I recently bought the (stupidly expensive) limited edition of the otome game, Seishun Hajimemashita. I rarely go for limited editions, but this was clearly the only way to go for this game. So it better not suck! Either way, I’ll get to listen to Yoshino Hiroyuki use his punk-ish voice, so I can’t go wrong.
Here’s the box and the bonus drama CD and clear file I received from comicomi. I ordered from comicomi specifically for the bonus CD because it features Yoshino’s character, Heita. I have a thing for his non-genki boy voice. It’s an intense sickness admiration. The box illustration is adorable–very vibrant and energetic.
When you open the box, you can see the main game case (it’s a 2 UMD game!) and the mini album that features the OP and ED songs.
Below is the original soundtrack and bonus disc. The bonus disc is why I bought the limited edition. At first, I was wary of this marketing choice. It made me think of the controversial/annoying practice of some video games where Day 1 DLC content is already finished and loaded onto the game disc when it ships, but requires separate purchase to unlock. However, this seems to have a decent amount of bonus material to justify the extra cost. The main thing for me is the expanded story scenarios. There’s epilogue scenes for the main characters and special scenarios that follow sub characters. There’s also free talk recordings from the seiyuu, copies of the voice countdowns from the web, and the OP/ED movies.
At the bottom, you’ll find the booklet that contains art and setting design. It’s a full color, high quality booklet. The best part is obviously Kazuaki’s designs. I love her coloring. I hope when the eventual artbook of this game is produced that it doesn’t have the shitty layout/design that plagued the Starry Sky artbooks. I want to add it to my collection.
I’ve been eyeballing the game all week, trying to decide if I have time to start a playthrough or if I should wait another 1-2 weeks until work calms down. It’s hard to resist the siren song of Yoshino.
While I’m posting an otome game goodie entry–a while back I ordered some things from the Skit Dolce store, including some Black Wolves Saga posters. These were random picks, so I didn’t know if I’d get the posters I really wanted or not. I did! In particular, I wanted the art used for the splash pages on the official websites. I need to decide how I want to frame and hang these around my bookcases at some point.
the manga habit 
Ohh, this set looks so… full of contents xD I bet this cost over 10,000 yen, didn’t it? The set itself looks really impressive – tons of nice additions IF you like the game. But how do you like it so far?
I’ve got to confess I’m not that much of Kazuaki’s artstyle fan. I used to like her works but I guess I just can’t like it? If that makes any sense. I hope the game’s more interesting than Starry Sky. Are you playing as a girl or as a boy?
Oh, I also wanted to ask you since long ago, did you play Shinigami to Shoujo in the end? Did you like it?
It was right about 10000 yen. I think all limited editions are designed that way–it assumes you’ll like the game and contents because it requires you to pay more money up front. Not many extras are enjoyable if you hate the game. I’ve only been able to play 30 min or so. It seems fine so far–I like how the main characters have voices, personalities, and have their own relationship and relationships with sub characters that aren’t romantic (although I wish this wasn’t honeybee so I could get an incestous route with the older, dark-skinned, and incredibly ripped uncle mmmmm). I’m starting as the girl as I’m most interested in Yoshino’s route first.
You used to like her art but don’t care for it now? I’m not sure if that’s what you’re trying to say. It doesn’t really make sense if you “can’t like it” (like something is stopping you from liking it) versus just plain not liking it, ha.
I didn’t have enough time to get far into Shinigami to Shoujo, so I’ve postponed it until I get another long break. It seems like one of those games you need to pay attention to in order to appreciate it. Seishun looks like I can play in small chunks and works for my current schedule.
ravingbotanist here. Changed my username.
Those posters are so beautiful! I’m glad you got the ones you wanted. They look so gorgeous from the pictures alone so I can imagine they look way better in person.
And that limited edition looks well spent. The thing I love about Japanese games is that the presentation always look so well done. I’ve already said similar about manga covers but it’s really noticeable from what I’m used to seeing in the States. I feel like I need to do some research on their marketing techniques as I can never get that same feel when looking at western designs. I hope the actual game is equally good to help justify the price even more.
Hey! The posters are very vivid. My camera did them no justice. I’m now waffling between trying to frame them myself (time+effort) or pay to have them framed ($$$ and maybe awkwardness? lol).
I always appreciate nice limited edition packaging. Lately, their marketing is working its magic on me. I bought this one, ended up buying Ken ga Kimi LE (postcards I can display!), and also Akaya Akashiya Ayakashino LE (I just love AkaAka). For Seishun, the game is cute so far. I’ve only been able to play several hours so far, so I’m still stuck in a “common route” and kinda wish it would wrap up, ha. I want to start my PG-rated seduction of Heita now!
I’d just go with the first option to avoid awkwardness but that’s just me lol. Plus I would get so worried how they would be cared for in others’ hands but I can be quite clumsy myself. I hope whatever decision you go with works out the best!
I love the art for Ken ga Kimi so I imagine those postcards look just as lovely! And I can really feel your love for Akaya Akashiya Ayakashino. The game looks so fun. When I search for it your blog is always near the top results. I hope those who read your posts will set out to play it. I haven’t had the time to figure out how to use AGTH and similar, but when I do I hope to play get my own copy too. I’m glad the game is proving to be fun so far.
All these talks about games makes me want to play them too. I actually do have the psp game Wand of Fortune that I bought like 2-3 years ago but I didn’t really play it because of the language barrier. I’ll try again now that I’m on winter break and have the time to dedicate to it. A PC game would have probably been more helpful but I’ll use what I can.
Ha, it will be a battle between awkward shame and obsession. I’m not sure I trust myself with something so delicate, so we’ll see what wins in the end.
AkaAka is great, so if you find the time, definitely give it a try! On PC, it works readily with AGTH, so if you go that route, a very basic tutorial on the program will have you all set. There’s just no voices on the PC version of course. I’d like to think a few people have given the game a try after seeing the page!
I’ve heard good things about Wand of Fortune. Good luck on trying out some games! There’s lots of good choices.