~Otome Escape~

"I want apples." ~Aoi Shirafuji

ratings

story: 4.9/5

character development: 4.9/5

artwork: 4.7/5

technical: 4.8/5

total: 19.3/20 (97%)

commentary

story - I found his story to be emotionally striking. Aoi has endured a rough past life and has lived for only one purpose, which has caused him pain. Also, I absolutely loved that his story revolved around a central thing, which is only two words: "our secret." Those two words eventually was the partial cause of the climax as well; Voltage did a good job on that. At first, he uses those two words for the MC, and then later uses them against her using sarcasm, and then back to being for her again at the end/resolution. It had a clear Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action and Resolution to create a well-written story. I just didn't like the sudden change of Aoi from being kind to a somewhat sadistic person keeping the MC in restraint.

character development - He had a rough past, and I can say that his past is what shaped him to be what he is today. Because of his past, he is an Ichijo butler. Because of his past, he wants more attention. However, even now, I kind of still don't know why he acted sadistic and loves-to-tease MC kind of person... I thought it was very abrupt and weird, but oh well. I haven't bought his "In His Eyes" story so that may clear things up, but still... it would have been better to make things more clear in the main story.

artwork - Eh, not nearly as good as Yuma's and Huedhaut. They were good, but if I were paying $3.99 just for his CG's, it's not really worth it.

technical - I have absolutely no major complaints to make. However, me being the grammar cop means me spotting grammar errors. You might not be able to spot it if you're just enjoying the story though since: a) they don't appear that often and b) they slip right out of your eyes because they're so minor.

conclusion

Well, to be honest, I would recommend Aoi more than I would with Yuma. Aoi's story has more climatic events going on and it resolves better. I love what Aoi said in the (somewhat) end of his Seductive Ending: "From now on, everything we do... will be our secret" (Seductive Ending).

If you're getting Aoi's main story, I'd also suggest getting the In His Eyes story to clear up any confusion you may have about Aoi and so you know why he's acting the way he is and stuff of the sort. The pricing is 3.99+1.99=$5.98USD (excluding tax).

ratings

Story: 4.7/5

Character Development: 4.8/5

Artwork: 4.8/5

Technical: 4.9/5

Total: 19.2/20 (96%)

commentary

Story - Yuma's story kept me indeed entertained until both the Soothing and Seductive Ending. It involved changing each other in ways more than one. While the MC changed Yuma probably just by being herself, Yuma changed her by asking her of questions that required more observations in her surroundings, causing her to let meaning of things soak in. I'll also admit that I went a little mad at the beginning of his route when he brutally teased the MC. However, in the end, I don't regret buying his story, because his teasing came to be more cute than insulting; the cuteness is especially seen in the Soothing Ending.

Character Development - Although he's charismatic and quote-on-quote "two-faced", he is honestly such a cute guy to be with. People who have only gotten a taste of his first three chapters have only seen the mean side. His cute side will show up later, and when it did show up for me, my love for Yuma skyrocketed to the heavens.

Artwork - Like Huedhaut's CG's, I found Yuma CG sentimental... but not as sentimental as Hue. I've also noticed that Voltage created a center point in their artwork for this game by adding these little sparkles around it, so I thought that was very unique and a good idea. Kudos for them :3 Like Star-Crossed Myth, the MC has no eyes but it's something to get used to.

Technical - I spotted a few grammar stuff, but that was honestly it.