Core Details
- Official Title: Main Character Simulator
- Developer: NewWestGames | Publisher: Nutaku
- Global Release Timeline: 2018-09-29 (Steam/PC)
- Platform Availability: Windows/macOS/Linux
- Genre Tags: Visual Novel, Comedy, Ecchi, Hentai
- Community Channels: @NewWestGames (Twitter), Steam Store Page, Patreon (Content Updates)
Critical Analysis
This meta-comedy visual novel subverts anime tropes through its self-aware protagonist navigating absurd interstellar conflicts. Players control Shinji, an archetypal high school student thrust into cosmic chaos after discovering alien technology. The narrative balances slapstick humor with genre satire, particularly effective in parodying 2000s-era harem anime conventions.
Gameplay combines traditional visual novel decision-making with experimental fourth-wall breaks. Branching paths lead to four distinct endings, each escalating the comedic premise to surreal extremes. Partial voice acting enhances character dynamics, particularly in scenes mocking dating sim clichés. The westernized anime art style features detailed character sprites against minimalist backgrounds, creating intentional stylistic dissonance that reinforces the parody elements.
Technical execution shows both ambition and limitation. While the lo-fi hip hop OST effectively establishes comedic timing, inconsistent audio mixing occasionally undermines dramatic beats. The achievement system cleverly comments on protagonist tropes, though some players report stability issues during late-game space sequences.
Content warnings apply for explicit sexual scenarios that diverge tonally from the main comedy. These Hentai elements utilize static CGs with mixed artistic success – while anatomically detailed, they lack the fluidity of the main storyline’s animations. Steam community guides recommend specific narrative choices to maximize comedic payoff while minimizing abrupt tonal shifts.
As a cult classic in parody gaming circles, the title demonstrates how self-referential humor can refresh established genres. Its 3-4 hour runtime and multiple endings encourage replayability, though the lack of post-release updates since 2018 leaves some technical issues unresolved.
Game Link: Main Character Simulator
