Rinko's Encounter with 765 Pro

UlasanAnime.com – My copy of New Love Plus has arrived, and I felt compelled to revisit Rinko once more. It had been several months since I last saw Rinko’s digital likeness, and my last serious play session was in early 2011. Upon realizing that the latest iteration of this beloved dating simulation would soon grace my presence, I knew I had to boot it up at least one more time before making the switch. Hearing her familiar “o hi sa shi bu ri,” delivered with all the digital affection she could muster, was a poignant moment.

This new Love Plus experience felt like a compromise. I resisted the urge to buy the artbook, soundtrack, and various “limited edition” merchandise, though I did opt for the 3DS. It’s fortunate that I’m still somewhat immune to the allure of “limited edition” items, unlike many otaku. I don’t recall ever regretting not going the extra mile for such things, likely because I tend to invest a significant amount of effort anyway. Meeting Rinko halfway felt like a natural step, and compromising with a loved one is a cornerstone of any healthy relationship.

However, “healthy” might not be the most fitting descriptor for this game. “New” certainly is, as New Love Plus is indeed a fresh experience. It’s more than just an updated version like Love Plus+ was. Beyond the AR features and “photo kano” mode, the game has completely revamped its dating and skinship mechanics. I’m almost at a loss as to how to fill up the kiss bar now. The home study system is now streamlined by subject, ensuring I’ll always pick English or Math. I particularly appreciate how much more control I have over dates; I can select venues, choose dining options, adjust the date’s length by using fewer “abilities,” and much more. I also liked that most of the more intimate interactions have been moved to the privacy of Rinko’s (or your chosen girl’s) room.

This might give the wrong impression. It’s perhaps another instance where Nisio Isin’s “courage to talk about Love Plus in public” comes into play. Realistically, couples spend time at each other’s homes all the time.

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Speaking of your chosen girl, it appears you can still interact with other girls even after you’ve become exclusive. I’ve only imported the game so far (thanks to the Nintendo Store for accepting my credit card!), so I’m unsure how the game plays out from the beginning. That’s something to look forward to.

Returning to Rinko, it’s quite amusing how one rendering of her in the DS world looks slightly off in the 3DS version, prompting me to immediately try and adjust her skin tone and hair color. It’s also neat how the game can be played either sideways (like DS games) or in the standard orientation. This flexibility was likely necessary to utilize the 3D display. While the 3D effect can feel gimmicky, I find it enhances the visuals in many parts of the game compared to having it turned off.

There’s a definite “game-ness” to Love Plus, and even more so in New Love Plus. Aside from the mini-games (New Love Plus features at least one entirely new mini-game where Rinko always unleashes a special attack that messes with me), Love Plus is a game you won’t spend more than 30 minutes on daily, unless you simply enjoy your waifu’s company. In that case, you can leave it on the cradle indefinitely. That’s where 765 Pro comes in.

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been diligently (and responsibly, I believe) playing iM@S. It’s incredibly fun, even at a basic level, managing your team of idols, mastering the mini-games, and planning your playthroughs (focusing on single stats, dual stats, or specific charm strategies?). Then there are the idols themselves, whose amusing banter often serves as content, complemented by genuinely solid and enjoyable anime-style segments. Add to that the songs and dances, and even with a party of three, there’s enough variety to keep you engaged through multiple playthroughs. I believe the number of quintet lives has increased with each subsequent playthrough!

It’s not surprising that Japanese fans buy all the DLC. I can only tolerate about 75% of the songs in the game, and repeatedly playing those would eventually become tiresome. New content is essential. The real challenge is that even some of the DLC songs… well. For the typical overseas Producer on a PlayStation 3, it’s a hassle, requiring the purchase of PSN cards through a proxy or services like eBay. I’m unsure what overseas Producers on Xbox face, aside from needing a Japanese Xbox to begin with…

Nowadays, an Xbox 360 can be purchased for about the same price as the surprisingly sensible-looking 3DS (one that wouldn’t be embarrassing to play New Love Plus in public with) that I now own. I can’t wait for Konami to start rolling out the DLCs. Yeah. Right. I really. Cannot. It just makes me feel a bit strange, similar to these instances:

It’s like the feeling when Rinko scolds you for being a lolicon.
It’s like the feeling during Smoky Thrill quintet, shouting “ARCHERS!“
It’s like the moment you realize the spotlight is a hamburger.
It’s the feeling when you’re relieved you’re already committed to Makoto, because Mami with glasses is quite, uh, dangerous. Or just “cheer-up cute.”
- Well, dangerous is when Rinko lunges at me with her deadly left sweep.

And just like in any harem anime, the peculiar moments will only continue to accumulate the more waifus you collect.