I’ve just finished 7’scarlet, and I think it’s one of the most captivating otome games I’ve played. This mystery-themed visual novel strikes a delicate balance between suspense and romance, set in the atmospheric, folklore-rich village of Okunezato. While it’s not without flaws, the overall experience is one I won’t forget anytime soon.

The plot revolves around Ichiko Hanamaki, who travels to Okunezato to uncover the truth behind her brother’s disappearance. Each chapter brings a mix of suspense, drama, and intriguing revelations about the village’s dark secrets. The pacing is spot-on, with every route adding new pieces to the overarching mystery.

What I appreciated most was how the game kept me guessing without feeling overwhelming. Even the true ending—while somewhat predictable—was emotional and gripping. While this isn’t a lighthearted romance, if you enjoy a mix of thrilling mysteries and love stories, 7’scarlet won’t disappoint.

The love interests in 7’scarlet each brought something unique to the table, with their routes offering a mix of suspense, personal growth, and romantic moments. Here’s a quick breakdown of my impressions (without spoilers!):

Hino: His route feels like a warm-up for the rest of the game. While his romance leans into the classic childhood-friend trope, it’s lighthearted and amusing. His character—a mix of sporty and secretly dorky—added a fun, endearing vibe to his story.

Isora: If you like your otome with a touch of creepiness, this is the route for you. While his story doesn’t dive deeply into the overarching mystery, it creates an unsettling atmosphere that left an impression. Isora’s personality is surprisingly complex, though I wish the game had delved more into his temper and actions rather than leaving them unexplored.

Toa: What a surprise! I started his route with low expectations, but it completely floored me. Toa’s story is easily one of the highlights of the game—full of unexpected twists and emotional depth. His arc caught me off guard in the best way possible, making him my favourite character by far 💖.

Sosuke: This route had me on the edge of my seat. The suspense builds beautifully, with plenty of intense moments balanced by a romance that feels genuine and well-paced. I loved how both Sosuke and Ichiko grew as characters, and his perfectionist quirks made him more relatable and fun.

Yuzuki: If you’re after a route that combines drama, action, and romance, Yuzuki’s story is the whole package. Despite its fast pace, the events never felt forced or overwhelming. His cold, aloof demeanor hides a warm and caring side, making him a compelling character both romantically and within the mystery’s context.

And what of the protagonist?

Ichiko is a bit of a mixed bag. She’s determined to find her brother, which drives the story forward, but her recklessness and naivety sometimes made me want to yell at the screen. Still, she had her moments, especially when she got adorably awkward in her romantic interactions. While she’s not the strongest otome protagonist I’ve seen, she’s far from the worst—and her persistence and occasional clumsiness made her endearing enough.

And finally, the art in 7’scarlet is gorgeous, and the character designs are spot on. The backgrounds capture the eerie vibe of Okunezato perfectly, and the CGs are beautiful. The animations and cutscenes were a nice touch, but the story would’ve been strong even without them.

The music really stands out, setting the tone for both the mystery and the more emotional moments. The voice acting is solid and brings the characters to life.

What I Loved:

- Gripping mystery with excellent pacing.
- Each route adds something unique to the overall story.
- Gorgeous visuals and a great soundtrack.
- Toa’s route is an absolute masterpiece!

What Could’ve Been Better:

- Some routes and character actions could’ve been fleshed out more.
- The secret route’s ending felt rushed and underwhelming.
- Ichiko’s naivety and recklessness could be frustrating at times.

Would I recommend 7’scarlet?

Absolutely! If you love mysteries with romantic elements and a touch of suspense, this game is for you. It’s not perfect, but its unique setting, gripping plot, and memorable characters make it a standout in the otome genre.

Whether you pick it up on sale or at full price, 7’scarlet is an experience worth having. Just be ready for some emotional twists and turns—you’ll get attached to the story and its characters before you know it!