In most otome games we are in situations where the leader won’t mind being in a relationship and things can develop naturally. Idea Factory International has played around with titles that aren’t true, and bachelors may not be “perfect”. (Cupid’s Parasite is a prime example.) Barriers can change is another Switch otome game with such a set-up, but this time it manages to pair a confident, outspoken heroine, with an imperfect love interest with some interesting underlying stories and try to interact a little better.
Hibari Tojo is an heiress. She is smart and logical, but can also be a bit curt with people and doesn’t want them in the house. Her grandfather decided that it was time for her to find a fiance, and he chose four men to whom she could marry. Except… everyone has a fatal flaw. For example, one person is a “debt maker” and another tries to commit marital fraud. (Also, her grandfather is fully aware of their shortcomings.) So she currently lives with all of them and her housekeeper. She had firmly decided that she wanted nothing to do with them or her grandfather’s plans.
However, as you might have guessed, things are not exactly as they seem. Because even though it is, the idea of someone trying to arrange a marriage for their 17-year-old niece is a bit odd, there’s more to it than that. Especially, while Hibari is absolutely amazing and a fun heroine to watch, she has a fatal flaw of her own. This makes for some fun and romantic interactions with Ichiya, Nayuta, Shion, and Taiga. It also means that conversations between bachelors are pretty awesome, too. (Especially because RABI’s hidden camera segments allow for more of these.) For example, soon came a time when the boys were having a barbecue to get to know Hibari. Every element of it is a comedy of flaws. From the initial one-on-one chat between Hibari and the bachelors to seeing what happens when the four try to work things out. It was silly fun.
This is helped by an entertaining script. It is handled very well. The dialogue was great. Seeing the characters interact with Hibari and with each other was exciting. However, some people are more interesting and lovable than others. I find myself having the best times as Ichiya, Nayuta, and Taiga somehow participate in current events. I have noticed a few minor issues. However, those can be stylistic choices. (For example, Shion said “happy” with three N’s, but he was mocking Taiga at the time and may have intentionally reflected that.)
Barriers can change also one of the Idea Factory Otomate otome games in which the company tries to add some interactive elements so that you don’t just read the text. (Think about Dairoku: Agent of Sakuratani“fight.”) The gimmick here is a board where you can see possible scenes. The idea is that you see how to unlock the things you want to experience. It means at a glance you can see where the CG is and get an idea of possible events. There is also a general idea of how things connect. You get the regular board, as well as the board for the different bachelors. It organizes the information quite well. I think of it like a chart to constantly check things.
Barriers can change also follow your sentiment and path in one of the most interesting manners. The choices you make while on the board of a particular character can be about reason or sentiment. Instead of measuring sentiment, you basically see the device. Choose romantic answers that upgrade the weapon of love relationship to break Hibari’s barrier. Following reason makes her wall stronger, so his attempts to get closer fail. While the general response to the situations that lead to the conversation varies, the main encounter as that “battle” unfolds can change more drastically than the reaction and tone.
Also, I’m a huge fan of almost every ending I see in Barriers can change. There’s a route that I’m not a fan of, which has changed the way I feel about a member of the cast. But this is a rare Switch otome game that I feel like every ending you earn can feel pretty satisfying. It was a pleasant surprise!
That’s a good way to think about Barriers can change Generally speaking. The whole game is a pleasant surprise. With the premise, I’m not sure if I’ll do it or not. I mean, a grandpa decides his high school niece is ready to be engaged and sends her to live with four suitors he’s chosen? It gives me pause. But I really love the way things turn out. Hibari is a great heroine, the bachelors are usually fun and its great pacing means Barriers can change was a great way to spend some evenings.
Barriers can change will come Nintendo Switch on February 24, 2022.
