beni

Welcome back, Linh-san. I should have mentioned your avatar/profile pic set here, lol. Hope you've been well. 

Off the top of my head:
 
There's something so damaging about Lacey's voice which I adore. It brings across those pained emotions portrayed in the band's music, and that's something I really appreciate with Lacey's way of singing. It's what makes Flyleaf distinctive and timeless if you ask me.
 

 
As for a solo pick, it'd have to be Ellie Goulding now that I think about it. It's really too bad her music is such a bore but she has one of the best, if not the best voice in current mainstream music. Forget Adele, Goulding's voice is soft, lush and effortlessly gorgeous, she deserves to make much better music that suits it. I'd enjoy her much more. The song closest to how I'd like her to sing more often is 'Love Me Like You Do', acoustic version. 
 

 
I'll edit this with more picks once I think over it.

A while ago I decided to try drawing again. I didnt draw for 7 years anymore, beside cartoon animals for my kids. 
Till now its only fan art 
 




Ryo (m:a.ture, Joppin:cal. Ex serial number)
 

Rayji (ex ViV)
 

Kazuya Sakuragi
 
 

It was only a matter of time before I created this thread lol so here we are.
 
City Pop, also known/seen as シティーポップ (shitī poppu) online, is the name given to the fusion genre of funk/disco/jazz/easy-listening music that existed in Japan from the late 70's and well into the 80's, where it became the national soundtrack of the times, providing an urban expression to the success and wonders of the city-life. Japan at this time was thriving due to the technological advancements during the 70's that allowed Japan's economy to explode when it came to exportation of consumer electronics and more, essentially making them a conglomerate for tech in the next decade that followed, and creating what many refer to as an "economic miracle", yet to be seen again today.
 
Here are several articles I've saved over the years if you'd like to know more:
 
The Musical Almanac: Japan’s City-Pop
The Breathless Bliss of City Pop
A Dreamy Trip back to Japans Capitalist Fantasy of the 1980s
A Guide to City Pop, the Soundtrack for Japan’s Bubble-Era Generation
 
The recent return of the genre state-side (we're always late to this stuff) by a number of DJs on YouTube, SoundCloud, and even Band Camp have given City Pop a breath of new life, and the reception has been so great that studios existing back then have since remastered and re-released albums (even on vinyl) for collectors and new fans alike.
 
Edit: According to @colorful人生:
 
Very Cool!
 
While City Pop predates the surge of JPOP in the 90's and can be seen as one genre as a whole, I felt that City Pop deserved its own thread as the number of releases that spanned the 70's-80's are ENDLESS, and even today new music artists utilize/associate the music genre to their own work, so it's safe to make the distinction between the two.
 
Now I don't have a starter-pack for those looking to get into the genre, but I've listened to a major chunk of the releases online to give a great recommendations list for those curious. These releases are easily available on YouTube, are varied in musical style and year of release, and they were some of the first listens for me when I got started, so hopefully at least one of them will interest you guys.
 
(ラジ) Rajie - Heart to Heart (1977)
 
(山下 達郎)Tatsuro Yamashita - SPACY (1977)
 
(みき松原 ) Miki Matsubara - Pocket Park (1980)
 
(貴子間宮)Takako Mamiya - Love Trip (1982)
 
(パイパー) Piper - Summer Breeze (1983)
 
(知子亜蘭) Tomoko Aran - More Relax (1984)
 
(敏生角松)Toshiki Kadomatsu - After 5 Clash (1984)
 
(桃子菊池) Momoko Kikuchi - Adventure (1986)
 
(明菜中森) Akina Nakamori - Stock (1988) 
NOTE:
 
That being said, there are still many artists to check out, so here's are a few more names for you to search for in your spare time.
 
I'll come back and update this (took a couple days to put together lol) with more recommendations when I can.
 
So who else here listens to these J-Oldies?

holy heck @beni you're baaack
 
To stay on topic, interesting concept for a reverse-horror game where you play as the monster terrorizing people. Definitely picking this up for switch:
 
 

^ It's great seeing so much activity still flourishing on here  I hope everyone has been well.

^ It's great seeing so much activity still flourishing on here  I hope everyone has been well.

