever feels right through careful thinking and planning.
Dating sims invite players to replay the story to test their luck with other characters and different endings. In contrast, open–world games follow a single storyline or feature puzzles that lead to an objective. Dating sims allow players to experience their own unique game and experiences. For example, a player could have created a love triangle while another player focuses on one partner. Choices are key in any dating sim.
Visual Novels
Besides the draw of multiple endings, the animations and designs of the characters make them memorable. Players can expect exaggerated outfits, colorful settings, and animated sequences in a sim production. Open–world games are also terrific in this regard, but part of their appeal is scope. Whereas sims make locations, characters, and experience more intimate and personal.
In (One) Conclusion
Dating sims have evolved and drawn inspiration from other genres to create a personal and fun experience for all players. They focus on the player experience by making their choices matter the most. Those choices then lead to various storyline opportunities, which encourages repetitive and memorable playthroughs.
To learn more about dating sims, visit FerryGodmother.com. Ferry Godmother Productions is also working on its own dating sim! For updates and details, make sure to check back with our site!