Hanako Games

Favorites/Thoughts on the Datables? (Both on/off routes)

#1 by Muse - Jun 24 2011

I was curious what everyone thought of the datable characters in the game. Favorites/thoughts? (Including the random little side path ones; not sure who they all are but...)

I really like them all, but I have to admit if you reject Damien, sometimes he gets pretty... crazy. XD

I think my favorite side-path guy has to be Big Steve though. (He is a minor option, right?) Not totally sure on the main ones who is my favorite, though.

:3

#2 by Schizoid - Jun 24 2011

Okay! So, my favorite route would have to be Damien's, simply because it has that love-hate relationship going on. Though, I really don't like that your stats go down when he tries to suck your soul out of you. o-< He's so manipulative and sexeh!

Meanwhile, Grabiner's path is SO interesting! It is my second-favorite of the main datable characters. I love how Sue has to find ways to deal with being married to her teacher. I was became more emotionally involved with that than Damien, oddly. I'm writing a fanfiction about what happens afterward, currently. ^^

As for the minor sub-datable characters, I DO like Big Steve. I didn't really get to see anything with Pastel besides the event you are able to get in...April? o.o; Anyways, I think that Big Steve is adorable and weird! <3 Mr Hoppity. hehe xD

#3 by perch - Jun 24 2011

For the main five paths I liked Donald the best. He was just so even and nice. Genuinely nice, but cheeky. He was a great counterpoint to the surrounding dramas of the other romances.

Otherwise my game belongs to Big Steve. He's just so adorably socially awkward, yet sweet. He really repays the kindness MS gives him by being pretty awesome, in a weird Toad way.

Grabiner was my favorite for a while, but his 'bad' ending (Divorced trophy) kind of made me raise my eyebrow a bit about his behavior in general.

#4 by Benazir - Jun 24 2011

1.Damien. He's not an ordinary guy, he's so special... I love him.
2.Grabiner's path is very interesting, but I don't love this grumbling old man.
3.Donald....Oh no! just kidding.

#5 by FantasyFan - Jun 25 2011

I absolutely love all five, but my fave is Virginia. She's so much fun. Plus she loves food, just like me.

My favorite non-romance character is probably Professor Potsam. She's so bouncy and unpredictable.

#6 by junsei7 - Jun 25 2011

While Damien and Grabiner are really interesting from a narrative and DRAMA! point of view - their stories have quite a few spots that make me go 'woah, dude, chill' - I find Donald's the most satisfying. I think it's partly because you can have a really good relationship with him regardless of dating him - even when he gets annoyed with you he doesn't just scream at you and storm off - but mainly he's open-hearted, sweet and funny, has realistic issues going on and out of the 5 main romance paths, his is the only one where I got a real sense of him actually really liking your Sue!

#7 by Elze - Jun 28 2011

Grabby.

..because I can never and will never want to date a guy like that irl. But I can in a game and it's way too much fun. I replayed the kiss scene so many times. xD The scene where he threatened my Sue freaked me out though. Just that bit, nearly made me drop him on the list.

Damien is dramatic too. Love his route. But he won't be my favorite because he's a little too extreme.

I'm glad Donald is in the game though. He may not be my favorite, but without him, the game will be severely imbalanced and I might not have enjoyed my Grabby and Damien routes as much.

#8 by Mehthelazy - Jul 6 2011

I want to date Pastel!! ;A;

But for the main paths Ellen has to be my favourite ^_^

#9 by nightingale - Jul 7 2011

Grabiner. I just love him. I like brooding men who turn out to be honourable and protective, as thos one seem to be. A man straight out of classic romance.

I only registered to say this and this only. I will not be active very much.

But in game like this there can be only one Hieronymous and I'm just hoping he can have his happily ever after ^^

#10 by lionel - Jul 7 2011

Just registered to post some in these forums. Generally I'm not a forum goer in games or communities as it's a lot of work and I don't like the non-instantaneous nature of a forum (where you got to wait for replies), but since I really loved Magical Diary, I figured why not.

I got to say loved the game you guys made, though I would have loved a few more romance-able options other than those... I'm also one of those people not too much into girl-girl relations (though Kudos for even GIVING people that option!), but if anyone I wanted to see a date-able Minnie and Jacob, heh.

My pick for my playthru was Damien, excellent job on the story with him and the writing, really caught me off-guard how well put together that story was!

#11 by Amaya Redfern - Jul 7 2011

It's a toss up between Damien and Grabby for me. Damien's path is just so classic and twisty, and Grabby's is funny as heck. Donald after that. I don't care for the girls at all. But I wish William was dateable so bad!

#12 by Muse - Jul 9 2011

I THINK Pastel and Big Steve are datable side characters, by the way. Nothing major but I think they are last minute so you're not single options.

And yeah, I would love to date Minnie. <3 So crazy and fun.

#13 by Pixelen - Jul 10 2011

Personally my favourites are Donald and then Grabiner. Don't particularly care for Damien, he's far too scary and abusive for me!