RESULTS!
 
On to the Results!
______________________________________________________________
 
Best Overall Artist/Band
 
Best Album
 
 
Best Single/Maxi-Single/EP
 
Best Cover Art
 
 
Best Look
 
Best Newcomer
 
Best Veteran
 
Best PV
 
Saddest Disbandment
 
Most Overhyped Band
 
Most Overhyped Release
 
Most Underhyped Band
 
Most Anticipated Release
 
Band that Changed their Sound for the Best
 
Band that Changed their Sound for the Worse
 
Band that you spent most of your money on in 2019
 
What the hell were they thinking!? Award
 
Best Revival/Returns 
 
 
Now I know what you're thinking: 2019 sucked for VK 😅.
I agree lol but thank you to those who voted this year!
 
Let's hope this new decade will be a return to form for the scene!

^ It's great seeing so much activity still flourishing on here  I hope everyone has been well.

This thread needs more love. And kyary's beautiful face. <3
 

 
Who else thought the stick man's hands were a moustache?
 

 

 
Other contribution, this whole thread of Jrock memes for your entertainment.
 
And a GIF, just because, it's true in my case.

 
(I'm sorry these aren't exactly the right memes ><)

Pretty sure this kind of thread should belong in here...
 

 
This makes me oddly satisfied and extremely relatable on a deep level... as deep as it can get. 
 
I really like "zutto/itsumo" for some reason. Probably the way its said, and just the definition of it (pretty much "always"). I'm a sap.

Interesting question. I've always wanted to be able to read and write Japanese but never really wanted to be Japanese. I am happy with my own ethnicity, even if I'm just a little, plain British girl hah. I've always wished to live in Japan though, or anywhere in Asian and not where I've always lived here. To be able to easily find and purchase their music, clothes and DVDs, go to concerts and events and look around the area makes me really jelly of everyone who lives there. But not exactly to be born Japanese, although, some TV series and movies have made me want to grow up there aha. : 3

Bumping this again in the hope more'll come in because I don't want this thread to die! More fab kyary which is more relevant to the thread and the time of year compared to my last post haha. Puns are just too good.
 

This thread needs more love. And kyary's beautiful face. <3
 

 
Who else thought the stick man's hands were a moustache?
 

 

 
Other contribution, this whole thread of Jrock memes for your entertainment.
 
And a GIF, just because, it's true in my case.

 
(I'm sorry these aren't exactly the right memes ><)

Everything madame Jun~

Everything madame Jun~

Mum is strictly into Kate Bush. Nothing else matters. She only likes a few tracks on mainstream music TV, but that's it. It's hilarious trying to show her anything else because she instantly says it's bad and doesn't give it a chance.
 
Nan is into the old classics like Elvis, her favourite. She's a lot more open to music but that's because she's way too sweet and doesn't mind listening to even Vocaloid and DEATHGAZE. Rock on, nanny~

To celebrate our little Gothic princess' return, I have dived back into her discography, and based solely on my preferences, have composed a list of what I believe to be her best songs, ranked. From the best to the very best. This list will go beyond Nana's quite minimal PV/single works, since there's so few, but won't be expanding across her projects outside of her solo works from 2002-2009 (Loveless and THE TEENAGE KISSERS). There's just too much perfection on this tiny palette as is! Covers have also been blacklisted due to it not being original, solo material.
 
Check out the 'KEYWORDS' to make your searching easier to suit your own taste. I hope you find something to enjoy of hers!
 

 

 

 
Who is Kitade Nana?
 
Kitade Nana (北出菜奈) is a Japanese rock artist. She is affiliated with BIG APPLE and signed under Sony Music Entertainment, and has even released albums in both the United States and Europe. She debuted in 2003 with the single "Kesenai Tsumi", which was used as the first ending theme to Full Metal Alchemist anime. She has followed this with many other tie ins, from the anime Jigoku Shoujo ("Tsukihana") and drama opening to anego ("Kiss or Kiss"). After the release of her debut album, she had started wearing and representing gothic lolita fashion, and started modeling for magazines such as CUTiE, and companies from BABY to her favourite brand, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT. Though her popularity began to dwindle after this time, she continues to garner a loyal fan base due to her status as a gothic lolita model.
 

