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Sometimes one seeks out a video game in order to escape from their real-life and explore a fantasy world the likes of which they could never experience in reality. And sometimes people choose to play games that are so similar to their own lives that they allow players to live out their wildest dreams in the most realistic setting possible. The latter type of game comes to life in the form of the simulation genre of games. These games mimic a version of real-life which allows its players to live out their dizziest daydreams. One of the most popular subgenres in the simulation world is the dating simulation game (which also covers a number of themes and genres.) Below are some of the best dating sims in the market.
Updated by Ericka Blye on September 4th, 2020:Stories of love and relationships never seem to get old, as the market for Dating Sims has grown even larger. There's a dating Sim out there for just about everyone, featuring anything from "slice of life" storylines to more fantasy-oriented ones. A lot of new dating sims also strive to be wildly inclusive, not only allowing players to customize their character in whatever way they want, but also including romanceable characters of different ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more.
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15 Obey Me!
Obey Me! is a mobile dating sim that's a cross between a visual novel and a card-based RPG. After a strange dream where a mysterious voice asks you to save them, you suddenly find yourself as an exchange student at an all demon school.
There to develop a better understanding between humans and demons, you're sent to live with 7 demon brothers, who you have to form pacts with to be able to command them. The game has a lot of different paid "gacha" like events to win cards that unlock outfits and stories for the different characters.
14 Choices
Choices is a free-to-play mobile game that is made up of several unique mini-games that play like stories in which the players can live out their wildest daydreams. Stories range from coronations to New York vampires. From discovering the mysteries that haunt a small coastal town to reuniting with a long lost twin with special powers.
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Players are able to customize their characters as well as choose from a variety of romantic options in each story. It is also important to note that the majority of the stories within this game allow players to pursue romantic interests of any gender.
13 The Arcana
The Arcana is a mobile dating sim created by Nyx Hydra. Mixing the usual elements of dating sims with a mystery and the magic of Tarot cards makes The Arcana a one of a kind dating sim. You can romance six characters and journey through the story in 22 "books" that all relate to the Major Arcana in a standard Tarot deck.
Depending on which choices you make, you can earn either the Upright End or the Reverse End. All routes and endings are free to play with the option to pay for extra content, like CGs and side stories.
12 Amnesia: Memories
Amnesia: Memories is a visual novel type game (which means that it occurs in chapters and follows a strict plot that the player cannot deviate from.) In this game, each choice leads to a new parallel universe in which the heroine pursues a single male character.
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The end goal is to regain the heroine's memories through these interactions and figure out who she was and where she belonged before she lost her memories while becoming acquainted with the selected gentlemen.
11 Katawa Shouju
Katawa Shouju is a dating sim that follows the hero's recovery from a lengthy hospital stay as he transitions into a new school filled with students with a range of different abilities. While adjusting to his new life, the hero also has the ability to pursue a romantic relationship with some of his new peers.
However, it is important to note that the outcome of these interactions is very dependent on the success of the hero's attempts to woo his peers and it is very possible that the game could end with him just as single as he was at the start of the game.
10 Sunrider Academy
It is important to note that many dating sims are considered mature games and will not be suitable for all players. Check the ratings and reviews for each game before downloading and playing it in order to avoid surprises. Sunrider Academy is a game whose plot is dictated by the success (or failure) of one's romantic endeavors.
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Many players encourage others to save as frequently as possible in case one makes a serious error and needs to restart a portion of the game due to the fact that its events occur within a set time frame. Players will have to manage the day to day activities of the heroes club and life while also pursuing romantic plotlines with care and attention. A difficult balance to achieve.
9 True Love
True Love is one of the original dating simulation games. Though it was released in Japan in 1995, it did not receive a North American release until 1999. Players experience the story from the perspective of a high school boy who is finding his course work far more difficult than expected as well as trying to juggle maintaining an active social life.
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The game occurs within a set time frame and is molded by player choice. The game also has high levels of replayability as the player can simply follow a new path and receive an entirely unique experience.