Re: :3

#14 by Yuniepie - Jul 10 2011

Schizoid:

Okay! So, my favorite route would have to be Damien's, simply because it has that love-hate relationship going on. Though, I really don't like that your stats go down when he tries to suck your soul out of you. o-< He's so manipulative and sexeh!

Meanwhile, Grabiner's path is SO interesting! It is my second-favorite of the main datable characters. I love how Sue has to find ways to deal with being married to her teacher. I was became more emotionally involved with that than Damien, oddly. I'm writing a fanfiction about what happens afterward, currently. ^^

As for the minor sub-datable characters, I DO like Big Steve. I didn't really get to see anything with Pastel besides the event you are able to get in...April? o.o; Anyways, I think that Big Steve is adorable and weird! <3 Mr Hoppity. hehe xD

A fanfiction? DO share! Are you going to upload it? I really hope you do cuz I LOVED the Damien endings- especially the walking in darkness ending. It's one of the things that irked me the most was the whole 'writing to your romantic partner over summer' ending for pretty much every one of them. Gay. Running away together is way more juicy.

Anyway my point is, don't go hoarding that fanfiction all to yourself- Especially when I'm hungry for some more Damien-loving!! So you know... pretty please share it with me? I mean, us.

Oh an my two-cents for the topic: Damien was my favourite (despite the rant)... until Donald swept me off my virtual feet. But of course I still love them both... just that Donald's the one that haunts my dreams. :3

#15 by OverlyObsessed2001 - Aug 1 2011

Well, my favorite is Donald, closely followed by Damien. Donald is just so cute! He needs some love. Damien... Well, he's a demon. An evil demon. An extremely good-looking evil demon. With serious issues. He needs someone to straighten him out.
Out of the non-dateables, I liked William. For no reason I can think of, he was just my fav.
Meanwhile, out of sheer curiosity, I was searching name-meanings.com, looking up the meaning of some of the names. Apparently, 'Damien' means 'Sweet and harmless' in Greek. Anyone else bursting out in laughter? He is anything but harmless, since he does try to suck out peoples' souls. And 'Minnie' means 'bitter' in Celtic/Gaelic. Interesting, isn't it?

#16 by Foreversh - Aug 1 2011

Grabiner is my favourite by far. His storyline was the most unique and I have to say I replayed all of his scenes over and over because they're just so cute. I have a soft spot for tsundere guys o^^o I wish the kiss scene wasn't so close up though~

Also, I'm 26, so it's a little weird with the high school guys. I would much rather date an older man because of this reason and I guess it shows in my choices for characters^^

Re: :3

#17 by emi-chan74 - Aug 1 2011

Yuniepie:

Schizoid:

Okay! So, my favorite route would have to be Damien's, simply because it has that love-hate relationship going on. Though, I really don't like that your stats go down when he tries to suck your soul out of you. o-< He's so manipulative and sexeh!

Meanwhile, Grabiner's path is SO interesting! It is my second-favorite of the main datable characters. I love how Sue has to find ways to deal with being married to her teacher. I was became more emotionally involved with that than Damien, oddly. I'm writing a fanfiction about what happens afterward, currently. ^^

As for the minor sub-datable characters, I DO like Big Steve. I didn't really get to see anything with Pastel besides the event you are able to get in...April? o.o; Anyways, I think that Big Steve is adorable and weird! <3 Mr Hoppity. hehe xD

A fanfiction? DO share! Are you going to upload it? I really hope you do cuz I LOVED the Damien endings- especially the walking in darkness ending. It's one of the things that irked me the most was the whole 'writing to your romantic partner over summer' ending for pretty much every one of them. Gay. Running away together is way more juicy.

Anyway my point is, don't go hoarding that fanfiction all to yourself- Especially when I'm hungry for some more Damien-loving!! So you know... pretty please share it with me? I mean, us.

Oh an my two-cents for the topic: Damien was my favourite (despite the rant)... until Donald swept me off my virtual feet. But of course I still love them both... just that Donald's the one that haunts my dreams. :3

I agree I want to read the fanfiction too!

I truly love Grabby tho. I know he' s weird and mean but I feel like he's the only one who talks to you. Ellen is closer to my intellectual level but the options to talking to her always make me feel like I'm stupid; Virginia I feel like there is no emotion. Donald is just too nice. I love Damien but it feels like an abusive relationship.
Whereas Grabby, although he is smarter than you and he might make you feel stupid - especially in the begginning - as your romance progress you have chances to make him look dumb and humble. Some always come, like when he apologizes when he learns Minnie leaked your secret, but other's come when you're talking to him in his room and you answer, no i've never had wine - you talk about blue snow cones - or if you go and talk to him about Minnie and Kyo he is suprised and off gaurd that you came to him. I feel like your relationship with Grabby just growns and develops so much and its amazing.

