Anime fans are no strangers to compelling characters, captivating stories, and rich emotional narratives. Yet, the thrill of stepping into the shoes of these unforgettable characters through the ultimate gaming art form, dating sims, is unmatched. You call the shots in these games, make game-changing choices, and kindle romances with your beloved anime stars. While we’ve had a decent share of otome games in the past few years, here are some anime that are perfect dating sim game material.
Haikyuu!
The world of competitive volleyball has never been more inviting. Haikyuu’s diverse cast of charismatic male characters provides a smorgasbord of otome love interests.
You could join the school as a new team member, rival, or even a — gasp — manager. These roles could allow for exciting interactions with Haikyuu!’s extensive character roster and pursue romantic adventures amidst the electrifying backdrop of high-stakes volleyball matches.
Little Witch Academia
Though most dating sims focus on all-male love interests, Little Witch Academia holds the perfect formula with its all-female witch character roster. You could start your magical adventures as a new Luna Nova Magical Academy student and see which Little Witch is your best girl.
Related: 10 Best Cozy Witch Games for Halloween
The game’s magical setting, diverse romantic storylines, and themes of self-discovery make it an ideal choice for a heartwarming otome dating sim.
Bungou Stray Dogs
Supernatural powers and mysteries collide in Bungou Stray Dogs, an action-packed anime with a beautiful cast. The alluring male characters, including Osamu Dazai, Atsushi Nakajima, and Chuuya Nakahara, are among the most desired otome love interests.
If Bungou Stray Dogs became an otome game, you could immerse yourself in dramatic conflicts, solve mysteries, and navigate a world filled with supernatural abilities, all while exploring romantic relationships.
Fruits Basket
The timeless tale of the Soma family’s zodiac curse is perfect for an otome dating sim. With romantic possibilities aplenty among characters like Yuki, Kyo, and Hatori, players can break the curse while forming deep emotional connections.
Fruit Basket’s slice-of-life elements and heartfelt themes of love and family make it a perfect choice for an otome dating sim game.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Bizarre settings have always made for fun dating sim games, and Jojo definitely has something to contribute on that front. Think of dating sims like Monster Prom or Dream Daddy. These two definitely strayed from the norm but brought something different to the table.
The extravagant and action-packed world of the Joestar family would make for an ideal dating sim game. With dynamic male characters such as Jonathan Joestar, Joseph Joestar, and Jotaro Kujo, you could embark on a thrilling adventure filled with supernatural Stand battles, humor, and flamboyant style.
Ouran High School Host Club
The elite world of the Host Club is where romance and comedy intertwine, and that’s why this anime already has an ideal blueprint for a dating sim game. It has charismatic characters like Tamaki Suoh, Kyoya Ootori, and Haruhi Fujioka.
It’s not hard to imagine players getting lost in high-society drama, secret identities, and comedic moments. Ouran High School Host Club as a dating sim offers a delightful and engaging otome experience.
Anohana
Dating Sims usually sacrifice their storyline’s integrity for the sake of romance. I think Anohana could set the groundwork for a quality dating sim game with a solid story weaving in the romance.
In this anime-turned-dating-sim, players could explore friendship, grief, and redemption themes in a supernatural drama. Anohana’s emotional depth and dramatic conflicts provide a unique and touching backdrop for an otome dating sim.
Kiss Him Not Me
Kiss Him Not Me is an unusual romance anime. Instead of wanting the boys to like her, Kae Serinuma wants them to date each other. This irreverent premise could even be more fun as a dating sim game.
The diverse male characters, including Irie Naoya, Nakatsu Serinuma, and Mutsumi Asuma, offer plenty of otome love interests. You could explore romantic storylines, comedic moments, and dramatic conflicts as they navigate Kae’s newfound beauty and attention.
Yuri!!! On Ice
Skating games are always fun and could be even more fun with a touch of gay romance. We could get a chance to experience the world of competitive figure skating with captivating male characters like Yuri Katsuki, Viktor Nikiforov, and Yuuri Plisetsky.
Yuri!!! On Ice offers a unique setting for an otome dating sim, blending romance, sports, and personal growth.
Related: Why Mortal Kombat Needs A Dating Sim
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
Who here doesn’t want to date dragon ladies? The delightful world of dragons and friendship provides a perfect premise for an otome dating sim.
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid is an irreverent and hilarious anime that allows players to explore romantic storylines, humorous moments, and life’s challenges on Earth if turned into a dating sim.
