Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
*Someone barges into the room*
“Nyx, we have a situation!”
*I turn wearily towards my boss as my hands stop clacking against the keys of my keyboard*
“Are they releasing another wave of angsty Otomes again? I don't think I can take another moment of Carol mumbling about ''bittersweet endings'' for another year. The memory alone has my migraine itching to return."
“Negative, it's actually a Rom-Com!”
That news alone had me jumping from my chair. It's been ages since I last wrote about a Romantic Comedy. My body buzzed with excitement.
“Don't worry boss, I'm on the case!” With a pep in my step, I hurried to grab my Switch, and I flew out the door in a hurry.
~
Duty Before Beauty
This paranormal adventure will have you play as Shunlin, a Daoshi-in-training, spitfire of a gal. For those who don't know, Daoshi are skilled fighters that practice the art of taming and passing-on of the spirits of the departed, who have been manipulated by the dark arts into reanimation. With her grandfather as her trainer, Shunlin dreams of being as good as him one day. However, during an annual fighting competition set up by the royal family, many Jiangshi (reanimated dead bodies) storm the event. It's up to her family and newfound, drop-dead gorgeous competitors to track down who is commanding the undead and killing off other fighters.
Only The Best Candidates
During your playthrough the story starts at the beginning of a festival. There are many vendors selling food and trinkets for the local people of the Kingdom, but that's not what everyone is in a buzz about. It's also the annual Fighting Festival and the game does a great job at introducing our competitors and future bachelors. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce today's line-up:
Haoran {VA: Sakata Shougo}
Non Sibling Onii-Chan
Overly Protective
First up is our (not related) Big Brother. If you're looking for someone who's been training by your side, a full-fledged Daoshi, and a constant worry-wart you may just find yourself falling in love with your short blue haired and tall long-time friend. Sure, you may have seen him as a relative for some time, but maybe it's time to push past that and see him for what he truly is: a man.
Longli {VA: Shimazaki Nobonaga (Olympia Soiree)}
Second is not really a fighter, but don't let his frail looks deceive you. Working as an advisor to the king, this golden-haired, beautiful official is organized and prepared to fight for his kingdom. Anyone deemed a threat will be cut down by his hands. Maybe it's necessary to get his hands dirty? He might be hiding more than just good looks under that uniform.
Yuhuang {Ura Kazuki (Cupid Parasite, Olympia Soiree)}
Genki Got It Bad
Childhood Friend
Third in our line-up is someone from the heroine's past. A boy, with brown hair and eyes, who SHE used to protect, moved away, and has now returned to prove his worth. No longer the crybaby he used to be, he's there to show off just how hard he's been training to finally get the girl he used to crush on realize just how strong he is. But first, maybe he should brush up on how to talk to her, instead of screaming.
Shaowu {VA: Matsuoka Yushitsugu (Charade Maniac, Olympia Soiree)
Food First, Talk Later
Big Heart, Dark Past
Our final contestant is this broad shouldered, violet eyed, short red haired, hunk of a man who screams, "stay away". Not much for small talk, he prefers to communicate with his fists and ask questions later. Strangely enough, he's very polite and is willing to slow his pace to make sure you two are on equal grounds. If you're looking to dig deeper into this one's past, it may not be all sunshine and rainbows.
????? {Kobayashi Chiaki (Cupid Parasite, Olympia Soiree)
Man of Mystery
Hidden Past
What's that? A secret entry? Not much is known about our mystery man, but maybe with a bit of sleuthing we might discover an even BIGGER secret.
Forever Compelling and Light
Daoshi Otome to me was a breath of fresh air. It's been some time since I played a fast pace and shortened visual novel. Most are usually very lengthy with heavy plot and dialogue, but Fighting for Love guides you through the main story line quickly AND even gives you the opportunity to choose your LI (Love Interest). It's attractive in a quick and easy way.
Other things that I loved during my playthrough was how the main character was pretty girly, in the sense that if she saw a hot character she'd straight out call him out on it. My girl knows what she wants.
And to round off intense or important moments, the game would flip over to manga panels to really flesh out the scenes, which brought a smile to my fujoshi heart.
Leaving is such Sweet Sorrow
Overall, Daoshi Otome: Fighting for Love was a real good time. If you're looking for a quick and quirky romantic fix, this is the game I recommend playing. Comedic banter for days and silly scenarios to keep those cravings at bay. Don't worry, there is still enough angst to keep you on the edge of your seat. I'm happy to give this game a fighting score of 8.5 out of 10.
~
*Dark clouds can be seen from a distance*
“Seems those dark romance storms can't stay away forever, better get back to the office and gear myself up for the next wave of plot heavy story telling” I say as I pack my Switch up, sip the rest of my tea, and get ready to brave the storm.
Score: 8.5 / 10 
