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Dating sims are an extremely popular niche of games, especially in countries like Japan. There are tons of these games available for mobile phones, consoles, and computers. Just about every topic you can imagine is covered in a dating sim somewhere out there and probably a few concepts you are never going to be curious about.
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Since the release of the Nintendo Switch, though, more and more dating sims/otome games have found their way onto the main console. Even in the west, there has been a slow trickle of games, and now there are dozens of dating sims to choose from.
9 Nurse Love Syndrome
Yuri or girl's love is a bit of a rare occurrence, especially in the west. This novel focuses on the player taking the role of a young nurse who has just got a job at a new hospital. The player must form relationships with their coworkers and patients, to unlock one of the games multiple endings.
There is plenty of ecchi themes to go around, and one of the patients is a level of mystery that only a visual novel could get away with.
8 Best Friend Forever
This game has you get a dog and then proceed to use the dog to get dates. This simulator is literally based on the idea that getting a dog will bring partners knocking at your door, and it's honestly a bit comical. You even get to take care of the dog you adopt, which is a huge plus.
If you have ever wondered if a cute dog in a park will land you a hotel date, then give Best Friend Forever a try.
7 Summer Sweetheart
This is a game that uses clips and pictures of real women that you can virtually date. All you need to do is plan out your schedule and make time for the somewhat virtual woman of your dreams. Compared to 2D visual novels, this one takes a lot more getting used to.
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Some people could probably even trick their friends into thinking they have a new girlfriend.
6 My Secret Pet
Have you ever wondered what would happen if your parakeet was suddenly a hot boy? If don't worry, most pet parents haven't either, but this game sets out to answer that question.
You have four different pets in the game, and each has turned into a man who is devoted to you. Throw in your recent ex, and you get a strange mix of drama.
5 Pub Encounter
This game is exactly what it sounds like, a dating sim based around a bar. In pub encounter, you don't just fall in love at the bar, but only with older men, who have tons of stories to tell. If you ever wanted to date a guy who loves to spend his day drinking, then this may be the game for you.
Most people can appreciate older men, but the pub mixed in makes this feel a bit strange.
4 Kitty Love: Way to Look For Love
In this game, you turn into a cat and get adopted by attractive men. The catch is that your only a cat at night, and in order to break your curse, you need true love's first kiss. As a cat, you get close to the boys and learn all their secrets; as a human, you can actually date them.
This weird concept actually works surprisingly well and makes for a good narrative.
3 My Girlfriend is a Mermaid!?
Mermaids have been popular in recent years, so it's not really that surprising that some type of dating sim exists. In this game, you get to meet a plethora of mermaids who can all fall in love with you. You must learn to live with these strange half-fish creatures while falling in love.
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If you are obsessed with monsters, girls, then this one may be for you.
This is the first translated title in the Nurse Love series and brings more you storyline to the healthcare world. This one takes place in nursing school and has you learning about the girls around you.
As you navigate through the various scenarios, the girl's affections towards you will grow to unlock the different ending to the game.
2 Men of Yoshiwara
Men of Yoshiwara is another sim with a weird premise. You live on an island where men are only found in the red light district. Women pay exuberant amounts of money to spend time with them, and you happen to accidentally get involved with a brothel on a business visit.
The world is interesting, and the concepts are refreshing, but overall the game is a bit strange.
1 Later Daters
This game is hilarious and as weird as it may be, it deserves a ton of credit. Later, Daters puts you in a nursing home full of eligible partners. It's up to you to get to know each resident and learn more about their past and hobbies.
If you ever wanted to know what actually happens in a nursing home after visitation hours, then this game is for you.
NEXT: Fire Emblem Three Houses: A Guide To Every Possible Romance
Jess has been writing for clients all around the world for years. From companies in Japan to being featured on The Kim Komando Show, Jess has prided herself in expressing her love for gaming. Her favorite console is the Nintendo 64 and she revels in replaying through Paper Mario and Megaman Legends. When not fighting Reaverbots she can be found gushing over the newest JRPGs or watching seasonal anime with her furless cat Noko.
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