8 Doki Doki Literature Club
The best dating sims are the ones that go against convention and surprise the player. Doki Doki Literature Club is a dating sim that rose in popularity due to the intense twist that occurs halfway through the game.
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Though the game appears to be a typical cutesy and rose-colored dating sim, it slowly devolves into an intense and brutal psychological horror. This twist led to a surge in popularity in streaming communities as people wanted to see their favorite creators react to each element of the game from start to grim finish.
7 Akash: Path Of The Five
Akash is a beautiful visual novel where players take on the role of Aurora. Aurora is an elemental within a village of other elementals and is the first female one within 200 years of the village's history. This puts a lot of pressure on Aurora with her upcoming coming of age ceremony, as well as the tensions between her village and a human settlement nearby.
The game is full of amazing features, including fully-voiced dialogue options from many veteran VO actors like SungWon Cho, Morgan Berry, Ray Chase, and more.
6 Monster Prom
Monster Prom is a sweet, quirky, and fun dating simulator that allows players to play as one of several monsters as they navigate the uneasy waters of high school. Players will have numerous chances to boost certain stats in order to woo different monsters (as each monster has a preferred personality for potential partners) in time for the prom (which comes at the end of the game.)
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The majority of the gameplay is centered around helping one's monster peers with their personal problems as high school is never easy for anyone.
5 Yandere Simulator
In a similar vein as Doki Doki, Yandere Simulator is a sickly sweet dating sim with a dark side. Though the plot of this game does not follow the traditional "pursue one of these five characters" structure that has come to define the genre itself.
In Yandere Simulator, players play as a young girl who has decided to bring a little truth to the old adage "If I cannot have him, then no one can" by literally eliminating anyone who attempts to pursue her object of affection. Be careful not to get caught in order to secure the Senpai by the end of the game.
4 Max Gentlemen Sexy Business
For Dating Sim fans who want humor and shenanigans with their romance, Max Gentlemen Sexy Business is the game for you. It's part Dating Sim, part Business Tycoon as all of your romantic options are also other business executives who will help you return your family business to its former glory.
Based in a Victorian-era London, you can customize not only your "Gentsona", but you can also unlock outfits and items to customize your executives. The game also allows you to control what content you want to see with a spoiler tag system and character-specific settings.
3 Dream Daddy
Dream Daddy is one of the most well-known dating sims on the market due to its viral fame at the time of its release. Players will have the ability to create their own dad/character and explore a quaint little town as they get the chance to try their luck with several local fathers while also helping their daughter during her transition from teenager to young adult.
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Complete with several nostalgic mini-games, this quirky and lovable adventure is a must-play for all who have a soft spot for romance.
2 Arcade Spirits
Arcade Spirits let you traverse the adventures of love, friendship, and more, all in a retro-style arcade setting. You play as the new employee at a popular local arcade, Funplex, that's home to gamers, programmers, cosplayers, and other eccentric personalities. Your character is fully customizable and every choice you make not only affects the development of your relationships, but it also affects the fate of Funplex.
Currently (along with Akash: Path of the Five), Arcade Spirits was a part of an amazing bundle collection where all the proceeds went to The Okra Project, a charity dedicated to helping Black Trans lives.
1 Hatoful Boyfriend
What started as an April Fool's joke became one of the most popular dating sims of 2011. One of the best things about this dating sim is that its many plots and options provide the player with the ability to replay the game numerous times; taking a new path each time.
The other thing that makes this game so special is the fact that its cast is comprised entirely of sentient birds. Though the birds are not explained in the original game, it is important to note that it is later explained in the game Bad Boys Love that Hatoful Boyfriend occurs in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity was wiped out, and birds with human intelligence took over as the dominant species.
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Zooey Norman is a writer, mother, and film enthusiast. This tender-hearted optimist spends her days rereading the same books she has had since childhood, loves nothing more than a good behind the scenes featurette, and never manages to finish her tea before it gets cold. Zooey's first book, "Lavender Reverie" is now available to purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
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