Dot Kareshi -We’re 8bit Lovers!- Information

Things are dead around here lately because instead of reading manga, I’m working through my atrocious backlog of otome and BL games. I don’t have the time or attention to review all the routes in a game like other bloggers do anyway, so usually I don’t bother writing about anything. However, I’m stupidly excited for the upcoming release of Dot Kareshi -We’re 8bit Lovers!- (ドットカレシ/ DotKare). I wanted a compilation of the major information available from the main website and blog in English, so I figured I might as well share it.

Hanakisou PSP Release Date and Information

Hanakisou was the first visual novel published by the doujin circle HaccaWorks*.  It’s a rare example of a fantasy adventure game aimed at a female audience that is neither a type of “dating game” or simulation, whether renai, otome, or BL flavored.  Hanakisou was first released in 2003 for the PC, followed by an add-on disc in 2005.  Hanakisou was ported to the PS2 in 2006  and is finally making its way to PSP.  After being pushed back a month, Hanakisou PSP is set for a 9/22/2010 release with a MSRP of 4830 yen.

The PSP version will be fully voiced and contain the entire game, including the extra material added to the PS2 version.  It will include “a sight of petals red,” a side story about Hanashiro’s past, and “Hanauta”, a story about Kuroto’s parents.  The two side stories are also given full voice treatment.

Prototype has also reported some technical details.  Hanakisou PSP will have the data install option to ensure less disc reading and smooth music.  You can capture and create custom PSP wallpapers from any of the in-game graphics (oh shit I’m so there).  To adapt the different aspect ratios between the PC/PS2 and PSP release, a cropped version of the CG is shown.  However, you can use the analog stick to scroll down and view the trimmed portion.

Scrolling with the analog stick is possible.

I preordered my copy a while back.  I haven’t played a visual novel on the PSP yet, so I’m not sure how well the graphics will look at that size, but I’m not too worried.  I’ve played less beautifully illustrated games on the small DS screens.  Here’s to waiting just a little longer!