Variable Barricade has been popular since its announcement years ago, so we all had great expectations about it; was it worth the long waiting?

There are definitely a lot of features which make this game stand out: the beautiful art, the voiced heroine with a defined and strong personality, but most of all the original plot.

Here the story starts where usually an otoge’s route is reaching its ending: with a marriage proposal.

Hibari, a rich young lady, is basically forced by her grandfather to choose an husband, for the sake of her family; but she’s still young and very independent, so it’s difficult for her to accept this situation. Also, these boys are for sure special.

The common route is long, but I appreciated it because I got to know the characters really well and I could see Hibari gradually change her feelings: at first she avoided them all like the black plague, but then she started to understand them step by step, until she became aware of their good traits (which are hidden very deep sometimes) and she cared about them.

But it was a difficult road.

Let me talk briefly about the main characters and my experience while playing their routes.

I started with Shion, since his blond hair and soft voice made him look like some kind of prince charming to me; also, at fist glance he seemed the least creepy of the group, but nothing is normal in this game. His relationship with his “patrons” seemed weird at least, he looked like some kind of manwhore of famous artists; they actually called him “muse”, but still he kept receiving expensive presents and I felt awkward (or disgusted) every time, wondering what exactly he did to obtain those gifts. Anyway, I admit his relationship with Hibari was cute and grew up naturally, it didn’t seemed forced and they actually looked beautiful as a couple.

I think Shion could understand her frailty and weaknesses pretty well and he gave her all the sweetness and affection she never felt in her childhood.

At least, until he started acting do-s and annoying just to make her miss him; sadly, his strategy worked out perfectly, so I can’t even insult or blame him.

I wasn’t completely satisfied by the ending, but those CGs looked beautiful and I was completely blinded by his eyes… so it’s ok, I guess?

Taiga was the only character I disliked at first, probably because he looked like he didn’t care about Hibari at all; and this unnerved me a lot.

Whenever he talked all I could think was “why are you even here if you don’t like her? Go away!” because he seemed to join this competition only to get her money. I lately understood why and I admit my opinion about him changed completely as soon as I entered his route.

Some scenes were hot, other cute, but what I liked the most were their interactions: they both failed miserably at hiding their feelings and they just kept blushing embarrassingly. They were adorable to watch! I think this route was the funniest and also my favorite; I’ve never changed my mind like this, it’s the first time that the guy I like the least when I start a game ends up being my best boy!

Nayuta was basically treated by everyone like a puppy and I can’t blame them, because he acted like a cute (or desperate for affection) dog most of the time. He was obviously do-m too.

I was expecting his route to be cute but not romantic, since he’s not my type, but I admit it exceeded my expectations: he has a strong, cool side when he’s in “work mode” and I found it pretty attractive. Nice idea writers, gap moe always works.

It was perfect until the “I don’t know what is this feeling! Am I sick?!” trope kicked in and I couldn’t enjoy fully the route until the end; not to mention the Love Ending scene was kinda stupid, even if the epilogue with Hibari’s kabedon was unexpected and really funny!

Anyway, he’s a nice guy, I like him.

Ichiya acts like a host, but he’s so cheesy it’s actually awkward and funny instead of sexy.

His pick up lines caused me so much second hand embarrassment, it’s no surprise how Hibari always runs away from him immediately.

I expected this route to be funny, but I guess the main guy needs some angst to make the plot more interesting; which is not a good point for me, this is not what I was looking for in this game.

I think it’s the first time I see a man in an otoge crying so desperately, like a traumatized child (Toriumi’s acting was great!); it was a touching scene, but it’s something that would make nope out like hell in real life, I really despise weak men who run away and hide from problems.

No spoilers for the rest, but I admit his attitude made me angry, he seemed ready to give up even before trying and I’m not here to waste my time with men who belittle themselves.

The True route felt more like a true shock, I was internally screaming most of the time and I don’t even know if it was good or bad; but it was really something.

I’ve played a lot of weird stuff in my life, but sometimes crazy characters can still surprise me, that’s amazing.

Many people will be angry about it, other will think it was creepy or stupid, but I’m just glad that Otomate was able to come up with something unpredictable; I’m tired of games where the ending is obvious from the start, my motivation to play disappears soon.

This isn’t only for the True route, I admit many other characters could hide pretty well their true identity in this game.

Main guys aside, a special mention goes to Hibari’s best friend, Tsumugi.

She was a great friend, always supportive and sweet, but most of all she was an amazing side character, with a fun and original personality; I loved her so much, I swear I want her as an heroine for a game, she deserves the main role. Also, her goth lolita dress was beautiful.

Would I recommend this game?

Absolutely, YES!

It was one of the best games I’ve played this year: the weird characters, their funny interactions and a great heroine can really make the difference, it was an awesome journey and I’d recommend it to everyone!