 
The honorable mentions
 


 
 
赤い花 (Akai Hana) - Red Flower - B-side to Utareru Ame. A simply addictive and memorable pop tune.
刹那の絆 (Setsuna no Kizuna) - Bonds of a Moment - B-side to SUICIDES' LOVE STORY. Just as popping as Akai Hana!
悲しみのキズ (Kanashimi no Kizu) - Scars of Sadness - 7th single, was the theme song of PS2 game Fullmetal Alchemist 3: Kami wo Tsugu Shoujo. Simple yet effective.
eighteen sky - The closing, ballad track from her debut album, "18 -eighteen-". Gorgeous.
サイレン (Siren) - Image song for the Japanese releases of the Canadian cartoon series, Ruby Gloom. Released under the pseudonym of Ruby Gloom. Her best energetic number!
HOLD HEART - 4th single, and has a really old school flare. The music will get stuck in your head after only one listen.
 
The Top 10
 
10. 神様ひとつだけ (Kamisama Hitotsu dake) - My One And Only God
Key words: Dark, atmospheric, quiet verses then sudden/loud choruses, brooding, emotional
 
 
 
9. 遺留品 (Iryuuhin) - Instant
Keywords: Ballad, sentimental
 
 
 
8. 泡沫 (Utakata) - Transience
Keywords: Unique (for Kitade), build up, ambient until dramatic climax
 
 
7. Alice
Keywords: Ballad, typical Kitade but disguised as cute and sweet
 
 
 
6. 鏡の国のアリア (Kagami no kuni no aria) - Aria of the Mirror Land
Keywords: Heavy, macabre, slow yet dark build up/tension, extremely rocking and jaring/haunting vocal and musical work, unique (for Kitade)
 
 
 
5. (月華) tsukihana - Moon Flower
Keywords: Anime, theatrical, emotional, 
 
 
4. Fake
Keywords: Oldschool (pop)
 
 
 
3. SUICIDES LOVE STORY
Keywords: Emotional/dramatic, ballad
 
 
 
2. 瞬間 (Shunkan) - Moment
Keywords: Ballad
 
 
 
 
1. 消せない罪 (Kesenai Tsumi) ~Ice Cream Tenpura Ver.~ - Unerasable Sin
Keywords: Remix, heavy, 'classic', rock
 
 
 
So, have you discovered a new favourite artist? Will you be checking out her old material before she starts releasing again, or are you interested in what she'll be doing now? Feel free to add your comments and discuss! Thank you for reading~
 

To celebrate our little Gothic princess' return, I have dived back into her discography, and based solely on my preferences, have composed a list of what I believe to be her best songs, ranked. From the best to the very best. This list will go beyond Nana's quite minimal PV/single works, since there's so few, but won't be expanding across her projects outside of her solo works from 2002-2009 (Loveless and THE TEENAGE KISSERS). There's just too much perfection on this tiny palette as is! Covers have also been blacklisted due to it not being original, solo material.
 
Check out the 'KEYWORDS' to make your searching easier to suit your own taste. I hope you find something to enjoy of hers!
 

 

 

 
Who is Kitade Nana?
 
Kitade Nana (北出菜奈) is a Japanese rock artist. She is affiliated with BIG APPLE and signed under Sony Music Entertainment, and has even released albums in both the United States and Europe. She debuted in 2003 with the single "Kesenai Tsumi", which was used as the first ending theme to Full Metal Alchemist anime. She has followed this with many other tie ins, from the anime Jigoku Shoujo ("Tsukihana") and drama opening to anego ("Kiss or Kiss"). After the release of her debut album, she had started wearing and representing gothic lolita fashion, and started modeling for magazines such as CUTiE, and companies from BABY to her favourite brand, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT. Though her popularity began to dwindle after this time, she continues to garner a loyal fan base due to her status as a gothic lolita model.
 