#18 by cuddlyEmo - Aug 5 2011

Big Steve! But since he's not datable I'll say Donald. I've always had a thing for pranksters, but honestly he's a bit TOO sweet.

second is Damien since he's the badboy. on the other hand he's... butter-like. he is oh-so gentleman-like, which I hate since those guys ALWAYS end up grinning smexingly evil while trying to kill you. If he'd been more knife-y, he'd be my favorite one ;)

Grabby's at the bottom, since he's... well, old. I had to force myself to play his path... even though I like the way MS scolds him in the end.

If there was a datable moody badboy, I'd go for him... You've probably figured out that I have a thing for badboys...

About the GxG romances... well, they're okay, but it's just a really friendship-like romance with Ellen and Virginia... It's not "juicy" (sry, sounds a bit perverted, I guess) enough as for my taste in GxG romances. I'm talking about the "no" kisses, romantic hugs, holding hands, "real" dates-thing...

Oh, well. Enough criticism from me. Love the game ;)

#19 by Dementia - Aug 11 2011

Damien for sure. I've always loved guys with a dark secret. One of the biggest things I love, while playing a visual novel, is making guys, who are trying to hurt you in some ways at the beginning, fall for your character. That kinda makes you feel very powerful ;DD

The game was awesome. The only things I didn't particularly enjoy were GxG romances (I guess that's just not my thing) and the lack of details about your future life at the end. It would have been nice to see if our beloved character traveled with Damien to the Otherwold and if her marriage with Grabby lasted. Something like a short clip after every romance ending. Or at least a few written words, like in Fatal Hearts. But despite all this, I still loved it!

#20 by D_A_Renoir - Aug 20 2011

Grabby FTW!!! I want that guy the moment I saw him on the trailer. I had my doubts when I saw he was not on the title screen, which had the rest of the date-able characters on it, but I cheated and checked the wiki and got him! I don't need any of the other guys XD

I wasn't impressed with Damien. He's like a walking cliche, much worse that Grabby. And his woe-is-me wangsting drama when I rejected him destroyed any chance of me liking him. And he looked like he was a negative version of my character. I don't want to date someone who could potentially be my long-lost older twin SISTER

Re: :3

#21 by Yumeshojo - Aug 20 2011

Schizoid:

I'm writing a fanfiction about what happens afterward, currently. ^^

YESSSS!!!! More Grabby love~! A Magical Diary category on FF.net has officially been approved, don't leave me alone here - go post! Everyone should go post! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA~!

*coughcough* Um, anyway...As you probably already guessed, my favorite guy was Grabiner. Playing through the demo I was like "yay, forbidden love, hot teacher, older man with attitude" but I also figured he wasn't dateable. I was pumped to fic him anyway, when I checked the wiki and was like "YES HE IS DATEABLE WHOOOOOOO!"

As for the other guys, I still liked both of them. Donald's a sweetheart and Damien was just cool to me - even with the mood swings or whatever lol.

As for the girls, I liked Virginia's spunk but got along with Ellen better, since we were both the bookish types. I haven't actually played either one of their dating routes though. They just didn't spike my interest that much, since there were three awesome guys running around, not to mention Big Steve (win, anyone? Love this guy!). I just keep playing Grabby's route over and over lol.

#22 by D_A_Renoir - Aug 22 2011

I'm really surprised to see how popular Grabby is with the players XD Look at that. He's winning the poll!

#23 by DarthSnuggles - Aug 25 2011

This is a really hard one, since it seems like every time I play the game I think "okay, THIS is my favorite."

I voted for Donald in the poll, because his romance is really sweet and fun, and is the most like what I'd want to have in real life. (He kind of reminds me of my boyfriend, so maybe I'm biased.) I mean, come on, he's super-sweet, funny, fun to be around, and refreshingly up-front about what he likes and dislikes. He's the most realistic, and I kind of felt like he was the only guy who liked you for who you are, rather than making you jump through a bunch of hoops to win his love. Even when you're married, he's cool with waiting for you, and his yearbook message of "let me know when you're free" made me go "awww!" Plus? Pirate Ship.

In terms of gameplay, though, Grabiner is definitely my favorite path. I think he's characterized really well, and the development between him and Mary Sue is actually pretty believable. He also has some of my favorite lines when you start to get into his good graces and can snark back and forth with him a bit more.

I like the challenge involved with getting and keeping his respect, and I also thought the difference in age and temperament between him and Mary Sue was handled really well. I liked that he didn't get all romantic with you, even at the end of his path, because you're sixteen and you're a student. I thought it was nice that there was the potential there for a more romantic connection, but that it's going to take time to develop. It made me excited to think about what might happen with them in the future, because even if they wind up not being a couple, they'll probably still remain friendly, and he would be a good mentor for a young witch to have.

Honestly, though, all of the romance paths have been really fun. Damien's was the first one I played through, and although it's not my favorite, it definitely got me hooked on the game. I think he's kind of creepy, and I feel bad for the Sue that gets involved with him because she's kind of got a tiger by the tail, but his storyline really appealed to the part of me that is still in junior high and loved the Vampire Diaries novels. (Coincidentally, the Damien from those books was my favorite character. )

Virginia's path is pretty lacking in drama, all things considered, but that suits her character. I kind of felt like I wanted to be able to do more for her, especially with the Jacob thing, because it seemed like most of our interactions were just her being grumpy for something that really wasn't my fault, but it all worked out in the end. It was fun being able to tease her about Balthasar.

