How Replay Boys Transforms a Boy Band Dating Sim Into a Dark Narrative

The buzz around town today is all about the release of “Replay Boys,” an otome game steeped in horror and suspense. Fans of classic otome might find themselves pleasantly surprised—or perhaps chillingly unsettled—by what lies beneath the surface of this visual novel.

Imagine this: you’re at the arena, emergency vehicles flashing their lights outside, and then there’s that unsettling text from a friend. As a darkness stirs, your day resets. This is your introduction to “Replay Boys,” where you step into the shoes of Hannah, a video editor tasked with managing the chaotic and charismatic boy band, the Replay Boys, after their manager falls ill. Your day involves ferrying them to a concert venue, prepping them for soundcheck, and handling inevitable meltdowns. Sounds simple, right? Not quite. As you navigate this vibrant, dysfunctional world, a sinister element begins to creep in, elevating the typical boy band drama to a whole new level.

The game’s unique structure demands that players relive the same day over and over. Only then can you unearth the game’s darker secrets: specters, cults, and even crimes like kidnapping and armed offences. The point of no return hits when you find yourself trapped within the repeating day, without any initial explanation.

I had an enlightening conversation with the game’s writer, Bell, about the origins of this story. “As I sketched out the narrative, it seemed natural to question reality,” she explained. “Visual novels are unique; they play out largely in your head, making the experience intensely personal and sometimes eerie. It’s that creeping doubt of one’s sanity that can make these stories so compelling.”

The marriage of horror and visual novel styles in “Replay Boys” is cleverly done, drawing from themes of repetition. Visual novels often involve replaying scenarios to unlock different story paths, while horror games use familiarity to unsettle—making the ordinary suddenly sinister. “Replay Boys” seamlessly marries these ideas, placing its time loop at the heart of its narrative.

From the outset, your day in “Replay Boys” appears ordinary, fitting snugly within otome conventions. That is, until everything resets. Gradually, the familiar moments twist into something unsettling: disturbing sounds from a phone call or unlocked mysterious rooms. Each loop distorts this world further into the surreal, keeping players on edge.

Bell crafted a game that defies simple categorization, blending genres with an expert touch. While horror might lie beneath, the spirit of a true otome dating sim prevails. “I wanted players to connect with the band members, crafting a believable relationship,” Bell shared. The ultimate payoff, she believes, is the sense of having truly earned the band members’ trust.

So here’s the game plan for this Valentine’s Day: Embrace the spooky and the heartfelt. “Replay Boys” is now available on Xbox One, Series X|S, and PC via the Xbox app. Dive into this world where romance meets the thrill of the unknown, and let your choices guide you through charming and chilling scenarios alike.