 
The honorable mentions
 


 
 
赤い花 (Akai Hana) - Red Flower - B-side to Utareru Ame. A simply addictive and memorable pop tune.
刹那の絆 (Setsuna no Kizuna) - Bonds of a Moment - B-side to SUICIDES' LOVE STORY. Just as popping as Akai Hana!
悲しみのキズ (Kanashimi no Kizu) - Scars of Sadness - 7th single, was the theme song of PS2 game Fullmetal Alchemist 3: Kami wo Tsugu Shoujo. Simple yet effective.
eighteen sky - The closing, ballad track from her debut album, "18 -eighteen-". Gorgeous.
サイレン (Siren) - Image song for the Japanese releases of the Canadian cartoon series, Ruby Gloom. Released under the pseudonym of Ruby Gloom. Her best energetic number!
HOLD HEART - 4th single, and has a really old school flare. The music will get stuck in your head after only one listen.
 
The Top 10
 
10. 神様ひとつだけ (Kamisama Hitotsu dake) - My One And Only God
Key words: Dark, atmospheric, quiet verses then sudden/loud choruses, brooding, emotional
 
 
 
9. 遺留品 (Iryuuhin) - Instant
Keywords: Ballad, sentimental
 
 
 
8. 泡沫 (Utakata) - Transience
Keywords: Unique (for Kitade), build up, ambient until dramatic climax
 
 
7. Alice
Keywords: Ballad, typical Kitade but disguised as cute and sweet
 
 
 
6. 鏡の国のアリア (Kagami no kuni no aria) - Aria of the Mirror Land
Keywords: Heavy, macabre, slow yet dark build up/tension, extremely rocking and jaring/haunting vocal and musical work, unique (for Kitade)
 
 
 
5. (月華) tsukihana - Moon Flower
Keywords: Anime, theatrical, emotional, 
 
 
4. Fake
Keywords: Oldschool (pop)
 
 
 
3. SUICIDES LOVE STORY
Keywords: Emotional/dramatic, ballad
 
 
 
2. 瞬間 (Shunkan) - Moment
Keywords: Ballad
 
 
 
 
1. 消せない罪 (Kesenai Tsumi) ~Ice Cream Tenpura Ver.~ - Unerasable Sin
Keywords: Remix, heavy, 'classic', rock
 
 
 
So, have you discovered a new favourite artist? Will you be checking out her old material before she starts releasing again, or are you interested in what she'll be doing now? Feel free to add your comments and discuss! Thank you for reading~
 

To celebrate our little Gothic princess' return, I have dived back into her discography, and based solely on my preferences, have composed a list of what I believe to be her best songs, ranked. From the best to the very best. This list will go beyond Nana's quite minimal PV/single works, since there's so few, but won't be expanding across her projects outside of her solo works from 2002-2009 (Loveless and THE TEENAGE KISSERS). There's just too much perfection on this tiny palette as is! Covers have also been blacklisted due to it not being original, solo material.
 
Check out the 'KEYWORDS' to make your searching easier to suit your own taste. I hope you find something to enjoy of hers!
 

 

 

 
Who is Kitade Nana?
 
Kitade Nana (北出菜奈) is a Japanese rock artist. She is affiliated with BIG APPLE and signed under Sony Music Entertainment, and has even released albums in both the United States and Europe. She debuted in 2003 with the single "Kesenai Tsumi", which was used as the first ending theme to Full Metal Alchemist anime. She has followed this with many other tie ins, from the anime Jigoku Shoujo ("Tsukihana") and drama opening to anego ("Kiss or Kiss"). After the release of her debut album, she had started wearing and representing gothic lolita fashion, and started modeling for magazines such as CUTiE, and companies from BABY to her favourite brand, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT. Though her popularity began to dwindle after this time, she continues to garner a loyal fan base due to her status as a gothic lolita model.
 

 
The honorable mentions
 


 
 
赤い花 (Akai Hana) - Red Flower - B-side to Utareru Ame. A simply addictive and memorable pop tune.
刹那の絆 (Setsuna no Kizuna) - Bonds of a Moment - B-side to SUICIDES' LOVE STORY. Just as popping as Akai Hana!
悲しみのキズ (Kanashimi no Kizu) - Scars of Sadness - 7th single, was the theme song of PS2 game Fullmetal Alchemist 3: Kami wo Tsugu Shoujo. Simple yet effective.
eighteen sky - The closing, ballad track from her debut album, "18 -eighteen-". Gorgeous.
サイレン (Siren) - Image song for the Japanese releases of the Canadian cartoon series, Ruby Gloom. Released under the pseudonym of Ruby Gloom. Her best energetic number!
HOLD HEART - 4th single, and has a really old school flare. The music will get stuck in your head after only one listen.
 