I've only managed to get the best friend ending with Ellen so far, but I really liked all the things she gets you into, since I feel like that route gives the best feel for what it would be like to be Wildseed and not know or understand the rules of magical society. My first try wasn't smart enough to figure out the truth behind her conspiracy, but I plan on playing through again to get the kiss scene, so maybe I'll have better luck this time.

So...I guess the tl;dr version of this post is that I love all the romances, but my heart beats fastest for Donald and Grabiner.

#24 by Hoosha - Sep 1 2011

Donald! His path was a lot more light-hearted and I really like him more as a character. A realistic attention-seeking prankster, who's not as childish as he appears to be. ;o I didn't even attempt Grabby's route because he reminds me too much of Professor Snape and he's..old :S And DAmien well..he was okay.

#25 by DarthSnuggles - Sep 1 2011

Hoosha:

I didn't even attempt Grabby's route because he reminds me too much of Professor Snape and he's..old :S

As Mary Sue puts it, he's "not that old, and...not that horrible." I was a little creeped out by his route at first too, because he IS a teacher and at first he seems like he's a lot older than you, but he really grows on you, I think. (It helps that he never becomes overwhelmingly passionate about your Sue, and you don't even have to kiss him if you don't want to.)

That's just my opinion, though.

#26 by nightingale - Sep 12 2011

Grabiner is Definitely not that old, I think he must be around 30 by my reckoning and anyway, what does it matter,,, Like someone above, I am a bit older myself and I prefer older,v more mature characters.

He's..an honourable guy and once tmed is just Mary Sue's for good ^^ and thats the way i like my fairy tales^^

Replayed the game, rewatched the scenes, I styill wouldn;t go on any other path...this is the only one for my character. On that note, I am working on a Grabiner fanfiction nmyself as I also had an idea for a continuation.

I'm happy he won't be datable any more.

#27 by biscuit - Sep 14 2011

Haven't played all the endings so far, but in order of the ones I've played...

1) Donald: He's so sweet and normal! A bit of a prankster, but still sweet and drama-free. I also like how I feel my Sue gets to change his path and influence him.

2) Grabiner: I felt really strange about him even being datable... and then married him when I tried to save him! (Oops.) He's complex, but that provokes more thought for me, in terms of trying to figure out his relationship with the main character.

3) Damien: Least favorite, but still fun. He's just nuts, and even though he goes for redemption at the end of a successful romance... he's still nuts!

#28 by Caspiera - Sep 16 2011

It would have to be Grabby for me, there is something about his cold way of showing he cares is "squwee worthy" And when he actually says something nice, i cant help but squeal in my pillow...like a silly school girl xD!!

Then it would be Donald. I loved his story path, it felt realistic and innocent. It was really cute!

Side character wise it would deff. be Big Steve ( Mr. Hoppity <3) He is so socially awkward in a cute snuggly way~ I have to admit the toads have some of the funnest males, idk why but i wanna get to know Balthazar a little bit more now too xD!

#29 by wowchic97 - Oct 15 2011

My favorite is damien by far! (:

I've always loved the womanizer type in games and he was really just the classic route like that. xD Plus i think the hole love hate relationship was really great (:

Then Grabiner. His route was really different than anything i've ever really seen put into a game and i thought it was just so awesome! I was glad there was a romanceable teacher, but yeah i didn't really like him, but i thought his route was really cool.

I don't really like Donald just because he was well the prankster, but he did make a nice normalcy touch seein gas Grabiner and Damien's routes were so dramatic it was nice to go with someone who was calm and chill.

I have only managed to get the best friend ending with Virginia and i've not even tried for Ellen yet o:

Haha i just got Pastel's side route thing.. And i honestly loved it! XD I really wish she was in the game more it was just awesome. c:

I haven't gotten anything side character thing with Big steve yet so i can't really say much about him! O:
I just wish that William and Kyo were romances! <3 I always try to get Kyo to go out with me when he's fighting with Minnie, but it never works haha. xD

#30 by mnfinch1 - Nov 14 2011

BIG STEVE! I really wish there was an option for him

#31 by MuscleSpark - Nov 15 2011

As a male, I have to say that I really enjoyed Ellen's path the most, primarily due to the cuteness factor I think.
Although, Grabby's path is a close second since it was incredibly interesting, especially if you screw up and it takes a nasty turn.
Donald was alright too, dude is a total bro so it was quite good.(I admit I laughed at the JUST KISS ME ALREADY.)
Damien I found to be the least enjoyable one due to all the brooding and bishie, can't handle that stuff. (Although that twist near the end was unexpected if you weren't paying attention or it was your first path.)

Sweet Donald and Tough Grabiner

#32 by AppleJuice - Dec 1 2011

LOL.

