Idea Factory is a Tokyo based company that has found a lot of success with its numerous game releases, all of which have amassed a very large following around the world. The most notable franchise of the Idea Factory catalog is the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, which has made its mark on the anime gaming world by taking bits and pieces from other popular titles, throwing in some very quirky humor along with fun loving characters. With plenty of other solid entries such as the otome fan favorites Hakuoki or Amnesia: Memories, Idea Factory always has the right ideas up their sleeve.
10. Trillion: God of Destruction
- System/Platform: Windows, PlayStation Vita
- Publisher: Idea Factory
- Developer: Idea Factory | Compile Heart
- Release Date: July 23, 2015 [Vita] | November 7, 2016 [Windows]
Trillion: God of Destruction is an RPG released back in 2013 for the PlayStation Vita that incorporates strategic elements along with dating sim features for a unique experience. You progress through the game by raising and bonding with six female demon lords, all of which come with their own unique characteristics. As you venture through the game, you come to understand each of their powers and when they’ll become of use in battles. This variety in gameplay is a true selling point of this title.
The more you train these demon lords, the more likely that you'll have an easier time dealing with Trillion, the game's antagonist. Depending on the actions you take throughout the game, the storyline is affected which can lead to several different endings. With some roguelike battle sequences thrown into the mix, Trillion: God of Destruction is a game that's fresh in terms of its approach to gameplay, but daring enough to pique your interest and challenge you along the way.
9. MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death
- System/Platform: PlayStation Vita
- Publisher: Idea Factory
- Developer: Compile Heart
- Release Date: December 17, 2015
It can be quite a demanding task to sift through the entire gaming library that's currently out there, in hopes to find a game that piques your interest. Not many have heard of this game but MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death otherwise known as Death Under the Labyrinth in Japan is a dungeon crawler RPG that Idea Factory released for the PlayStation Vita. You star as Estra, a young warrior who must overcome the challenging dungeons to save the world from eternal darkness, by ridding of evil enemies.
Solid dungeon crawlers are hard to come by these days, especially on a handheld. With PC taking off in a big way with the likes of steam opening a new gateway for companies to deliver their products, many gamers have instead chosen the path of the home console than taking their games on the go. MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death may not be at the high end of the dungeon crawler category, but it's certainly a game that deserves credit for trying to revive the genre and encouraging players to go out and try something new. While the gameplay is surely similar in regards to other titles of the same category, MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death is satisfying in its own way and doesn't try to embellish things or coax you into taking part in specific scenarios.
8. Aedis Eclipse: Generation of Chaos
- System/Platform: PlayStation Portable
- Publisher: Idea Factory | Nippon Ichi Software
- Developer: Idea Factory
- Release Date: May 25, 2006
Sony had a field day with their PSP handheld, as it went on to become a success worldwide and brought us a large library of unforgettable classics. With success comes some challenges and Sony had to deal with some legal setbacks along the way, but that didn't stop the games from coming out non stop. One game in particular was Aedis Eclipse: Generation of Chaos, which was a turn based strategy fantasy title, something the PSP saw a lot of.
What made Aedis Eclipse stand out from the pack was its unique gameplay, where players would move one of 40 commanders across three distinctive worlds, working your way through hordes of intimidating enemies and eliminating them from the battlefield. Much of the movement resembles that of playing a board game, with different factions switching between turns in hopes to capture important buildings, or to interact and combat the enemy. Think of it like Risk where you need to overtake the enemy and conquer the land by taking over pivotal points on the field, but now with an anime style tied to it all.
7. Collar x Malice
- System/Platform: PlayStation Vita
- Publisher: Idea Factory
- Developer: Otomate
- Release Date: August 8, 2016[JP] | 2017 [NA]
Collar x Malice is an otome title from Idea Factory and Otomate, that's slated to see a western release later this year. The story is about an organization named Adonis, who are responsible for several gruesome murders and are trying to recreate Japan in their own sadistic fashion. They act on their own, taking out criminals who pose a risk to society and can't be apprehended by police. Hoshino Ichika is a young policewoman who's now caught up in the mix and has had a collar placed on her neck by Adonis, who tells her she will die if she doesn't abide by the rules. Fortunately a young detective named Yanagi Aiji saves her from torment by preventing the poison from killing her and now the two must work together to put an end to this vigilante group before it's too late.
