The highly anticipated otome title, Sympathy Kiss, is set to make its debut in North America and Europe for the Nintendo Switch in early 2024. Developed by the team behind Lover Pretend, director Hiroe Aoki and artist Fujirito, this immersive work-life otome game takes players on a thrilling journey through the world of a contemporary office worker in Japan.
Step into the Shoes of Akari Amasawa
In Sympathy Kiss, players assume the role of Akari Amasawa, a talented designer at Estario, a prominent app developing company. After completing her first annual performance review, Akari is presented with a unique opportunity. She is tasked with revitalizing Estarci, the company’s flagship app that is on the verge of being shut down within the next six months.
While Akari doesn’t dislike her job, she isn’t deeply passionate about it either. As she dives into her new assignment, she discovers the potential for more than just professional growth. With up to six romanceable characters in the workplace, Akari might find herself exploring office romance and discovering where her true passions lie.
Preorder Options and Limited Edition
Excitement is building among fans as Sympathy Kiss becomes available for preorders soon. Physical editions of the game can be preordered from various retailers, and fans can visit the official website to find out where to place their orders. Additionally, the Nintendo eShop page for the game will go live at a later date.
For avid fans looking for an exclusive experience, Sympathy Kiss will also offer a Limited Edition. This special edition will be exclusively available through the IFI NA and European Online Stores. Details regarding the contents of the Limited Edition and the preorder date will be unveiled in due course. Buyers of either the Standard Edition or the Limited Edition from the IFI Online Stores will also receive an exclusive trading card, adding to the excitement of the game’s release.
A Slice-of-Life Office Romance Drama
Sympathy Kiss presents players with a slice-of-life office romance drama set in Japan. As Akari and her new coworkers strive to save Estarci, they face various challenges and uncertainties. Will Akari find true love amidst the chaos? Will she discover her true calling in life? And most importantly, will the app be spared from closure? Intriguing questions that will be answered as players immerse themselves in this thrilling otome experience.
About the Game
Sympathy Kiss takes place approximately one year after Akari Amasawa joins Estario as a designer. Although she doesn’t harbor any strong dislike for her job, she hasn’t found a deep passion for it either. However, after her annual performance review, Akari is given the opportunity to join the Estarci team.
Estarci, the company’s flagship news app, had a successful launch but has fallen behind its competitors, including apps developed by Estario itself. The management decides to give Estarci one last chance before considering its closure. Akari and her new colleagues must put forth their best efforts to rescue the app from impending doom.
As players progress through Sympathy Kiss, they will encounter a captivating office romance and slice-of-life drama. The game offers the chance to explore career opportunities in a contemporary workplace setting, all while experiencing the fantasy and excitement that can be found in the breakroom.
POV: A Modern-Day Office Worker in Japan
In Sympathy Kiss, players assume the role of a Japanese career woman, gaining a unique perspective on the challenges and experiences faced in the modern workplace. The game provides full immersion in a contemporary office setting, allowing players to witness the fusion of professional and personal lives.
Call or Text if You Need Me!
To enhance the realism and interactivity of the game, Sympathy Kiss introduces the RiNG system. Players can maintain contact with the romanceable characters through phone calls and text messages. These conversations are fully voiced, allowing players to engage in friendly office banter or deepen their connections with the love interests. This feature adds a dynamic element to the gameplay, making the relationships feel more authentic and engaging.
Wear Your Emotions On Your Sleeve
In Sympathy Kiss, certain decisions require players to express their emotions through the Emotion Select system. Players can choose from a range of five emotions, including Happy, Angry, Troubled, Sad, and Indifferent. These emotions influence future conversations and interactions with the characters. Your selected emotions will be remembered by your love interests, who will consider your emotional state when engaging with you. This system adds depth and complexity to the relationships, as well as allowing players to shape the course of the narrative based on their emotional responses.
A Happy Worker Is A Productive Worker!
The Love/Work system in Sympathy Kiss offers players the opportunity to balance their work and social lives. Every decision made throughout the game will impact the allocation of Work Points and Love Points. Players can choose whether to prioritize their career advancement or focus on developing romantic relationships. These choices influence the outcome of the character routes and determine the ending players will experience. The Love/Work system encourages strategic decision-making and adds a layer of realism to the gameplay, reflecting the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance.
With its captivating storyline, immersive office setting, and engaging romance options, Sympathy Kiss promises to be a must-play otome title for fans of the genre. The game’s arrival on the Nintendo Switch in early 2024 in North America and Europe is highly anticipated. Fans can look forward to preordering the Standard Edition from various retailers and can keep an eye out for the Limited Edition, available exclusively through the IFI NA and European Online Stores. The release of Sympathy Kiss marks an exciting new chapter in the otome gaming landscape, offering players an unforgettable work-life romance experience.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
