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The newest addition to the intriguing world of otome games, Replay Boys, has hit the shelves today. This release promises a blend of the supernatural and everyday chaos — a classic visual novel vibe wrapped in horror and suspense.
As the story unfolds, you’re thrust into the life of Hannah, a diligent video editor working tirelessly at a small record label. When fate takes an unexpected turn and her colleagues fall ill, Hannah is suddenly tasked with managing the chaos of the Replay Boys — a quirky, modern-day boy band. Her mission? To shepherd all four members to their much-anticipated concert, oversee their soundcheck, and navigate through their inevitable meltdowns. On the surface, it sounds like the typical frenzy of a band’s life, but the narrative hides a darker twist beneath its charming facade.
Set in the midst of emergency vehicles and strange messages from friends, Replay Boys invites you into a world where each day starts afresh, underlined with an ominous darkness. This isn’t just any ordinary day; it holds secrets that only unravel as it’s lived over and over.
In a chat with the game’s creative mind, Bell, we explored what led to this intriguing storyline. Bell shared, “It just evolved naturally as I wrote. I’m drawn to stories that make you question reality. Visual novels have this fantastic ability to let the mind’s eye wander, creating a chilling effect that’s all in your imagination.”
The game intriguingly blends the repetition mechanics familiar to visual novels and horror games. Typically, visual novels require players to replay certain sections to see different outcomes. However, Replay Boys cleverly turns this replayability into a narrative device, turning déjà vu into something sinister, making players relive eerie moments where safety turns into unease.
Replay Boys opens with a seemingly predictable day in the life of a band manager. But as the day resets, subtle changes creep in, peeling back layers of reality. Eerie phone conversations and shadowy unexplored rooms begin to emerge, adding a surreal distortion to the routine, twisting it into an unexpected mystery.
Despite its chilling core, Bell designed Replay Boys to remain true to its otome roots. She emphasizes, “I wanted each band member to feel authentic and vibrant, building rich relationships with the player’s character. By the game’s end, earning this character’s trust should feel like a real achievement.”
So, if you’re up for a uniquely romantic yet spooky Valentines adventure, Replay Boys is the perfect pick. Available now on Xbox One, Series X|S, and the Xbox app on PC, it promises a tantalizing experience of love, chaos, and eerie time loops all rolled into one.
