【Downtown × Romance】A deliberately orthodox romance simulation! The buzzworthy title "bitter smile." that brings nostalgic feelings to players is now available!

Returning to a town once left behind—it’s an event that brings a touch of bittersweetness and a hint of tension for anyone. “bitter smile.” begins with the story of the protagonist, Yuu Yazaki, who starts a new life while carrying that sense of nostalgia. What awaited him upon returning to his former hometown, Sakazuki Town, were the sights of the old train station, the chimney of the public bathhouse, and the three Todoroki sisters—his childhood friends he once had feelings for. However, the new home that was supposed to welcome him had fallen into ruin, marking a tumultuous start to his fresh beginning.

Due to unexpected trouble leaving him with nowhere to go, Yazaki ends up living on the second floor of “Senju,” the takoyaki shop run by the Todoroki family. What unfolds there is a lively daily life reminiscent of a family drama. The eldest daughter, who’s either reliable or just absent-minded; the youngest, who’s full of friendliness; and the overly caring middle sister, Sakurako. Each of them is unique, with charming qualities that naturally bring a smile to your face in the course of their conversations. Life with them, while peaceful, is never short of small commotions—truly living up to the name of a “chaotic romantic comedy” with one twist after another.

Of course, it’s not just the childhood friends who appear. The story becomes more and more lively with the addition of unique classmates, including an openly hostile rich girl, a transfer student with a mysterious background, a self-proclaimed poster girl, and a self-styled gentleman. Through interactions with these colorful characters, the story carefully depicts how the protagonist gradually adjusts to life in the new town. Everyday trivial events give rise to drama, and the relationships among the characters slowly change—this warm atmosphere is what creates the comfort of the story.

The game system itself is very simple, following the classic style of choice-based adventure games. By choosing destinations linked to each heroine, the story branches off. Without relying on complex systems or tricky mechanics, “bitter smile.” allows players to purely enjoy the characters’ stories—that’s one of its biggest appeals. Changing routes reveals new sides and unexpected truths, with various touches that make you want to play again and again.

True to its title, “bitter smile.” is by no means a purely sweet love story. It portrays a realistic youth story, tinged with a faint bitterness. Faint feelings of love, lingering regrets from the past, and new encounters—all intertwine exquisitely to gently stir the player’s heart. The uniquely heartfelt atmosphere of a downtown neighborhood and the nostalgic scenery gently envelop the entire story, warming the reader’s heart more with every turn of the page.