Image via Idea Factory International
Idea Factory and Otomate are pretty great about releasing different types of otome visual novels that cover various themes, and they’re well known for their historical ones. I mean, they’re responsible for titles like Birushana and Hakuoki. Players who adore otome games with historical elements and combat will find Homura: The Crimson Warriors offers exactly what they’re looking for with Sengoku period romances. Those in search of a more comedic or romantic routes might want to go for something like Cupid Parasite or My Next Life as a Villainess.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a Sengoku era game, which takes place after the Battle of Sekigahara. Following the deaths of Masayuki Sanada and Rokuro Mochizuki, those who supported them suffer a major setback. Rokuro’s daughter Mutsumi inherited his gift of reading the ring of energy and essence of the living (and dead) and trained as a ninja under Hakuunsai Tozawa, hoping to one day be of use to the exiled Nobushige (Yukimura) Sanada. After being sent by her master to assist Nobushige and his allies in their continued support of the Toyotomi, she finds a chance to be useful and perhaps fall in love with him or one of his allies as they prepare to face the Tokugawa shogunate and Ura Yagyu. However, that also means facing the unnatural Onibi Warriors.
Remember how I said Homura: The Crimson Warriors is probably a game for folks who liked otome like Hakuoki earlier? Well, I’m guessing you see why now. Historical setting. Love interests based on real people like Juzo Kakei, Kamanosuke Yuri, Saizo Kirigaku, Sasuke Sarutobi, and Yukimura Sanada. Supernatural elements. Replace the Furies/Rasetsu with Onibi. Lots of focus on the conflict. It can feel very similar. That means if you enjoy these types of romantic visual novels that do pay attention to historical elements and weave them in with some fantasy elements, you are in for a treat. Especially since there is the Ring energy to see and take into account when making choices.
Don’t take that to mean it feels like it is retreading old ground. Homura: The Crimson Warriors does feel unique. Its characters don’t feel like they’re copying the Shinsengumi from Hakuoki. It’s just a similar sort of style and approach.
It also means that the more historical and dramatic elements can take precedence over actual relationship development sometimes and in some routes. It can be romantic for sure, and there are some paths where you can really see relationships develop well. (Specifically, I liked the Saizo and Kamanosuke ones best, though the Nobushige one is pretty good as long as the age gap doesn’t bother you too.) I never felt like the romance came out of nowhere when it came to any of the love interests. Just expect a lot to happen that involves current conflicts in that time period. Especially when you get to Nobushige, which does feel like the “main” route and one you should play last.
I will say that after playing an Idea Factory and Otomate otome game that lacked quality of life features recently, it’s great to come back to one that does have them with Homura: The Crimson Warriors. There is a glossary, which is a godsend given all the historical references and terms that come up as you play. It’s very helpful and, since my Sengoku knowledge did come from other video games, I did make use of it. The ninja scroll chapter summaries are handy too. I didn’t need that, since I went through three routes in a row basically. However, I could see that being handy if you return to play another storyline after stepping away for a bit. There is a love catch system available too. Again, another always handy option to see if you’re making progress with the right person.
Homura: The Crimson Warriors is also a very pretty otome game, and the artistic direction does bring to mind Hakuoki and Birushana again. The fact that there are also alternate costumes for character for some portraits is a nice touch as well. The voice acting is fantastic. Also, it feels like a solid localization too.
Homura: The Crimson Warriors feels like an otome game for folks who loved Birushana and Hakuoki. The narrative and themes all follow similar courses. However, it does feel unique and like its own thing even with the whole supernatural enemy, warriors fighting back and rebelling, all while the sole female member of the group ends up being the sort of woman all of them could fall for. It’s a fun story for folks who like a little history and supernatural side to their love stories.
Homura: The Crimson Warriors is available for the Nintendo Switch.