Hatoful Boyfriend is a Japanese visual novel developed by Hato Moa. It was initially released for free in Japan on July 31, 2011. A Plus version was released a few weeks later on August 14 in Japan. Eventually a Full version was released world wide on April 13, 2014. Later that year, on September 4, 2014 an HD edition was released. Initially the game was only available on Windows and OSX, but on July 21, 2015 it came to Playstation 4 and the Playstation Vita. On May 26, 2016 it came to iOS and on July 13, 2016 it came to Android devices. Hatoful Boyfriend was localized for English-speaking audiences by Mediatonic and Devolver Digital. Eventually the game was put onto Game Pass for PC, which is how I played it.
Hatoful Boyfriend is an odd bird dating simulator that is so much darker than anyone could have imagined
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where birds have evolved to become the dominant species. Players step into the shoes of the sole human student at St. PigeoNation’s Institute, an elite academy for talented birds. This imaginative setting immediately sets Hatoful Boyfriend apart from other dating sims, offering a quirky and engaging experience that has captured the interest of a diverse audience.
The game has a branching narrative structure, featuring multiple endings that depend on the player’s choices. This encourages replayability and also allows players to explore the various facets of each character and the world they inhabit.
While Hatoful Boyfriend initially presents itself as a whimsical and humorous dating sim, it gradually reveals deeper, more complex narrative layers.
The hidden “Bad Boys Love” (B.B.L.) route reveals a dystopian conspiracy involving the school’s dark secrets. This route uncovers a narrative filled with intrigue, danger, and emotional turmoil, drastically changing the game’s tone. Players learn about the tragic past of the world, the true nature of the bird society, and the ominous forces at play within St. PigeoNation’s Institute.
If you aren’t careful and don’t connect with anyone on a deep enough level, the birds will see you as a threat and kill you. The game also has a very disturbing scene regarding your character’s best friend, which I was not expecting.