The Top 10
 
10. 神様ひとつだけ (Kamisama Hitotsu dake) - My One And Only God
Key words: Dark, atmospheric, quiet verses then sudden/loud choruses, brooding, emotional
 
 
 
9. 遺留品 (Iryuuhin) - Instant
Keywords: Ballad, sentimental
 
 
 
8. 泡沫 (Utakata) - Transience
Keywords: Unique (for Kitade), build up, ambient until dramatic climax
 
 
7. Alice
Keywords: Ballad, typical Kitade but disguised as cute and sweet
 
 
 
6. 鏡の国のアリア (Kagami no kuni no aria) - Aria of the Mirror Land
Keywords: Heavy, macabre, slow yet dark build up/tension, extremely rocking and jaring/haunting vocal and musical work, unique (for Kitade)
 
 
 
5. (月華) tsukihana - Moon Flower
Keywords: Anime, theatrical, emotional, 
 
 
4. Fake
Keywords: Oldschool (pop)
 
 
 
3. SUICIDES LOVE STORY
Keywords: Emotional/dramatic, ballad
 
 
 
2. 瞬間 (Shunkan) - Moment
Keywords: Ballad
 
 
 
 
1. 消せない罪 (Kesenai Tsumi) ~Ice Cream Tenpura Ver.~ - Unerasable Sin
Keywords: Remix, heavy, 'classic', rock
 
 
 
So, have you discovered a new favourite artist? Will you be checking out her old material before she starts releasing again, or are you interested in what she'll be doing now? Feel free to add your comments and discuss! Thank you for reading~
 

Top 10 - Song Edition
If you're new to an artist, you might want some recommendations before you dive into their whole discography, and what better way to help you out on that than to present to you a handful of favourite songs from across a band/artist's whole work? You might be wanting a heads up, especially those with a hefty discography, or just a starting point to lead you to the best spot and work your way down from there. Whatever the case, here's a personal list of my favourites by Gothic rockers PLASTICZOOMS.
 
This list is ranked, so the numbers are meant as a specific order in this case. I hope this proves to be helpful for any members who are interested in trying them out, or even encourage other fans to make their own lists in response on whatever PLASTICZOOMS related they might want to also do.
PLASTICZOOMS
Vocalist Sho Asakawa, guitarist Taiyo Ikeda, bassist Jun Yokoe, drummer Yuta Kurata, and keyboardist Shinpei Morishige make up the band. Their style can be described as alternative, shoegaze rock, but they touch upon many different sounds with each release ranging from post punk to electronic. They also have just as much of a focus on their appearance as they do sound. They're well known for their Gothic appearance, and are more popular overseas than in Japan due to this and their almost Visual Kei-esque attire. They have even collaborated with fashion label Discovered, had a photo shoot exhibited by professional photographer Nao Takeda, and appeared in "The Reality Show", a magazine where they worked with photographer Nobuyoshi Akari and designer Jill Sander. Sho himself has a brand called Venus Eccentric and is a DJ. PLASTICZOOMS are a very active band that are constantly evolving as musicians. In an interview, Sho has even compared the band to a chameleon in that they change "color from time to time" with each release. While this is certainly true, as evident with their first album (Charm) being especially punk influenced while their second (Starbow) has more of a pop sound, they continue to get better and better in my eyes. 
 