I registered just so that I could post my thoughts on this topic. Which is kind of funny to me.

*ehem*

I'll make this quick.

Donald is like sweets, cookies, cakes and marshmallows with hot cocoa.

Hieronymous Grabiner ... well, he made me scream like little girls getting her own Ipad as birthday present.

P/S: Grabiner looks a lot younger in the picture rather than the character itself.

#33 by RyanA - Dec 2 2011

Out of the options available, I think Ellen's may have been, but for me none of them were to my liking. I was sort of expecting a shy social outcast character who turned out to be a real charmer...Just more characters and more variety, really. It's a great game and story but, moar!!

#34 by Ariko - Jan 12 2012

Professor Grabiner!

I've already posted my thoughts in a more bumped up thread/poll, but suffice to say that like some others here, I am an older player (mid 20s) and therefore the professor got my attention as he was more mature, though William is a close second, but he is not unavailable as a love interest in the game.

#35 by Oki - Jan 12 2012

I think Professor Grabiner is easily the winner of the not screwed up in the head romances. One of my favorite books has a romance featuring a woman who cut off a guys hand..then married him. Is it a surprise to you that I like Damien's story after hearing that? Ah messed up romance. I have to say though Professor Grabiner is very easy to play straight and still appreciate. You feel ...like a total bimbo the whole time during Damien's playthrough. But Prof Grabiner is a playthrough that makes the game good all on it's own!

Re: Sweet Donald and Tough Grabiner

#36 by mizumori_fumaira - Feb 24 2012

AppleJuice:

LOL.

Hieronymous Grabiner ... well, he made me scream like little girls getting her own Ipad as birthday present.

P/S: Grabiner looks a lot younger in the picture rather than the character itself.

I agree!!! Grabiner made me squealing like a silly school girl XDDD

so, i can't help myself but write a trilogy for my MC and him :DD. I've published the first part of first story, but it's still invinsible, maybe tomorrow it'll appear (check on fanfiction.net).

if you all could, please read and review it, so in the next part i wouldn't be messed up XD

#37 by Oki - Mar 20 2012

Hrm. Coming back a little later I really want to explain my preference for Damien now.

Let me put it this way, Damien is really interesting. From the way Hanako talks it seems obvious that he is not intended to be a healthy romantic partner in any way shape or form. But mere context can tell you that. Really what's awesome is what it implies.

Think of it, Damien is a user. Really bad. He is egocentric and was raised to be that way, and was using so many people his reputation proceeds him immensely. But he never did the one thing that might have actually prepared him for what he does in the game. Love someone genuinely, and then hurt them. Hell, nobody knows the truth about him and everyone distrusts him. For good reason. I'm pretty sure he never expected or even wanted to love anyone, just to be powerful.

And then the implication. He doesn't even realize he loves you until you're dying after showing how much you cared for him. Literally, if you tell him no he throws a Damien fit and runs away forever, but if you tell him yes, even if you hate him, you survive. Which means even if you hate him for it, Damien realized he loved you when he tried to kill you. Using all those people did nothing but make him more selfish, so when he finally did care about somebody it was someone he NEEDED to kill.

I think that's why I appreciate this character so much. He is so messed up. At least if you never spent so much time with him, he's gonna just be evil Damien. But in this story, you literally win him over with your sheer character. He used every trick in the book on you and yet still fell in love with you despite not being his real self at the time. Not to mention, he is so in love with you it's driving him insane. The implications for the future also interest me....oh Damien, you stalker boyfriend you. You'll probably be jealous and clingy. Awesome.

Yeah...I'm weird.

#38 by Benazir - Mar 21 2012

Oki, I feel the same way about Damien.

#39 by Oki - Mar 27 2012

For some reason I just keep playing his route over and over. The depth, argh!

#40 by Jenkouken - Apr 7 2012

Hands down Grabiner is my favorite ^_^

His character has wonderful depth. His motivations are precise, he doesn't apologize for who he is, and he has a strong character. His flaws don't seem like flaws, but facets of his character. His witty dialog with the main character is delicious ^_^ (once they're more friendly)

Gripe: I didn't care for his somewhat violent scene... like I would expect him to be extreme... his trust was shattered and he's under tremendous stress, but, I would have expected him to hit the wall next to you with a spell, rather than pin you against it violently, ya know? Felt outside of his character. But that gripe aside, loved his story.

I was really hoping for more of his story! I'm going to check out the fanfiction ^_^. Crossed my fingers that there would be a dramatic finish where the main character needed to rescue him from the Otherworld, face his fears involving Violet, have to admit his feelings for the main character in a climactic moment, meet his father, etc etc.

Going to go check out the fanfiction for some more Grabiner!


As for my least favorite romance, definitely Damien. I got my hopes up when you see the echoes of the past in the gym, that he wasn't intentionally killing you, but being controlled by a demonic half. But, it turned out he was just a sick, bastard. I loved the way Ellen and Virginia do their best (realistically) to convince you of that point - they're very good friends =p.


