Kitty Blabs: A 2020 Recap – What a Year!

Published on by Chlo

Hello, my lovely kittens! We’ve finally reached the last day of 2020! I hope everyone’s hanging in there. It’s certainly been a wild year for all of us, I’m sure.

I promise myself I’d do an end-of the-year post for 2020, to make up for my laziness and lack of blogging enthusiasm last year. I’m pretty certain it’s just not me, but this year has been ridiculously stressful that I couldn’t even imagine where to begin!

First off, this year, I’ve played a total of ten otome games, five of which I finished, three stalled and, two I’ve actually dropped:

  • My Secret Pets (Dropped)
  • Princess Closet (Stalled)
  • Collar x Malice (Replayed)
  • Collar x Malice Unlimited (Finished and Reviewed)
  • Spiral Memoria (Finished and Reviewed)
  • Sifting Thyme (Stalled)
  • Taisho x Alice Episode 2 (Stalled)
  • Nicole (Dropped)
  • Piofiore: Fated Memories (Finished and Reviewed)
  • Cafe Enchante (Finished and Reviewed)

Other (non-otome) games that kept me pre-occupied this year were:

  • Animal Crossing New Horizons
  • Rune Factory 4 (Stalled)
  • Sushi Striker: The Way of the Sushido (Finished)
  • Final Fantasy 7 Remake (Finished)
  • Death Come True (Finished and Reviewed)
  • Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
  • Among Us

Dropped games are mostly games I probably won’t touch again until after a couple of years of brain bleaching to help me forget the horrid gameplay I’ve experienced. While games that I’ve stalled are mostly games I initially liked but can’t seem to finish for some reason.

HIGHLIGHTS of THIS YEAR

✔️ There were 19 Otome Games that were released for the Switch console this year. Six of which are your typical mobile ports (mostly Voltage games), six PC Steam ports (Mostly Dogenzaka games that are also available on mobile devices), three PSVita ports and four new titles that are Switch exclusive.

Mobile Ports:

  1. Princess Closet
  2. Our Two Bedroom Story
  3. My Bewitching Perfume
  4. Love Letter from Thief X
  5. My Forged Wedding
  6. Diamond Girl

PC Ports:

  1. My Secret Pets (Steam/Mobile)
  2. My Butler (Steam/Mobile)
  3. Dangerous Relationship (Steam/Mobile)
  4. Nicole (Steam/Itch.io)
  5. Office Lovers (Steam/Mobile)
  6. Secrets of Me (Steam/Mobile)

PS Vita Ports:

  1. Code Realize: Guardian of Rebirth
  2. Code Realize: Future Blessings
  3. Collar x Malice

Nintendo Switch Exclusive:

  1. Spiral Memoria
  2. Collar x Malice Unlimited
  3. Piofiore: Fated Memories
  4. Cafe Enchante

Technically, the only new console titles that came out this year that aren’t ports from other platforms were the four switch exclusive games above.

✔️ Six new console otome games were announced for next year! The titles below are slated to release for 2021.

  1. Code Realize: Wintertide Miracles (February 2021)
  2. Steam Prison (February 25, 2021)
  3. Variable Barricade (TBA 2021)
  4. Dairoku Ayakashinomori (TBA 2021)
  5. Olympia Soirée (TBA 2021)
  6. Bustafellows (TBA 2021)

✔️ PQube decides to localize an Otome Title. It’s great to see other localization companies announcing Otome titles, as we (sadly speaking) don’t get to see this happen often. It goes to show that the Otome genre definitely sells and has a wide market in the west.

✔️ I’m also glad to see Japanese companies like EXtend put faith in the western otome market. Bustafellows was localized because EXtend, the developers allowed it. Again, we definitely don’t get to see this happen a lot! Now, if only Koei Tecmo will do the same for their Ruby Party games and maybe Takuyo, Broccoli, and the infamous Rejet too? (laughs) I know this sounds pretty reaching… (for now anyway).😉

✔️ I replayed Collar x Malice and it still blew my socks off, second time around. I thought my rating for it would’ve changed, but nope, this game remains my ultimate favorite. If you have been following this blog, you probably knew by now that I’m such a sucker for edgier, plot-driven visual novels. Like, the more gasps and yelps I get, the better the gaming experience for me.😆 It’s not that I don’t favor fluffy games because I like them (a lot) too. It’s merely just a personal preference, and for sure, Collar x Malice ticked every aspect I yearned for in an otome game. From the plot, resolution, the LI’s, and the tropes used. It was and STILL is a stellar experience. If you think we have the same taste in games and haven’t picked up this one yet, please, by all means, give it a shot.🥰

☕ Cafe Enchante is the ultimate Hako-oshi game! It was no joke that “Hako-oshi” topped third in CE’s popularity poll in Japan. Also, this game definitely sells the ‘found family’ trope so well that I absolutely adored every camaraderie scene between the heroine, the LI’s and the side characters.

