Variable Barricade2019

Variable Barricade

2019 Idea Factory78Good

Playtime

LongTypically 40 hours

Playable on

Available on

Game modes

Details

Launch
April 4, 2019
Developer
Otomate
Publisher
Idea Factory

Overview

PS Vita 「VARIABLE BARRICADE」オープニングムービー

A member of a prestigious family and heir to a fortune, Hibari learns that her eccentric grandfather is determined to find her a husband. He arranges to house her in a luxurious villa along with four handsome, hand-picked bachelors and her private butler. As her suitors try to win her hand by any means necessary, Hibari endures endless everyday trials and temptations. Has her grandpa chosen poorly, or could there be more to these fellows than first meets the eye? Through all of this, Hibari has two important goals: frighten off each of these marriage candidates, and absolutely refuse to fall in love.

Screenshots

Screenshot for Variable Barricade
Screenshot for Variable Barricade
Screenshot for Variable Barricade
Screenshot for Variable Barricade
Screenshot for Variable Barricade
Screenshot for Variable Barricade
Screenshot for Variable Barricade

Reception

Through its hilarity and romance, you can absolutely trust Variable Barricade to bring a smile to your face.

To conclude, Variable Barricade was a nice twist to a usually predictable Otome game. It chose to pace out the story in a way that gave you more control. Your potential husbands are tasteful and quirky, making each moment you spend with them a nice surprise. The music does have some questionable tracks, but still gets the job done. Overall, this visual...

Maybe it's the fact that I've now reviewed eleven games from the same developer in the last two years, but I'd really like to see them take some more risks with the endings in these romance games. Variable Barricade seemed like it would be the time, but the ending did leave me feeling a bit baited. But I accept that I'm part of a very small minority...

Variable Barricade is at its best when it leans into its inner romcom. Driven by a great protagonist and enjoyably quirky love interests, it has no shortage of sweet and funny moments. Unfortunately, the fun parts come with a generous side of tedious and manufactured melodrama. Overall though I still enjoyed Variable Barricade.

Variable Barricade is a delightful rom-com of a dating sim, with charming characters and a ton of endings to discover.