Secrets of Me
- October 4, 2016
- Dogenzaka Lab
Get on Steam"Secrets of Me" is a visual novel game that explores the life of a young artist, Kanade, who moves to a new town and discovers a mysterious mansion. The game features a branching narrative with multiple endings, based on the player's choices and interactions with various characters. As Kanade uncovers the secrets of the mansion and its previous inhabitants, she must also confront her own fears and insecurities.
iPad
iPhone
Nintendo Switch
PC
Phone
Windows
Android
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- The game has a unique premise that stands out from typical otome games, involving humor and absurdity.
- Some characters, particularly Mizuki, are well-liked and add charm to the story.
- The writing can be amusing and entertaining, with moments that elicit genuine laughter.
- The main character is often portrayed as helpless and lacking common sense, which can be frustrating.
- Many routes involve problematic themes such as stalking and cheating, which may be off-putting to players.
- The art and music quality are inconsistent, with blurry backgrounds and repetitive soundtracks.
- story120 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 85 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing its reliance on cliches and problematic themes, such as stalking and unrealistic character reactions. While some appreciated the unique plot twists and character backstories, others found the narratives shallow and unengaging, leading to a lack of investment in the characters and their relationships. Overall, the storytelling is seen as inconsistent, with some routes being more enjoyable than others, but many players agree that it fails to deliver a compelling or meaningful experience.
“The story was quite interesting and a bit unusual; it was refreshing.”
“I liked that all the stories had a different plot; the main character would take on different jobs, and her background would change according to the story, overall not repetitive.”
“This one doesn't do that and you can see hints of really great writing and tongue-in-cheek pokes at the tropes and the ludicrous nature of the story.”
“Add in the fact that the main character is stalked or sexually assaulted and grabbed against her will, and then constantly made fun of for being innocent. It's made known that they 'want to assault her for being innocent,' and it just completely made me uninterested in the rest of the story.”
“No one in this story reacts realistically to the stalking - not the victims or the perpetrators.”
“In my opinion, one of the routes was simply terrible, with barely any direction and sense of flow in the story. Events just kept happening and being thrown around, and the progression of the relationship felt plastic and mechanical.”
- humor30 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in this otome game is characterized by its self-aware and zany premise, where players take on the role of a stalker, leading to both absurd and innocent comedic moments. Reviewers noted that the characters are endearingly funny, with many situations eliciting genuine laughter throughout the story, making it a light-hearted experience filled with amusing interactions and unexpected twists. Overall, players can expect a delightful blend of humor that keeps the tone playful rather than dramatic.
“This is definitely a more funny and somewhat light-hearted otome game; I found myself snorting at some of the situations the main character got herself into.”
“I was laughing through the entire story.”
“Beyond the romance, there are many funny moments and 'secrets' to discover.”
- music18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received largely negative feedback, with many reviewers describing it as subpar and more suitable for a mobile platform than a PC. Common criticisms include abrupt halts in the background music, an inconsistent loop, and a few irritating notes that detract from the experience. While some found it pleasant enough, overall ratings suggest it is the weakest aspect of the game, often prompting players to mute it in favor of their own music.
“The storyline, as wacky as it is, is strong, and the music doesn’t stutter as much as in others; it’s a pleasing, relaxing game.”
“The music also seemed familiar, maybe recycled from another game, though it was pleasant enough.”
“This kind of soundtrack is acceptable for a mobile game (in fact, this game is a port from a mobile game), but not on PC.”
“The worst part, by far, is the music.”
“This kind of soundtrack is acceptable for a mobile game (in fact this game is a port from a mobile game), but not on PC.”
“Inconsistent music loop.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the character designs and CG artwork, while others found the overall art style to be average or unappealing. Despite a few standout elements, many felt that the aesthetic did not significantly enhance the gaming experience.
“I really liked the art style in this game, specifically the CGs and character sprites.”
“I liked the artwork; it wasn't bad.”
“Not a fan of the art style in this game.”
“Artwork - average, nothing to really write home about.”
“Artwork - average, nothing to really write home about.”
- character development8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the character development in the game, noting that it stands out compared to others in the genre. They emphasize that strong interactions and dialogue contribute significantly to the overall experience, even without a melodramatic storyline.
“I do not need an overdramatic or melodramatic story if the interactions, character development, and dialogue are good.”
“I do not need an overdramatic or melodramatic story if the interactions, character development, and dialogue are good.”
“There was actually character development compared to some of the other ones.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a protagonist who struggles with expressing his feelings due to emotional constipation, revealing a kind and caring nature beneath his rough exterior. However, despite the well-designed characters and their personalities, players often report a lack of emotional attachment to them and their narratives.
“Even though he is rough with expressing himself (the emotional constipation thing), he is really kind and caring deep down.”
“And though the characters had great designs and personalities, I didn't feel an emotional attachment to any of them or their stories.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for its lack of direction and coherence, with some routes feeling disjointed and mechanical, leading to a frustrating experience in story progression and character relationships.
“In my opinion, one of the routes was simply terrible, with barely any direction and sense of flow in the story. Events just kept happening and being thrown around, and the progression of the relationship felt plastic and mechanical.”