🐼 (Piofiore) Yang was a hot-sell. That’s it. That’s the highlight!😘

✔️ My Otome Localization Survey is live. I’ve actually put this up a month back. Take note that you can only vote up to three choices in each category. If you haven’t voted yet, head your way to this page. It’ll only take a few seconds of your time. The survey results will be forwarded to loc companies that are currently localizing otoges as well as the ones that are interested in investing in the genre itself. Keep in mind, this survey is mainly for crowdsourcing purposes and the results will not determine if a certain title is getting localized or not.

✔️ Not really sure if this is a highlight or anything, but I’ve finally put up my very own rating guide explaining how I rate the otome games I play. This guide is a bit nuanced and informal (laughs) and should be taken with a grain of salt.

✔️ Blog Achievement Unlocked! Otome Kitten reached 1.9 Million views this year! 🥳

Whether you’re here for the walkthroughs, for the reviews, or just for the sake of fangirling with yo’girl, thank you so much for visiting this site. To my readers, and subscribers, your continued support means the world to me. You are ALL awesome!

TW: This next post can get too personal (and maybe ugly) so please tread carefully. You can skip this section if you like.

I’m always afraid to post or say anything personal online as I worry that I’m oversharing too much. Nevertheless, I felt compelled to address my weird silence (in social media) for a little while. 

I lost my father last October (2020), and since his passing, I’ve been dealing with grief as I watch depression suck the energy out of me these past couple of months. My father has been my life’s biggest support system. Losing him really broke me. As if something inside me was abruptly taken and ripped apart. I’d be lying if I say it was easy keeping my mental state in check, but I am trying my best everyday.

Besides, video games, part of my healing therapy is exercising, binge-watching relaxing tv shows (my favs: Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home & Rilakkuma and Kaoru), and rewatching my favorite feel-good K-movies of all time (‘I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK’, and ‘200 Pound Beauty’). I’ve also been staying away from social media so I can avoid reading any type of negative discourse. Taking a break from the internet really helps. 🙂

Other *minor* misfortunes I’ve dealt with this year, includes my company making me work alone during the hurricanes with zero incentives, and just a couple of days ago, my car was vandalized and keyed outside my house that I had to file for a police report.😪 Sometimes I feel like a cartoon character with a dark rainy cloud following me around. It’s ridiculous, and I admit I laugh about these things sometimes because at the end of the day, life typically goes on and sh*t happens every now and then. We just gotta roll with the punches.

Counting my blessings

My apologies if this portion got quite depressing. I wanted to end this segment in a positive light and say I am still thankful for a lot of things. Like the roof in my head, and that I’m still able to eat my daily meals. Not to mention, the luxury of enjoying video games during these trying times. In good faith, I do hope everyone’s situation (and not just mine) would get better next year. For the moment, I will continue to count my blessings.🙂

“There’s ALWAYS something to be thankful for. It’s just a matter of seeing it from a different perspective”.

I was hoping to squeeze in one last review before the year ends but due to my recent VN burnout I’ve been struggling to finish a couple of games in my library.

Nicole is a game I’ve dropped countless times but desperately wanted to finish (for the sake of reviewing it). I’ve been thinking of just reviewing it regardless, but I feel like that’d be unfair for the game? In any case, whether I need to force my way through it (laughs), a review should be out soon, early 2021.

Taisho x Alice Episode 2 was one of the games I’ve been anticipating to play all year, though, for some reason, I just couldn’t get into it. Hence, I’ve stalled the game. I still plan on writing walkthroughs for it soon but that’ll have to wait til’ early January next year.

I have two other otome-related (ish)😅 projects I plan to do next year but it’s too early to say anything now since nothing has been finalized yet.lol

There will be more reviews and walkthroughs coming your way for 2021. I, myself am excited for the new games slated to release next year. Bustafellows, is my most anticipated game for next year, followed by Dairoku Ayakashinomori.🖤 

SPECIAL THANKS

This year I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who’s supported this website. Special shout-out to everyone who bought me catnips this year! ❤ No words can express my appreciation, thank you all so much!

To all my old and new subscribers, commenters, visitors and readers, you are all amazing! Thanks for sticking around this year and I hope to see you again next year for more otome kiki-ings! Love you guys! Please accept this short video as a token of my appreciation!