While the premise doesn't sound like an otome game, you have to remember that not every otome title revolves solely around finding love at the very beginning. This game combines more than just romance but a deep story that creates a very dark tone, and you'll need to put the pieces together in order to solve the case. There's certainly a strong connection between both main protagonists, but you get so caught up in the plot that often times you forget their romantic interests and just want to stop this sadistic group from causing more harm than they should.
6. Sweet Fuse: At Your Side
- System/Platform: PlayStation Portable
- Publisher: Idea Factory | Aksys Games
- Developer: Idea Factory | Comcept
- Release Date: June 14, 2012 [JP] | August 27, 2013 [NA]
Sweet Fuse: At Your Side takes everything you enjoy from various genres such as action and suspense, throws you into a whirlwind of affairs, while offering you a unique experience you can only find in this game. Saki and her uncle had a long term vision of opening up an amusement park for all to enjoy, but that all came to a halt when a mysterious villain appears out of the blue wearing a pig costume, and decides to take everyone hostage. This mysterious individual threatens to destroy the amusement park if needs aren't met. So now in order to save the park and those around you, 6 men will come to your aid and you'll have to work with them to ensure peace is restored.
Sweet Fuse: At Your Side always makes sure that you're constantly engaged at all times even when things get a little weary. The plot isn't anything revolutionary but you certainly feel connected to everything happening, and strive to ensure that Saki not only finds some form of love, but also that the amusement park isn't destroyed. It's a nice mixture of action and romance that coexist nicely and provide you with an experience that touches your heart. Saki is one of those characters who at first seems cold and off putting, but as you start building relationships with each of the 6 men destined to help you, more of her soft side starts to show and it creates a nice balance.
5. Code: Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth ~
- System/Platform: PlayStation Vita
- Publisher: Idea Factory | Aksys Games
- Developer: Otomate
- Release Date: October 20, 2015
Code: Realize~Guardian of Rebirth revolves around historical references along with a touching love story that resembles that of a classic Japanese drama series. You're a young girl who’s been through quite a lot, all because of a mysterious power that melts anyone who touches her. Wanting to avoid all social interaction, she decides to live in isolation for 2 years, but that all changed immediately when a young man notices her and comes to her aid. While the two build rapport early on, they must now face the harsh reality that's erupted in front of them, as corrupt politics have created civil unrest and now they must work together to patch up the problem before it escalates.
One of the major selling points of Code: Realize~Guardian of Rebirth is that it incorporates a lot of mystery along with historical characters that truly add more depth to the story. You'll bump into the likes of Sherlock Holmes for example along the way, with other notable figures making their appearance as well. The plot is satisfying and truly stimulating as you're always greeted with something fresh at every turn, while building romantic bonds with these handsome men as you try to find solutions to save the town from escalating violence. Nothing is ever too exaggerated or under developed, it fits snuggly between the two to create a genuine balance of love and hardships.
4. Norn9: Var Commons
- System/Platform: PlayStation Vita
- Publisher: Idea Factory | Aksys Games
- Developer: Otomate
- Release Date: December 11, 2014 [JP] | November 3, 2015 [NA]
Norn9: Var Commons starts off by selecting a female character and depending on who you choose, the selection of boys will be different but is only limited to 3. Despite the option to only choose from 3 characters, each of them have their own respective stories that's not only intriguing but also very distinct. You'll feel urged at times to replay through the game again just to see the different outcomes of each guy, while also learning a little bit more about them as you play along.
The voice acting and dialogue are definitely great selling points of the title, as it lures you in gently and doesn't feel forced in any way. It's a lot like going on a date with several guys and just trying to find the one that clicks with you best. The benefit here is that no one is truly rejected and so even if you finish the game with one of the male characters, you can simply choose another girl from the beginning and start a fresh adventure with a new batch of men. Norn9: Var Commons places a lot of emphasis on strong character development and that's what makes the game pleasing because nothing ever feels stale, and you'll always be on the hunt wanting to know more.
