Summary
Otome games are dating sims with several romantic routes for the game’s protagonist, and several manhwa have capitalized on this very setting to offer readers compelling narratives. Oftentrapped as a villainessor side-character in otome games, these manhwa throw their protagonists into all sorts of grim situations, forcing them to survive within the worlds of these otome games.
Unlike their manga counterparts, manhwa often deviate from the villainess theme, in turn presenting unique stories that still make use of otome settings. Despite their somewhat limited numbers within the manhwa landscape, isekai manhwa set in otome games still manage to present a few compelling storylines that make use of this unique, dynamic setting.
2021
60
Serialization
Naver Webtoon
How to Break Up in a Romance Simulationbrings two ruthless heartbreakers together fora comedy-laden premise. The protagonist is a bonafide heartbreaker in the real world, and those she truly loves are locked behind a screen in an otome game. However, fate grants her a chance to find her true love by throwing her into the very same dating sim.
There’s a catch, however, as her ideal match is just as big of a heartbreaker. The premise is certainly novel compared to the usual villainess themes. However, the manhwa fails to capitalize on the unique setting, largely due to its roster of underdeveloped side characters, poorly written protagonists, and an overall lack of direction.
2020
141+
Kakao Page
Protagoniststransmigrating into an otome gameas the villainess is a common premise within this theme, yet competing with a real-time player is certainly a first. Elvia Violette Cecilia is the villainess of her game, though her harem of beguiling men is threatened by the game’s protagonist, Arielle.
The game’s characters being played by real players is truly a first, an element that makes the manhwa all the more dynamic. Moreover, Elvia can see the player’s notification bar and side quests. These details add a layer of complexity toI Fell into a Reverse Harem Game’s premise, though the primary characters’ unpalatable personas can be a bit of a let-down.
2024
42+
A terminally ill girl is given a second chance at life, with the opportunity to be reborn as whoever she wants. While wishing to be reborn as the protagonist of her favorite otome game, she accidentally asks for the wrong character, Raina Rubellite, the villainess of the game. While the manhwa starts off asany other villainess narrative, the story remains thoroughly unique till the very end.
With the game working against Raina, the newly transmigrated villainess is in a race against time to undo her fate. With romance, overpowered abilities, and intriguing side plots, the manhwa hits all the right notes for a compelling isekai otome narrative.
117+
The World’s Strongest are Obsessed With Me’s premise is rather unique within the otome landscape, largely due to its mix of avideo game settingwith a classic manhwa power system. In this game, the male leads are eventually corrupted with power, leading to them spiraling into complete madness. The protagonist is reincarnated as the villainess' sister, fortunately surviving the doom-ridden fate of the game. However, she still has to fend for herself in a household filled with power-hungry patriarchs.
There’s a twist, however, as Dahlia becomes the only person capable of bringing peace and tranquility to those who have become insane due to their power. This odd dynamic leads to a surprising role for Dahlia, one where she sits at the center of the game’s narrative. Isekai otome manhwa tend to feature repeating tropes and themes, thoughThe World’s Strongest are Obsessed With Mepresents a premise that stays true to its manhwa roots.
157+
As the name suggests,How to Clear a Dating Sim as a Side Characterfollows a protagonist reincarnated as a mere ancillary character in an otome game. While most otome narratives tend to focus on villainess themes, this manhwarevolves around the side characters' woesin the video game.
However, being a side character doesn’t exactly equate to an easier life, as Yewon has to survive all sorts of threats and antagonistic characters. With a new angle,How to Clear a Dating Sim as a Side Characteris a breath of fresh air within a genre largely occupied by villainess themes and romantic escapades.
2023
56+
NHN Studio
Stuck in My Sister’s Dating Simtakes on many of the otome theme’s usual tropes, albeit with some roles reversed. Instead of featuring a villainess, the protagonist is transmigrated into the body of a trouble-making villain in his sister’s favorite otome game. Despite his fate being already set in stone, Maythan tries his best to live a quaint life and finish the game without meeting his demise.
The beginning ofStuck in My Sister’s Dating Simis quite similar to the hitotome animeTrapped In a Dating Sim. However, the manhwa differentiates itself with a BL spin, as Maythan becomes the center of affection of the game’s love routes.
40+
After finishing all 200 endings of an otome game as the heroine, a girl is given the opportunity to play the game one more time. Instead of a regular playthrough, the protagonist is plunged into the game as the villainess of the game. Now playing as Claudia, theevil sister of the heroine, the protagonist has to fend for herself, all while defending her innocence in a game that works against her.
To Abandon or be Abandonedhas several layers of nuance to it, especially with Claudia’s shift in perspective after she realizes there’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to the game’s villainess. The stark difference between the heroine and villainess' true personas is another novel aspect of the manhwa, as rarely do any otome narratives paint the heroine as the primary antagonist.
162+
Villains Are Destined to Diefollows the tried-and-tested transmigration trope often found in isekai otome narratives. However, the manhwa manages to stand out with a few key elements, whether it’s the game’s grim tonality or the roster of fleshed-out characters. After trying out the hard mode of an otome game, a university student gives up on the game after realizing the sheer difficulty of completing it.
However, things soon take a turn once she finds herself in the game, and that too, as Penelope, the villainess. With the game’s roster of characters out to kill her at every corner, Penelope must survive the game and defy her doomed fate. If the premise itself isn’t captivating enough,Villains are Destined to Diedoubles down with anequally stunning art style, one that perfectly complements the manhwa’s grim subtexts.
