Besides NIS, Idea Factory also returned to this year’s New Game Plus Expo with a few games to show off. One of those games Idea Factory annouced that they were bringing over is the otome game Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei.
Here is a brief description of what the game is about, provide by Idea Factory:
Fifteen years after the Heiji Rebellion, the Heike clan has reached the height of its power, while the Genji clan remains devastated by defeat. Hidden deep within the mountains of Kurama lives Shanao, the youngest surviving male heir to the Genji name. However, Shanao harbors a deep secret known by very few.
The youngest heir to the Genji name is no man.
Torn between her duty to live up to the Genji family name and her desire to live a peaceful life, Shanao sets off in hopes to take down the Heike stronghold and finally bring peace in the country. Her adventure leads her to find new cherished relationships, as well as something deeper than the feud between the rivaling clans.
Key Features
- The Object of My Affection – Shanao will encounter five potential routes, each with an Affection Level – a meter that shows how much you have progressed with the character based on the choices made. Once you’ve decided on your route, maintain your Affection Level to get up close and personal with someone…
- Testing My Abilities – There are three Character Abilities Shanao possesses: Strength, Knowledge, and Kindness. As you progress, you are given choices that will affect her Character Abilities. Try to find an equal balance for all 3 abilities. Too high or low of any ability can trigger a bad outcome!
- Apple of My Ai – The Ai-Catch system allow players to gauge how their choices affect a character’s Affection Level and Shanao’s Character Abilities in real time! A seedling will indicate a poor Affection Level, while a blooming flower shows a promising Affection Level. The outer frame of the screen will also change into three colors: Red, Blue, and Green. Respectively, each color is associated with Shanao’s Character Ability: Strength, Knowledge, and Kindness. Keeping a close tab on your decision can help Shanao reach her true ending!
- Take Another Stab – After completing a chapter, players can revisit it and manipulate the Affection Levels and Character Abilities—the two main measures that determines the progress of a route. If you feel Shanao is headed down the wrong path, replay the chapter and get back on track!
While otome and visual novels in general are not my cup of tea, I’m really glad that they continue to be localized and released outside of Japan. Get ready for it to be a bishi boy summer when Idea Factory releases Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei on the Nintendo Switch in Summer 2022.
