- Official English Title: The Bell Chimes for Gold
- Developer: OTUSUN Club
- Publisher: Sekai Project
- Release Dates:
- Japan: October 15, 2015
- Worldwide: April 6, 2018
- Platforms: Windows PC
- Genre Tags: RPG, Visual Novel, Otome, Fantasy
- Social Media:
- Steam Page: The Bell Chimes for Gold on Steam
A Golden Opportunity for Romance
The Bell Chimes for Gold offers a unique blend of RPG mechanics and otome visual novel storytelling. Players take on the role of Maria, a skilled herbalist whose dreams of marrying her mentor are shattered when he chooses another. Determined to prove her worth, Maria embarks on a quest to amass wealth and find true love among the town’s eligible bachelors.
This enchanting tale unfolds through a combination of dungeon-crawling adventures and romantic encounters. As Maria, you’ll craft potions, battle monsters, and slowly pay off the debts of your chosen suitors. The game features five distinct love interests, each with their own personality quirks and financial troubles.
Gameplay Mechanics
The core gameplay loop involves exploring dungeons to gather resources, synthesizing items, and earning money to progress the story. While some players may find the RPG elements repetitive, the dungeon-crawling serves as a means to unlock new story scenes and deepen relationships with potential partners.
Character progression is tied to a unique “tipping” system, where players can invest in their chosen bodyguard to improve their combat abilities. This creates an interesting dynamic where romantic development and gameplay strength are intertwined.
Mature Themes and Multiple Versions
The Bell Chimes for Gold tackles more mature themes than typical otome games, with its focus on older love interests and financial struggles. It’s worth noting that two versions of the game exist:
- An all-ages version available on Steam
- An 18+ version with additional content on Denpasoft
The adult version features more explicit scenes and expanded character interactions, providing a deeper exploration of the relationships. However, the core story and gameplay remain consistent across both versions.
Visual and Audio Design
The game’s art style embraces an anime aesthetic, with particular attention paid to the rugged, mature designs of the male love interests. Full Japanese voice acting brings the characters to life, adding depth to their personalities and interactions with Maria.
While the user interface shows its mobile origins with large, touchscreen-friendly buttons, the overall presentation is polished and fits the fantasy setting.
A Niche but Charming Experience
The Bell Chimes for Gold carves out a unique space in the otome genre. Its blend of RPG elements, mature romance options, and focus on financial themes may not appeal to everyone. However, for players seeking a fresh take on dating sims or those who enjoy older love interests, this game offers a golden opportunity to find both riches and romance.
Game Link: The Bell Chimes for Gold