Enjoy the New Year Festivities and Stay Safe!

28 thoughts on “Kitty Blabs: A 2020 Recap – What a Year!”

  1. This is great! I love your video and your voice sounds very kind and soothing. Thanks for all the beautiful informative otome posts and reviews this year. I am looking forward to more next year.

    My condolences also and my heart aches for you. I pray you’ll find solace and comfort in your road to healing and recovery. Just remember you are loved one way or another! May you have a fulfilling 2021! Cheers! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for this comment Moana. That’s very sweet of you to say that! There’s definitely more otome content coming next year so I hope you’ll stick around! Thanks for dropping by! Stay safe and Happy New Year!

      Like

  2. Just wanted to say that I really appreciate your blog! I got really into otomes this year and your reviews and walkthroughs have been a godsend for navigating the genre. I pretty much always have a tab or two on my phone open to your blog for whatever game I’m playing 🙂

    I’m really sorry to hear about your father. I can’t imagine the grief you’ve been through this year. I am glad to hear you’re hanging in there though. Here’s hoping 2021 is much better!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Jenna! Thank you for this comment and for dropping by. I appreciate your condolences and your warm new year wishes! I’m always happy to help a fellow otome fan so thanks for sticking around! May you have a lovely New Year! Cheers! ❤

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  3. I’m so sorry for your loss, Chlo. I’ve been through that loss, but my father was in Argentina and I could not be at his side. He wasn’t my every day, I had not seen him for four years, so I think it was considerably easier to deal with than it is for you, and I’m sure it’s still deeply fresh. October is like yesterday. I’m really sorry.

    I wonder if we live anywhere near to each other, since hurricanes are a fact of life for me too. Then again probably not, because we didn’t have any serious problems this year. However my husband’s company takes any “hurricane days” off his sick leave! Even if there is no physical way to get there. Companies can be so uncaring.

    I loved this post, and the little video too. I’m sorry I haven’t replied to your reply to my email yet –I wanted to give it the proper time and the holidays really threw me for a loop, but I was so happy that you replied at all, and such a nice reply, because I assume your life must be pretty hectic. So, for what it’s worth just as those emails make your day, your reply made mine.

    Your blog helped me thoroughly enjoy my first Code: Realize game, and plunged me deep into the world of otomes, a genre I hadn’t really experienced. I ended up putting Code:Realize ~Future Blessings~, CollarXMalice, Piofore, and Cafe Enchante on my wish list for Christmas and was very lucky to receive them all. I also preordered the next Code: Realize game. Your reviews all had a direct and profound effect in me wanting those games, so I guess you’re having a real positive effect on the otome market. Hopefully that leads to more games in the US! ^_^

    I hope you have a wonderful new year!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for the warm wishes and for the condolences, Marina. I really appreciate this so much. <333
      That's true, companies are pretty much notorious for that and for taking advantage of their employees. Such a harsh reality we live in, sadly.

      Ah, you don't have to worry about replying back right away! It's all good, honestly, receiving your lovely thank you email is more than enough to brighten my day! ^^ …and I'm glad you were able to get the games I've recommended. If you've enjoyed Code Realize, you'll for sure love Cafe Enchante as it was written by the same team as CR. I'm excited for you to play all these games. You're definitely in for the time of your life!

      Thanks again for dropping by and for this comment! I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the new year! Stay safe and Cheers!

      Like

  4. Hey congrats on the 1 million views, quite an achievement indeed! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
    Keep up the great work and here’s to a kinder 2021. (Also don’t worry about taking breaks for yourself! It’s important to keep a healthy mind especially in these times.)
    🥳 Anyway happy new year.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and the great content and reviews! I really hope 2021 turns around for you, and I am so sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself, eat well and drink lots of water! Hang in there! 🖤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi May! Thank you for this comment and i appreciate your well wishes! 💕 That’s very sweet of you!

      I hope your new year is lovely so far! Stay safe and cheers!

      Like

  6. I love Julia Child and her cooking show with Jacques is indeed very relaxing! I haven’t watched the Cyborg film you mentioned but now I will have to check it out since RAIN is in it! LOL

    I hope you are taking care of yourself. Dealing with grief is the worst feeling! I am very sorry. 😢 Please take as much break as you want!❤️ Thank you for the reviews you’ve done this year. This site has always been my go-to when it comes to deciding what games I needed to play next! I am so excited to read your thoughts on Bustafellows! Happy New Year Kitty Chlo! By the way if you decide to put out more vtuber videos like this I’ll definitely watch! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey Jesse! Thanks for dropping by!
      Right? Julia and Jacques home cooking is absolutely therapeutic I could watch it all day! ohh a fellow RAIN fan, ngl I have the biggest crush on him back in highschool (and I still do)😂 That movie is wonderful I hope you like it!

