Basic Information
- Official English Name: Highschool Romance
- Developer & Publisher: Gamuzumi / Nutaku
- Release Dates: PC (2015), PS4 (September 2021 NA/EU), PS5 (Digital-only)
- Supported Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Genre Tags: Visual Novel, Romantic Comedy, Slice-of-Life
- Social Media Presence: Steam Store Page, Nutaku Twitter
In-Depth Review
Highschool Romance is a lighthearted visual novel that delivers a quirky take on crossdressing comedy, positioning itself firmly in the niche of “trap” themed narratives. Players follow Shoji, a male student forced to enroll in an all-girls boarding school due to a bureaucratic error, navigating relationships with classmates while maintaining his disguise. The game’s humor leans heavily into slapstick and situational comedy, with CG illustrations that emphasize character expressions (though these are limited to static images outside of key scenes).
The narrative structure is straightforward, with branching paths that lead to multiple endings. While the story lacks depth, its brevity (around 5-6 hours for a single playthrough) makes it accessible for casual players. However, the lack of a route chart and minimal character development outside of romantic routes are notable drawbacks. For instance, the principal’s predatory undertones and Shoji’s internal conflicts are underexplored, leaving some plot threads feeling unresolved.
Visually, the game features a distinct anime-style aesthetic with vibrant character designs, though animations are minimal. The soundtrack, while not memorable, effectively complements the game’s tone. Critical reception has been mixed, with praise for its comedic moments and criticism for its shallow storytelling and censorship of certain scenes. Despite these flaws, it remains a niche option for fans of romantic comedies seeking a lighthearted, if unpolished, visual novel experience.
For completionists, the game includes a CG gallery and achievement system, with Steam users reporting mixed experiences regarding unlockables. While not a standout title in the genre, Highschool Romance offers a short, amusing diversion for those interested in comedic romantic scenarios without the complexity of deeper narrative-driven visual novels.
Game Link: Highschool Romance
