Dating simulators can be deeply engaging and provide the lonely soul with that little bit extra that they need. Most dating simulators today are actually novels that were chosen to be told through the medium of interactive video games. So a dating simulator is not simply a flash rpg that someone threw together in their basement, it is usually a deeply immersive story with a well thought out plot. The best part of these simulators is that many of them are like a novel, but you are really in control of the main characters decision.
It should come as no surprise that most of the games on this list come from Japan, and as such there is the possibility for some really weird stuff to show up. Don’t be alarmed, we’ve excluded all of the really odd games like ‘Creature to Koi Shiyo’ which tells the story of a love interest between a boy and a human sized cricket. We’ve also excluded The Sims from this list because it is already very well known. Here is our list for the 10 best dating games to play in 2015:
10. Psy High
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This might seem boring but it's just like reading a book only you make the choices for the character.
This game is played as an interactive novel in which you get to make all the important decisions. You can customize your character and turn him or her into whatever you want. Do you want to be the star of the football team with a severe gender identity crisis? You can do that. The story revolves around the premise that your class mates have gained supernatural powers and want to take over the world. More importantly though, you need to find a date to the prom.
9. Kitty Powers’ Matchmaker
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Kitty Power's gives you the power of love!
While this certainly looks like some old flash game you would’ve played on Newgrounds back in the day, this game is actually rather entertaining. You run your own matchmaking service and have to assist clients in finding the love of their life. Once you step into the beautiful and fabulous world of the diva and drag queen Kitty Powers, there is nothing that can stop you.
8. Pony World 3
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Bronies Unite!
While I know that the really weird games with human crickets and dinosaur/alien love interests were excluded from this list, there is a huge pony fanbase out there, and this is for them. Pony World 3 is, can you believe it, an improved version of the previous installments featuring a fully 3D interactive world. You can create your pony and go to Pony Town to get to know other ponies. The best part is that you can find the love of your pony life in this virtual world. Sounds like a dream come true doesn’t it?
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Sunrider Academy is a place full of insane and completely erratic students.
In this dating simulator you take on the role of Kayto Shields, the new VP of Sunstrider Academy’s student council. Unfortunately for Kayto, he has to deal with the fact that the student body is completely insane. On top of that, his younger sister made an unreasonable bet with him that he needs to get a girlfriend before the end of the school year. Since the girls at the academy are completely out of their minds, finding a girlfriend is no easy task. A disclaimer is worth mentioning that this game does contain anime style nudity.
6. Love and Order
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You take charge of this woman's life in Love and Order.
This anime style dating simulator allows the player to take the role of a young woman serving as a secretary for the Crown Attorney in Montreal. In this game you have to manage both her professional career as well as her relationships outside of work. There are 4 potential love interests and it is your quest to help this young woman find true love.
5. If My Heart Had Wings
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Will you help Aoi fulfill his dreams and gain the love of his life?
Here is another novel that chose to be told through the medium of a virtual simulator. The story told is beautiful and refreshing with bittersweet elements of youth mixed in. The story follows Aoi Minase as he tries to revive the Soaring Club. Throughout his adventure he ends up making many new friends, and getting to know some of them more closely than others. Again a disclaimer should be mentioned for light anime style nudity.
4. HuniePop
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This simulator is kind of kinky.
This is the first and only dating game on this list that is tagged as mature. The story follows your character after he failed miserably to pick up a woman who turned out to be a fairy in disguise. She takes pity on you and decides to mentor you on how to get girls. Then it is up to you to make your move on the many different characters in this anime style, rpg first approach, dating simulator. The game also contains a Candy Crush like minigame which is a plus. Again, this game is intended for more mature audiences.
3. Flower Shop: Summer in Fairbrook
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Working on the farm was supposed to teach him character, not get him a girlfriend.
What makes this a great game is that it is a dating and a farming simulator packed into one. As consequence of the main character's lazy behavior, his father ships him off to a farm in Fairbrook where he is to develop character. During his time on the farm he gets to know 4 different girls rather well. If you play your cards right then one of those relationships might bloom a little bit better than the others.
2. Magical Diary
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A land of imaginatory creatures, magic, and romance!
This dating simulator is so high up on the list purely because of how creative it is. This doesn’t take place on a farm or some twisted alien cricket world. This dating game allows you take control of your own character attending a magical academy in which you learn spells, fight monsters, and try to get a date for the school ball. There are countless ways in which things could end up badly for your character though. You could end up in detention, be forced to love a professor, or even join a secret society. This game has all you could possibly want in a virtual dating world.
1. Dandelion
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Beautiful artwork and a compelling story.
While Dandelion is yet another visual novel, it comes in as the top dating simulator on this list. The reason why is because of its unique storytelling and strong narrative that is very immersive. This game is not simply another pick-and-choose a lover kind of simulator, you get very involved in the plot and care about what happens to the characters. The art work is beautiful and the game is definitely worth checking out if dating simulators are your cup of tea.
This concludes our list for the most entertaining and awesome dating games. Let us know what you think in the comments. Did we miss any? Should the cricket game have been a part of the list? Write your answers in the comments below.