3. Amnesia: Memories
New patch for Amnesia: Memories Steam! The screen flickering bug that occurs during dialogue scenes has been fixed~ pic.twitter.com/Zfv9nB1jYU
— Idea Factory Intl (@IdeaFactoryIntl) October 2, 2015
- System/Platform: PlayStation Vita, Windows
- Publisher: Idea Factory International
- Developer: Idea Factory
- Release Date: December 19, 2013
Amnesia: Memories is a fantastic otome title that places much of its focus on trying to drive home the notion that while you may lose your memories, you can never lose the feeling of love. You're a young girl who has succumbed to amnesia and now must rely on Orion, a creature who acts as your inner voice and narrator, to get you through tough times and recover your memories. Oricon provides you with assistance along the way and informs you that he can't return to his own world until he helps you to restore everything. So now, you'll need to communicate with other characters in the game to guide you towards the answers, while also finding love along the way.
Amnesia: Memories provides you with a heartwarming story while throwing in some humor to keep things refreshing. It's nothing new with regards to the otome category, but it does have a very charming feel to it that really makes it more alluring. As you desperately try to restore your memories by interacting with good looking guys, each of them has their own genuine story that really stimulates you and encourages more interaction. The more you engage with them, the more they express themselves and that in itself is a worthwhile experience. The game allows for freedom but informs you in a way that to truly get the best out of it all, you'd need to play through it numerous times to see each ending.
Happy Birthday to Ukyo, our favorite mysterious green-haired bishounen, from Amnesia: Memories! #amnesia #otome pic.twitter.com/k5ppp33iIQ
— Idea Factory Intl (@IdeaFactoryIntl) March 3, 2016
2. Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom
- System/Platform: PlayStation Portable
- Publisher: Aksys Games
- Developer: Idea Factory
- Release Date: February 14, 2012
Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom is a very popular otome game by Idea Factory that stars Chizuru, a young girl who’s on a frantic search for her missing father, but finds herself in life or death situation when a group of men try to kill her. Out of nowhere, the Shinsengumi come to her rescue and eventually learn that the two are both on the same mission to discover her father’s whereabouts. The Shinsengumi now must protect Chizuru at all costs, while they work together to bring peace back to Japan before it’s too late.
Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom is just one of the many releases that the series has seen, but it manages to stand out more because of how climactic the series is. Every time you run into someone new or embark on a new romantic endeavor, there’s always something fresh and invigorating while leaving a trace of mystery to keep you digging for more. Hakuoki is a lot like trying to dig for treasure because it’s an adventure you don’t want to give up on, knowing that once you find the key and eventually the one you love, the game feels magical and truly riveting.
1. Hyperdimension Neptunia
- System/Platform: Multi Platform
- Publisher: Idea Factory International | Compile Heart
- Developer: Idea Factory | Compile Heart
- Release Date: August 19, 2010
The Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise is perhaps Idea Factory’s most popular and noteworthy because it takes all of the great points from other popular RPG titles, pokes fun at them, and creates a very entertaining experience. It's unique in that sense because despite following the RPG blueprint that many of us are now accustomed to, Hyperdimension Neptunia carves its own path by allowing its random humor and distinct gameplay features to grab your attention and keep you glued to all of the action. There have been so many releases for this series that it's hard to pick out just one, so for the sake of this section we’ll touch base on everything while pointing out some of the more notable titles.
One title that comes to mind is Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed which is a spin off of the original series, but combines a hack and slash play style with action role playing elements to create a very thrilling experience. Hyperdimension Neptunia always makes fun of the game industry by naming its main planet after it, by combining the two words together (Gamindustri). It's this type of wittiness that makes the series such an enjoyable one, because all the characters are a direct reflection of the industry as well and play a major role in the progression on each story.
Final Thoughts
Much like their name indicates, Idea Factory certainly have a lot up their sleeve, and will do what they can to appease their fans. With an already solid portfolio of titles to their name, all of which have had some success, we are eagerly looking forward to what the folks at Idea Factory have in store for us. What are some of your favorite titles from Idea Factory? Let us know in the comments section, and be sure to follow us on social media as well and share our articles with friends to keep the community buzzing!
As always, if you want to know about all the latest buzz straight from the bee’s nest in Japan, be sure to keep it locked here at Honey’s Anime.