On the subject of the romances overall; it feels like you can decide what kind of Mary Sue (lol) you're playing based on the romance you pursue. So it's neat there's an option for however you want to go.

Loved the side characters too! Wish I could have pursued William - he looked almost as fun as Grabiner. William and Grabiner felt like the most interesting ^_^

#41 by Oki - Apr 15 2012

Yeah, I don't blame you for saying Damien, you've got to be a special type to like him. (Insane. Like me!) But at the same time, I appreciate that Hanako made him a genuinely bad person. It's original, an it gives an interesting twist to it.

I think Grabby is by far and large the one with the biggest fanbase!

#42 by BSaito - Jun 12 2012

Ellen. I like shy nerdy girls and the whole rationalist/Bayesian Conspiracy thing really won me over. That, and as a hetero male my only other real option is Virginia and she really isn't my type. Although on my first playthrough I didn't look up what the available romance routes were and aimed for Suki.

#43 by Soulbringer - Jun 12 2012

Ariko:

Professor Grabiner!

I've already posted my thoughts in a more bumped up thread/poll, but suffice to say that like some others here, I am an older player (mid 20s) and therefore the professor got my attention as he was more mature, though William is a close second, but he is not unavailable as a love interest in the game.

Somewhat agree with the thoughts above... just a bit sad that people call being in the mid 20s for older - however im pretty sure im biased considering my occupation as a teacher >.<

Donald... preffere maturity... and not trouble makers... (as you can guess the above has something to do with it)

Damien is a classic route, so not much to say about that besides that i played it with the intention of getting the classical story of love conquers all (and im actually rather happy about the near end scenes)

I am not all that into the Ellen and Virginia route, but thats mostly cause of the characters, in themselves they are enjoyable however the characters i preffer those mentioned above both for their personality and the story.

#44 by Anondyne - Jun 13 2012

I liked Donald's romance the best, simply because it can be played almost like a bromance until the very end. I'm not big on great romantic moments, or extravagant gestures. So the whole sweet, almost playful nature of Donald path felt just right for my Mary Sue. Plus the scene where he lifts you up to help with the cleaning. Totally hot.

Grabiner path is second, but only because Forced Marriage is my favourite romance trope. I think I read too many bodice rippers growing up. Without the marriage, Grabiner would have been just way too high maintenance to warrant further time.

Damien comes in last, and least. Mostly because I'm not a believer of love at first sight, and the relationship between Damien and MS is just so on/off that I cannot ever see MS having anything more than slightly irritated friendship for him. She'd never let him have her soul just after couple of dates. And there's no way that the man in the relationship is allowed to have the more fabulous hair.

Not a very romantic personality, me. Though why do I keep playing otome games, I do not know...

Didn't play neither Virginia nor Ellen. I find it difficult to romance female characters in any games. Well, not difficult. Uninteresting is perhaps the right word. Guess my hetero is showing. Sorry about that.

#45 by Wraith_Magus - Jun 14 2012

Yeah, I was about to say, seems to be just a LITTLE bit of a hetero bias in this poll. Poor Virginia...

For what it's worth, I tended to prefer the friendships to the romances... or rather, felt that they seemed more like friendships through most of the game, and then it just arbitrarily had a kiss at the end.

My first reaction to Damien was to just start outright laughing at his lines because they were so cheesy and melodramatic, and I just couldn't get into his path at all.

Donald, I didn't think I'd like at first, just for the immaturity, but I warmed up.

Grabiner, I may have just been overlaying some of my own relations with my real-life professors and teachers a little much, being as I've been a teacher's pet at least a few times in real life, so the whole romance thing just didn't appeal. I rather looked at his path as a way for the character to get approval and validation from an authority figure than anything like a romance.

That's not to say I didn't like it, I just liked the friendship path more.

I actually like Ellen's path the most, however, simply because I can most empathize with her and understand her story and situation and goals. I most want to just see a more scientifically literate Sue and her best friend Ellen working together subversively getting the magical world to believe in science without knowing it. It's just the one storyline I want to see more of more than all the others - playing with practical, scientific applications of magic is exactly up my alley, and Ellen is just fun to read her dialogue.

The romance in the path, if you go that route, is basically a sidenote, so I can't even say I like the friendship path more than the other, since they're basically the same thing except one has a kiss at the dance, and the other doesn't. If the romance were actually written out more, so that the player could actually see and believe some chemistry was going on, there, I think there would be more interest in this path. As it stands, I just think of this as a "best friends" path.

Further, it would give my character an excuse to stand in front of a golem that shoots exactly 1785 volts of electricity from its arms while shouting "FOR PHILOSOPHY!"

And then... well, poor Virginia. She's just not getting out of that Friend Zone.

#46 by Anarchy - Jun 15 2012

You should read Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality, if you haven't already. :3

#47 by Serenity_Hotaru - Jul 2 2012

My favorite is Grabiner. (Harry Potter FTW! lol) I've always had a thing for older men. And british accents, in my opinion, are always cute.

Donald is second. He's such a troublemaker and he's also extremely cute too.

