Ernestalice15 wrote:Wow, definitely going to note this one. I'm just thinking to make Otome, but I want to try breaking some formula I've found in most Otome (which is the lack of personality in main character, I found that most of them are Mary Sue, and when they are seduced a bit by the male characters they usually fall in very easily). However, the public seem not to dislike it as much as I do, because the game itself offers many good-looking male characters that throw sweet words at you that can make you giggling, also these male characters are usually not as bad as the protagonist in my opinion. In fact, I like that aspect, too.OokamiKasumi wrote:When you call something an otome (romance) game, the players have certain Expectations.
More than one character to pursue romantically.
One on One scenarios to get to know each romantic pursuit.
Each romantic interest has their own personal problem to solve.
An overall plot problem that can only be solved by partnering with one of the romantic pursuits. (Often a formal party situation.)
If you don't fulfill at least the barest form of an otome's formula, the players that downloaded your game with the expectation of playing an otome will become frustrated with the game, and some will even feel cheated.
So, I wonder if this protagonist formula is broken, will players find it strange and annoying? For example, you have a bunch of men already since the beginning, you can talk with them and raise their affection, but it has slow progress in romantic relationship. While I do like plot twist and such, many people seem to like the cliche one for this genre.
So, regarding the plot twist, complicated story and such, will people find it annoying and troublesome when it's combined to certain genre? I hope this is not OOT, by the way. If it is, then sorry, guys
That's kind of what I'm trying to do with mine, and I have a few of the same concerns.
Personally, I think that having romance and multiple choices available, with some "obvious" choices to raise affection, and some comical relief/humor as well as romantic actions true to the character's personality which helps break the Mary-Sue tradition (example: a gruff character says some sweet things to protagonist, but is at least respectful in public when the relationship is reached and he would obviously not say honey-sweet things in public like an ultimate master of sweeping the girl off her feet would.) is what you could take from otome, then begin blending other genres in. Tastefully, of course, like trooper6 said.
-That, to me, is all it takes to make any genre blend with another. Stay true to the most basic elements from the romance or the core genre, but make it blend with another. Mystery, suspense, drama, and romance could all be blended together well if you take the basest elements and really consider them/flesh them out within characters and plot.