      Also thanks for sticking around and for the concern I rly appreciate it! Haha if time permits it I might do more virtual videos in the future! Happy new year and stay safe out there!

      Like

  8. I’m really sorry for your loss.. I hope 2021 will be a way more beautiful year for you. I wish to you joy, happiness, and lots of fun and otome. 🙂
    And as always, thank you so much for all your work! ♥

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I’m very sorry about your loss, dealing with the depression of Grief can be incredibly draining and I’m sure all the other negative things you mentioned didn’t help. 😦 I am wishing that you have a better 2021 filled with more happiness and better times as we go onto the New Year! ❤️ Thank you for everything you do for all of us readers, I know that besides myself there must be tons of other people that are all thankful for all the hard work you put into this blog and in keeping us all updated on the latest news. Congrats on 1 mil views by the way you deserve it! Life can be really stressful and draining, but I’m really glad you’re choosing to hang in there and stay strong. ଘ(੭ˊ꒳ˋ)੭✧
    Happy New Year and take care ~ ٩(๑•◡•๑)۶

    Like

    1. Hi Victoria, Thank you so much for this comment and for the well-wishes! I appreciate this very much! ❤ Also, thanks for the love and support! I don't think I'd be able to reach this milestone without yall's support! So thanks again! ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

      Hope your new year is lovely so far! Stay safe and Cheers! ^_^

      Liked by 1 person

  10. I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. Having a lost someone you were close with in addition to everything that was happening last year… I can’t even imagine the pain you went through. I’m happy to hear that things are going better, and hopefully this year will present great things to you. Congrats on hitting 1 million views! Your blog is great and deserves even more views!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Kie, Thanks for this comment! I appreciate your condolences and your warm new year wishes! <333 ^_^

      I hope your new year is lovely so far! Take care and stay safe! 😊

      Like

  11. Sorry for your loss. Your reviews have sold me on a number of visual novels – in fact I just picked up Piofiore and Nightshade. Just started Piofiore – it is very impressive. Thanks alot for your hard work.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. HI Joey! Thanks for this comment and for your condolences. I appreciate it! ^_^ I’m so glad you picked up those games! They’re great! I hope you’re still enjoying them as we speak! Take care and stay safe!

      Like

  12. I hope 2021 is a brighter year for you and I’m sorry for your loss. And congratulations on 1 million views! I reference your blog a lot when playing otome and hear about games from your recommendations so thank you so much for your blog! Hopefully more companies start taking advantage (not in a bad way) of big and growing otome audience in the west! I mean, it says something when companies who have never released in the west before agree to english releases <3. Hopefully there are more to follow. Kind of related side note: I just noticed Idea Factory released two of their games; Amnesia:Memories and Megadimension Neptunia VIIR on GOG, a DRM-less platform. That brings the copies I own of the game to 7. 😭 Hopefully this is good news for otome releases in the west too!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Nina, Thank you for the condolences and for the new year well-wishes! I appreciate it!^_^ I’m happy to hear you found this site helpful when it comes to otome game references. tysm!

      You’re right! It def means something when other game publishers invest in otome games, I hope other companies would follow suit and soon! *crossing fingers*

      Like

  13. I’m sorry for your loss, and I hope 2021 is a better year for you. Thanks so much for everything you do! I love reading your reviews and walkthroughs. At least with 2021, we know some good otome games will be coming out this year, so we have something fun to look forward to. Thanks again!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Aka, thank you for this comment and for the well-wishes! ❤
      You're right! This year's otome line-up is pretty solid! Honestly, I'm so excited to play them all like you! Hope your new year is lovely so far! Take care! ^_^

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Congratulations Kitty-Chlo for the 1 million views! I sincerely enjoy coming to your website, reading all of the content you post!

    My condolences for your loss. I cannot how difficult it has been for you, so let yourself be sad when you want to be sad. It’s okay to take your time grieving, and do not rush or force yourself. There are so many good and bad things that happen to us during our lifetimes, but the people we meet and care about gives us the strength to move forward. I know that personally, so my heart goes out to you Chlo. I will be praying for you and your family. Many blessings to you, and I hope this New Year brings you all the love, joy, and happiness you deserve.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Mikki,
      Thank you for this comment and for your kind words. I really appreciate your condolences and your well wishes! Here’s hoping this year will get better for all! 🤞🏻Take care always and stay safe! ❤️

      Like

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