10. SWAN
 
9. SAVAGE
 
8. THE MORNING SUN
 
7. Witch
 
6. WOODS UNDER THE MOOD IN THE LOOP
 
5. P A R A D E
 
4. ILLUMINATION
 
3. PINK SNOW
 
2. Cry. Distance.
 
 
1. Sleepwalker
 
 
It was difficult just picking out ten PLASTICZOOMS tracks, who admittedly don't have that big of a discography compared to most, but even so there were two specific songs that unfortunately couldn't make it in that still deserves mentions.
"MONOCHROME" really can be the only reason you need to check out their second album CRITICAL FACTOR just because of how perfect it is of an opening to the release. The messy yet grungy execution and overall dark sound makes this one an instantly repeatable tune all on its own."The Shadow" is a fine example of how the band used to sound early one, and easily my firm favourite from their early discography. It's a hauntingly beautiful yet quite simple post-rock tune compared to their recent output.
 
So, do we have any other PLASTICZOOMS lovers in the house? Anything you'd like to add, or change, or comment on? Give us your thoughts below! Also feel free to suggest other artists you might want to see be ranked like so: song wise, release wise, PV wise, you name it! I hope you enjoyed!

Anyone else already seen this? Pretty cool and fun! Their latest efforts after the album release have been pretty meh to me but this is rekindling the massive love I had for them with that album.

Warning: 18+ content. It's a fact that many Visual Novels are Eroge games, meaning they're NSFW. While there's patches for most of these that remove such scenes, and some even allowing an option to do so in its Japanese release, PLEASE REFRAIN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WHEN WANTING TO ADDRESS ANY ADULT THEMES. Purchasable Visual Novels will more than likely have cut out these scenes for sure. Fair warning ahead!
 
What's a Visual Novel?
Visual Novels usually contain voicing acting, music and anime like characters stills, and are very text heavy (some even have live-action stills/footage). Actual gameplay isn't a major feature in these. The biggest interaction is usually making choices (with an acceptation of a few unique games which we'll get to in a bit). What this means is that the player takes the position of the main character/protagonist and makes certain options for them that can change the plot's progression. This is usually two or three choices. These are known as routes (the main one being called the common route), that can lead further into the story, to a bad end or a game over. Some Visual Novels might not even have this option, and they're referred to as Kinetic Novels/Sound Novels. Visual Novels can either be short, lengthy, or extremely lengthy, being over 50+ hours (see Fate/Stay) to completely unlock/see everything it has to offer. As the name suggests, a Visual Novel has mixed media, just look at it as an anime styled book.
 

 
What's an Otome?
Take this as a genre of simulator/dating sim games (while VNs can have such a focus, not all of them do, while the majority of Otomes' main objective is being a dating simulator). This is typically aimed at a female audience, with the main goal of the plot being that the player has to develop a relationship with a man out of a variety of guys (this is known as a reverse harem), or even females if it's a same-sex game. A harem can be in Visual Novels too, but the main point of an Otome is it being about dating, therefor a dating sim. Visual Novels are usually always purchased, and can be quite expensive, but Otome games can be free of charge, 'label your own price', or purchasable at almost the same price.
 

 
Popular Otome games have been adapted, for example, there's the well known Diabolik Lovers, Amnesia, Uta no Prince-sama and Hakuōki. In the same case, did you know that Clannad, Higurashi, Little Busters! and Danganronpa were Visual Novels at first, then adapted into the anime series?
 
As already brought up, there's some Visual Novels with features more than just your typical VN. A prime example of this is Kamidori Alchemy Meister, which also has role playing mechanics when you can go to battle and do item creations. I'm currently playing this one, but I'm sure there's more examples with such elements in them too.
 

 
Got any resources then?
I recommend sakevisual as a starter if you're new to Otomes. Their short games are free to download and those which aren't have a demo available. It's where I first fell in love with this genre of gaming.
 
I love, love, love this site that updates and lists a variety of new Otome features. Easy navigation, and very friendly/helpful runners of the site. Also, check out tumblr for even easier findings of Otome information.
 
For the Boy's Love genre, check out this forum for lastest news, help and translations and links for games. 
 
Something else to note is that while these genres are typically for PC, Mac, and Android, games on other consoles can be classified as them. For example, 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (NDS), Ace Attorney (NDS/3DS) and Steins;Gate (PS3, ported) all have Visual Novel features. Feel free to bring up anything that as mechanics already spoken of on any platform.
 