Damien (manipulative b*stard) was my favorite at first because of the whole people-bully-me-I'm-innocent act. Plus, he had wings and a completely different look than the other characters. But after I played his path once, I can't stand to do it again because of the suck-out-your-soul-and-try-to-kill-you thing. And now, after playing the other characters' path, I despise Damien.

Virginia and Ellen's paths aren't my favorites. To me, they're kind of boring.

#48 by ferdielance - Jul 7 2012

Ellen's path seemed to have been written just for me. Wow. Grabiner's path was also generally excellent.

Damien's was a smart, critical take on a lot of the more eyebrow-raising routes in otome games, and Donald's is sweet. Virginia's was - well, it seemed awkward on some level, but it was nice to have someone who went for high Weird.

(but where is the Balthasar path? i love plants)

#49 by hanako - Jul 7 2012

Considering your Fungomon adventures if there were bonus Balthasar scenes I'd probably have to rope you in to help write them!

#50 by ferdielance - Jul 9 2012

I've done that kind of fungus-consulting stuff before, so in the strange event of Balthasar bonus scenes, I'd be more than happy to chip in.

In the meantime, I await Wolf Hall with bated breath!

#51 by lambentLogic - Aug 5 2012

I adore Ellen. Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality is one of my favored fan fictions for a reason.

Virginia's path made me go and salvage a character I had created purely for scientific testing of antisocial behavior, and twisted me into caring about someone. Sheesh, the nerve. I appreciated the inclusion of what seems to be an asexual romance, it's not something I've often seen done.

Donald's sweet and fun. The counterpart to his troublemaking behavior is he's always helping someone to make up for it. I enjoyed spending time with him.

Damien... there could've been something there, but unfortunately, I have had some difficulty aligning the characters who would have been eager to use his loyalty against her enemies with the path options to earn that loyalty. Perhaps if I try roleplaying as an obsessed ex-cultist or something equally bizarre.

Grabiner's path is ... interesting, but teacher/student romance is ... creepy ... I guess. Not exactly the best path for me.

I very often take Pastel's free kiss just for the halibut.

#52 by lilyofthevalley - Aug 26 2012

ok, now I've played almost all stories possible except donald 's friendship.. I clicked other, beaucause, each one is interresting in his own way

I tried first with Damien, because, he's the most obvious.. and find it quite thrilling. When it came to the big part I was taken by the story and thinking " sorry my little witch, it sounds so tricky I know I'going to regret it but.. I must know what's next".

Then both Grabby routes. I haven't got the divorce trophy, so I still have some things to discover. it was odd. Odd but funny and very original. I liked the last choice you have.

Donald: Nice but no sooo interresting than the others in my opinion, refreshing but a bit too classic for me.

Virginia: nice to go to the dance with one of your friend, but I liked a lot the not-so romantic ending she get's .. between friendship and romance, it's endearing. And I find her afro hairstyle sooo cute!

Ellen: I prefer her as a friend. She's a bit like me: science addict and not confident in herself when it come's to ask guys out. And it is so strange to have my character dating a girl like... me

outside the main: oh my, the side story with Big Steve is so adorable. I liked it when he says " mr hoppity thinks you are very forward" or something like this.. and duh! free chocolate is always a good present. plus, he seems to dance quite like I do, so yes, he's one of my favorites and not so easy to spot!
By the way, Mr Hoppity, should now turn the official mascot for the game

A little regret: a bit sad that William s not datable. Just because you know..asking the 3 siblings out, would have been awsome (And turn MS into the biggest female Don Juan of the Academy.. beware Pastel, MS will defeat you!)

#53 by ark99k - Aug 29 2012

Honestly I can't decide between Damien and Donald. Donald is funny,sweet, nice, cute and a little crazy and Damien is cute, nice,smart, and ( once you get past the part where he tries to kill you ) loyal.
I also liked Big Steve and Mr.Hoppity. So cute and awesome!
But can someone tell me why is Grabbiener so popular?! (Not to be rude or anything) Am I the only one who remembers not only is he way to old for your character, but also you were forced to marry him?

#54 by Oki - Sep 3 2012

Replayed the game again and it's still Damien. Damn you you loyal bastard!

#55 by thezooqueen - Sep 3 2012

I love Grabner and terribly love all the Grabner FanFic So much potential there! I wish that storieline could continue!

Donald would be my second fav!

Re: Favorites/Thoughts on the Datables? (Both on/off routes)

#56 by HienFan - Sep 22 2013

The only datable I dislike is Damien I dislike bad boy types who manipulate people

As for the others

I like Grabiner and I'm glad his route is not romantic until the very end and even that you can refuse if you want

Ellen is cute and I really like her story

Virginia's story is decent enough and she's likable

Donald is my favourite though, I like playful mischievous nice guys no bad boys for me

Re: Favorites/Thoughts on the Datables? (Both on/off routes)

#57 by SilverBloodIllusion - Sep 22 2013

I love all the paths! I don't really have a favorite...

