Battlefield Waltz

Battlefield Waltz is an enjoyable fantasy otome visual novel.

There is a lot for otome fans to enjoy with Battlefield Waltz, particularly in its presentation and its wonderful cast of characters. While the game offers a very long Common Route, it makes up for this by offering players some wonderful growth within each love interest’s storyline.

The anticipated unexpected plot twists combined with highly appealing graphics make Battlefield Waltz a sturdy winner on the Switch. The ease of rewinding scenes and observing which game choices have been selected add to its charm, although enjoyment is marred by how hard it can be to get onto the six routes, as well as even getting a good ending in any of them. This is the sole part that didn't age so well, but hopefully RNG is kinder to the majority of players.

The otome visual novel Battlefield Waltz dances rather at the edge of the battlefield, yet largely masters the steps there. The routes are varied and fun to play, even if the pacing doesn't always work perfectly.

Rising from tragedy to become the Maiden of the Cursed Sword

Battlefield Waltz is one of Otomate’s stronger efforts. It takes a strong setting, a strong narrative, and strong characters, and makes the most of them. It’s a “safe” game that takes few risks and doesn’t really push boundaries, but it’s an enormously enjoyable and moreish page-turner. The digital equivalent of picking up a good paperback.

There’s enough lore constructed about the royal history and alliances with other kingdoms that the world feels lived in without overwhelming you with Three Kingdoms levels of complexity. Lan is genuinely a solid lead and her support from Collette, Yuriana, and Ignis is so uplifting. When you have encounters, you get a flutter because it’s both sensual AND romantic, and that’s some incredible work to hit a dude who has no interest in dating a twink at a magic school. In short, Battlefield Waltz is an absolute victory.

I would recommend Battlefield Waltz, if only for the world-building. That is where the game truly shines, but I wish they had done more in the story with the Cursed Sword. Overall, I did have fun playing the game.

The overall plot of Battlefield Waltz wasn’t amazing. Although, the romance I would say is better than 9 R.I.P., the last Otomate title I reviewed. I’m not sure if this is just how these games were back in 2014, or if Battlefield Waltz just happens to be a more basic otome. If you like otome, I’m sure you’ll get some enjoyment out of it, it truly did grow on me after I got through a few routes. It simply wouldn’t be my top choice from this developer.

Battlefield Waltz blends together love and war to create a compelling tale, supported by charming and well-written characters as well as great character design and sounds that make for an engaging experience. However, its weakness lies in its slow pace in some areas, lack of innovative gameplay, as well as a steep price tag that may intimidate some.