Games worth discovering

"Crazy Ones – A Wild and Unpredictable Gaming Experience!"

646 View2025-03-10

Introduction

As a fan of visual novels and dating simulation games, I was intrigued when I stumbled upon Crazy Ones, developed by Noctua Games International Pte. Ltd. Billed as the first male-centric, anime-style mobile dating sim, it promised an immersive experience blending romance, business management, and turn-based combat. After spending considerable time with the game, here's my personal take.

First Impressions

Upon launching the game, I was greeted by high-quality anime cinematics that set the tone for the narrative. The art style is vibrant, and the character designs are detailed, each exuding a distinct personality. The user interface is intuitive, making navigation straightforward even for newcomers to the genre.

Storyline and Characters

The narrative centers around a male protagonist thrust into the corporate world, aiming to lead his company to success while navigating complex relationships with four unique heroines:

Hakuo: The dependable HR manager who offers unwavering support.

Hyouka Natsume: The tsundere president of a rival tech conglomerate, adding a competitive edge to the storyline.

Chika Ono: An aspiring musician whose passion for art brings a creative flair.

Tomoko: The protagonist's protégé, embodying youthful enthusiasm and ambition.

Each character is well-developed, with backstories that unfold as the game progresses. The interactions are rich, offering choices that influence the direction of relationships, making each playthrough potentially unique.

Gameplay Mechanics

Visual Novel Elements: The game excels in delivering a compelling narrative through interactive dialogues and decision-making. The choices presented not only affect romantic outcomes but also impact business decisions, intertwining personal and professional storylines seamlessly.

Business Management: Beyond the romantic aspects, players are tasked with managing a company. This involves recruiting talent, strategizing for growth, and overcoming corporate challenges. This feature adds depth, providing a simulation aspect that complements the dating elements.

Turn-Based Combat: An unexpected yet refreshing inclusion is the turn-based combat system. Players engage in battles against bugs and errors, utilizing cards that represent memories with the heroines. This mechanic adds a strategic layer, requiring thoughtful selection of cards and tactics to succeed.

Graphics and Sound

Visually, Crazy Ones stands out with its polished anime-style graphics. The Live2D animations bring characters to life, making interactions more engaging. The backgrounds are meticulously designed, reflecting the corporate and personal settings authentically.

The soundtrack complements the visuals effectively. Each heroine is voiced by top-tier voice actresses, adding depth to their personalities. The music transitions smoothly between scenes, enhancing emotional moments and maintaining immersion.

Pros✅ and Cons ❌

Pros:✅

✅ Diverse Gameplay: The fusion of dating sim, business management, and combat offers a multifaceted experience.

✅ Engaging Characters: Well-crafted heroines with distinct personalities and story arcs.

✅ High-Quality Production: Impressive visuals and professional voice acting elevate the overall experience.

Cons ❌:

❌ Text and Translation Issues: Some dialogues suffer from grammatical errors and formatting problems, occasionally hindering comprehension.

❌ Monetization Model: The gacha system for obtaining character cards can feel predatory, with low drop rates and a heavy reliance on duplicates for progression.

❌ Performance Glitches: Players have reported issues like being stuck on loading screens, affecting the gameplay experience.

⭐ RATED: 8.7

Overall:

During my playthrough, I found myself invested in the characters' stories, particularly enjoying the dynamic with Hyouka Natsume. The business management aspect provided a satisfying challenge, requiring strategic thinking to balance company growth and personal relationships. However, I did encounter some translation errors that momentarily pulled me out of the immersion. Additionally, the gacha mechanics felt frustrating at times, especially when progression was gated behind acquiring specific cards.

Crazy Ones ambitiously combines multiple genres to deliver a unique gaming experience. Its strengths lie in its engaging characters, compelling narrative, and high production quality. However, it is marred by translation issues, an aggressive monetization model, and technical glitches. For fans of dating sims and visual novels seeking a fresh take with added gameplay mechanics, Crazy Ones offers an intriguing journey, provided they are prepared to navigate its shortcomings.

Impressive storyline