I love Grabiner because he's so grumpy and Snape-like!... all the way down to the "I'm going to scare the hell out of all the students so that they won't get themselves hurt" mentality. I'm in the middle of writing a fic that was originally a Snape fic, but it works so much better for Grabiner because they end up married... I really sure put some dedicated time into writing...

While I enjoyed playing Damien's path, it did creep me out a little. If someone tried to steal my soul for power and glory I would hate that person forever and ever... The idea that he couldn't do it is kind of cute, but the fact remains that he tried...

I would totally date Donald IRL. His path had me giggling and made my heart skip. I would probably end up yelling at him for getting into trouble... or pranking me... or scaring me... but I would secretly love him all the more for it... *sigh* Donald...

Ellen's path was just priceless... especially the one involving the Conspiracy! I'm super analytical and I would totally be the person trying to combine magic and science... especially if people were telling me not to. "But why?" "How come?" "Why not?" "What if?" "But what if I did this? No? What about something else?" These questions float around my head all the time and they don't like to go unanswered.

I thought Virginia's path was probably the funniest... in a horrible sadistic laugh at your friend's pain kind of way. It did make me wonder though, what's going to happen to her if we didn't take her path and help her solve her "problem"? It's still valid even if she doesn't know it is... and since "he" doesn't remember it, and she doesn't think it means anything... And then there's the relating point on Donald's path... Well? What if they never remember? What happens then?

I love the Big Steve path, but he and I would never work IRL because I hate coffee... I can't drink it. I can't stand the smell, and I would never want to talk about it... but Mr. Hoppity... I would totally have kissed Mr. Hoppity...

I know there is that one event with Pastel, but I didn't think that were really any other mini-paths... At least, not that I found...

Potsdam is my favorite character, hands down. Followed by Donald, than Ellen.
I wish William had been datable... I wish that there had been a threesome relationship since that appears to be acceptable in the magical world (DamienXSueXWilliam all the way! So much heart break and drama!)... Probably my favorite game ever...

Re: Favorites/Thoughts on the Datables? (Both on/off routes)

#58 by Oki - Sep 24 2013

New thought, on Grabiner's route when you stand up Damien-

his comment pleases me immensely. "Someone else already got the prize. Well played."

Re: Favorites/Thoughts on the Datables? (Both on/off routes)

#59 by yinello - Oct 4 2013

My favorite is Donald. I love how you help him with his family problems and get him less into detentions. He's really sweet too!

I was a bit hesitant with Grabiner because student-teacher relationships really aren't my thing (I feel if a teacher wants to date a student or vice-versa, they should wait until the student is done with the school because otherwise there will be powerplay). Still the path was done quite excellently and I can totally understand why people fall for Grabiner.

Damien... It's not that his path is bad but every sign pointed towards 'run away'. He's not my type and honestly I wouldn't recommend anyone dating him. He's too manipulative, even after he doesn't kill you. It's too much 'crazy stalker'.

Ellen is adorable and intelligent, I just love her. If Donald didn't exist she would have been my dream match (sorry Ellen! I just love people who make me laugh).

Virginia's story is superoriginal and I liked it a lot. I was aware that asexual people don't go as deep into romance as Hollywood likes to depict, but it was definitely a new experience. I really liked how I ended up caring for her so much that I wouldnt mind even if we never went further than a kiss.

Big Steve is nice but eh. Not really my type. Mr. Hoppity is adorable though!

Pastel is sexy and I would've loved to romance her if I could. She tried to enchant me with a perfume or something and I thought that was hilarious. I really want to know what her story is, considering this perfume enchant, the fact that V says she likes to flirt with everyone, that Ellen says she would never peek when someone is undressing and that her mother is famous. She's very interesting.

I can't say I'm too surprised at the poll results (games like these sadly have the image that only young straight girls would play them). All of my friends didn't want to try this game. It was only after they happened to see me playing that they realized it's not your typical dating sim! Still with the arrival of LLTQ Hanako can change more minds!

Re: Favorites/Thoughts on the Datables? (Both on/off routes)

#60 by BesiegedOrange - Oct 11 2013

I liked Grabiner's route the most. I enjoyed seeing these two very different characters grow to respect and learn from each other; the romance was simply a bonus.

Donald's was my favorite as a romantic relationship, but I also really liked Ellen's because we got to see her more mischievous side.

Damien, on the other hand, just isn't the guy for me. I appreciate his route and what it accomplished storywise, but since I was never drawn to the brooding bad-boy type it didn't have the impact on me that it would have on someone else.

Re: Favorites/Thoughts on the Datables? (Both on/off routes)

#61 by Gamer - Nov 28 2015

Just played the game again and I have some thoughts:

1. How would Grabiner know I kissed Pastel while married to him? I know it loses a lot of points with him but he doesn't seem to treat me any different.

2. How come I don't get a response when I send Minnie, Donald and Damien romantic valentines when not on their path or having turned them down? I should at least get weird points or something.

3. Does it really make a difference who I give my plate to at the Maple Ceremony?