Review: Otome 9 RIP Plays With Urban Legends, Insanity 

Otomate isn’t shy about making otome games that are outside the range of normal expectations, with some some being dark like Virche Evermore or silly like Cupid Parasite. What we can count on is the developer going all-in on a theme. 9 RIP, the latest Switch otome that involves dating characters inspired by urban legends, ghosts, and supernatural entities, fully commits to the bit. In so doing, it also tells multiple stories of otherworldly encounters that feel like their own (romantic) urban legends.

Part of what makes 9 RIP such a unique otome game is its execution. While all three of the storylines begin on a common route, they diverge based on a choice made early on. So at the outset, we’re presented with a young woman about to graduate high school, but preparing to declare what she’d like to do next and if she’ll attend the college her mother desperately wants her to attend. Making one of three decisions while considering how to handle the problem causes the story to branch off into three main tales. Each one has at least two potential love interests tied to otherworldly elements. (If you’ve cleared other routes, this goes up to three on one path.) It’s really fascinating, as we get to see how her destiny splits and multiple encounters and results based on her decision.

It also means that the ensuing romantic storylines on each path get to more heavily feature the selected characters tied to it. They’re better integrated to the story, which means both their love stories and the overall arc feels stronger. This doesn’t mean you won’t encounter some of these other leads in the arcs that don’t feature them as a candidate to chase. As an example, when you first meeting Koyo in that storyline branch, you’ll also encounter Kureha and Yui. However, Kureha and Yui are supporting cast members there, and play larger parts in another branch. It means everything ties together in a more tidy manner, which I appreciated and felt enhanced the overall experience. 

As does the insanity system. While there are the typical choices that can increase affection with particular love interests, there are others that affect the heroine’s mental state. In each of the routes, our avatar ends up in varying predicaments. The sanity gauge comes into play based on the sorts of reactions we can select for certain situations and predicaments. These can, in turn, affect our fate. It’s an interesting element, especially since it does tie in with the horror and supernatural themes at play. After all, the character does end up in some dire predicaments, and some of the love interests are intimidating or unsettling individuals. 

Speaking of which, I genuinely love the range of love interests available in 9 RIP, as it really feels more varied than most otome games. There are so many romance options, and they really fit the theme of the game well. In fact, I think the selection means it’d be even easier for a player to find at least one that appeals to them. They’re all pretty well written, with distinct personalities that come through and are appealing for various reasons. Also, while there are occasionally “scary” moments, there’s a good sense of balance between drama, comedy, romance, and supernatural segments. The only suggestion I have is that since the characters are tied to different storylines, it’s valuable to make a few saves on one of the save file pages so you can jump back to get on the route where you can pursue your favorites. 

What’s also great about 9 RIP is how well this otome game nails the general aesthetic and ambiance. Otomate understood the assignment. The UI, color schemes, and details all perfectly capture the mood. The CGs range from typical ones you’d see with love interests, in addition to some in which you can see the nature of these otherworldly companions and perhaps even darker tendencies. It is good at establishing and maintaining a mood, which really suits the theme well. 

The only thing that really got to me is a stylistic choice regarding perspectives. In other Otomate otome games, there would occasionally be options to see parts of the stories from other characters’ perspectives. So maybe we’d see what the love interest was thinking. In 9 RIP, you don’t get that choice. As part of the normal progression down a path, it will suddenly cut from the heroine’s viewpoint to that of one of the guys we can pursue in that route or an NPC. Occasionally, it is interesting or helpful. However, sometimes it really took me out of the moment — especially if it didn’t add anything valuable to the moment and was just the guy thinking how he’s instantly drawn to her or wants to be with her — and I’d have preferred if that was optional.

9 RIP is another one of those Otomate otome games that experiments with what we expect from these sorts of dating sims, and it’s a great success as a result. The chance the developer took on storytelling means the love interests get more moments with the heroine and also feel like stars of their storylines. It involving urban legends and some horror staples mean we get some unexpected and fun romance options. Plus, the aesthetic is great. There are a few elements that might not be as appreciated people, but I feel like that comes down to personal tastes rather than actual failings on the part of the developer or game itself. 

9 RIP will come to the Nintendo Switch on October 15, 2024.