【Loveplus】A Legendary Game Said to Have Advanced the Evolution of Dating Sims! Its Groundbreaking System That Brought Realistic Communication with Characters—Now the Norm—Made Headlines! Loveplus!

In most dating sims, the goal is to confess your love and become a couple. But Loveplus+ pleasantly overturns that norm. Rather, the confession is just the starting line. The essence of this game lies in what kind of days you spend together after you officially become a couple. By utilizing the DS’s clock function synchronized with real time, you go through the seasons and spend each day with her. In summer, you go to festivals in yukata; in winter, you relax together under a kotatsu. Especially during summer vacation, there's even an added overnight trip event to Atami, making it feel less like a virtual date and more like experiencing “a summer memory.”

The appeal of Loveplus+ lies in the fact that the girl isn’t just sweet to you in the game. If the player neglects her for a while, she can get grumpy or sulky. It’s uncannily realistic—enough to make you think, “Oh yeah, I did promise her that,” and reflect on it. If you let your guard down just because it’s a game, the relationship can become awkward—this kind of realistic “relationship hassle” is portrayed with great care. But it’s exactly this hassle that makes you value the time you spend together even more.

Another interesting feature is a scene where you use the DS microphone to actually say words of love to her. You may think, “I can’t believe I’m doing this in a game......,” but when you try it, there’s an odd, spine-tingling mix of embarrassment and nervousness. It takes some courage to play in public, but that very thrill is what makes players take it seriously. When you hear her reply, you might find yourself grinning uncontrollably. This experience of “actually speaking out loud,” which goes beyond the boundaries of dating sims, adds a deeper level of immersion.

Another feature not to be missed is the “Local Loveplus” aspect that varies by region. By accessing DS Stations, you can collect region-specific characters and even trade them—a clever gimmick that appeals to collectors. These out-of-the-ordinary events are part of what keeps Loveplus+ from being just another dating sim. For players of the previous game, there are bonuses for carrying over saved data, making sure their past efforts are rewarded. It’s full of thoughtfulness—welcoming for newcomers while adding depth for long-time players.

“Loveplus+” is a special work that lets you experience emotional exchanges akin to real human relationships—something that transcends the category of games. Its unusual style of starting “after you start dating,” and focusing on the story that follows, may be one reason why it has continued to be loved for so long.