So what do I have to say on them?
I love 'em, which is why I created this thread. I didn't jump on board straight away in making it due to its content, so please, as a reminder, let's keep this as clean and neat as possible, avoiding talking about or linking anything gory, disturbing and/or sexual. Feel free to give out NSFW warnings when necessary though.
 

 
My favourite Visual Novels are those done by Nitro+chiral. Their Boy's Love in particular. Sweet Pool (Boy's Love) and Saya no Uta (recommended to those with a strong stomach) are my favourite Visual Novels. They're both similar with dark and bloody content, but they're totally gripping, with some of the neatest music in any media I've ever heard. OSTs usually go over my head, but they totally nailed it to enhance the atmosphere and it really does hit you in the face (well, ears) when it's only that you're hearing while reading the text/story. I wasn't expecting Sweet Pool to be as emotional as it was, and it really left an impression on me, more so than anything else I'll list. Just go play it already!
I've played both DRAMAtical Murder and its spin-off, DMMD Reconnect, but I find the whole thing overrated which ruined it for me by the time I finished playing through them. In the same way, after finishing Togaichu No Chi, I can't understand all the fever and love over it. They were both worth while though, but nothing stood out unlike the first two I mentioned. I've started Nitro's Lamento-Beyond the Void, which is the longest game Nitro ever made and it being recently translated completely, I was so hyped for it. It's super fun and interesting as to where I've got to and hopefully it gets only better the more it gets into it.
 
I'm slowly making my way through Enzai - Falsely Accused and Ever 17. The first is another Boys Love one, and it's probably the most disturbing one yet (as least to me), so fair warning to those with a light heart. It's about a boy being.. well, falsely accused, and trying to deal with his inmates while also finding a way of being freed from prison. It's nail biting stuff and also quite old fashioned, since the art looks super outdated and mediocre music at best, but all can be forgiven for its plot. However, the NSFW content can be an understandable turn off because of how real the setting is, so fair warning again! Ever17 was made by the same people who did 999, and this is super recommended and safe for everyone. Nothing NSFW here! Check out the whole infinity series by KID in fact! It has the same mysterious and suffocating setting as 999/Virute's Last Reward. It's very well made and has a gripping story and wonderful visuals all round.
I'm really unsure in bringing this one up but I have to because it's such a stand out for all the wrong reasons; Hadaka Shitsuji. I cannot and will not recommend this to any living soul unless you want to regret everything you've ever made. It's a painfully stupid and embarrassing game, and it's truly cringe worthy and almost wants you to rip out your own eyes with what visuals it displays. Extremely NSFW, google at your own risk.
I was obsessed for a good time with Lucky Dog 1, which is about a mafia group of five dudes who are in jail. They attempt a break out one day when they all receieve a letter from their boss stating if the main character can successfully break them all out, he'll be the new boss of CR-5 (the mafia's group name). It's not that long of a game really, but it has repeat value when going through your possible suitor's routes. Rather melodramatic but cute at the same time, nothing too NSFW apart from happy love making at the end of each route. Or death if you make the wrong move... And don't get me started on the beautiful art.
 

 
With Otome games, I like playing the free ones. I have yet to get to the well known ones already listed above, but here's a few I've played and completed.
Halloween Otome is pretty fun to pass the time with. Cute guys and a cute set up. 
 

 
RE:Alistair++, done by already mentioned sakevisual is an even funner one to try out. Lovely simulator and just really pleasant all round. Also, if you manage to not take a peek at a walkthrough for both this and the Halloween Otome, it can take a while completing both, and keep in mind again these are just free games! Both are brilliantly executed.
 

 
The Second Reproduction I believe is an official game and marketed, so unlike the other two, this isn't free. It's romantic and has a great story line for a simulator, if not a bit shaky on some parts, but well worth a play through. I'd suggest going through each game in this order, it goes from good to great to awesome.

 
Also, I've only spent about half an hour on it, but Hatoful Boyfriend deserves a mention. It's bloody brilliant. Let's have a game with dog and cats characters next please.
 

 
I'm going to have to make an indie one after this now... @~@

Just seeing those two words together makes me want to drown in my own tears.

Fking 10/10, all you really need for any game ad to be a success.