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Hakuoki (iOS) Review

By: Omar (@neo_graphyte)

• Hakuoki 
  
• Developer - Idea Factory
  
• Publisher - Goczus, Inc.
  
• iOS, Android (other versions also on PS3, 3DS, and PSP)
  
• Rating - 12+
  

Do you ever fantasize about bishounen hunks? Are said hunks historical samurai from the turn of the century? Do you dream of living with them until they give up their most intimate secrets and confess their love to you? Are some of them vampire-like half demons? 

Well, you have very specific fantasies. Fortunately, Hakuoki also has those fantasies covered. 

For a general run down of the various versions of Hakuoki, as well as the otome genre in general, check out our separate primer. 

Set in the ever popular Bakumatsu period of Japan history, Hakuoki follows the exploits of a young woman (that’s you) as she becomes wrapped up with the notorious Shinsengumi, a military police force formed of a band of elite swordsmen. It’s a period of turmoil, as various clans, factions, and political philosophies struggle for power during the forced end of Japan’s isolationist foreign policy. It’s a promising setting that’s integral to the story, with several historical events acting as the through-line for the plot.

There’s a secondary plot that revolves around your missing father, a mysterious medicine, and small group of interlopers that ties your character to the plot, but for the most part the politics of the era and the conflicts springing from the revolutionary air take the fore. This secondary plot mostly serve to add fantastical flavor to the fiction, and justify your character’s part in the plot. 

In fact, there are several moments, especially in the first half of the story, that it becomes obvious that this element is basically all that justifies the presence of someone who essentially has no business being around the Shinsengumi, nor has much influence on them. It’s part historical tourism, part self insert fiction that aims for a romantic tone in both senses of the word. That’s more a consequence of the genre and the need for multiple routes, however. I’ve definitely seen others that handle it a lot less elegantly.

The writing itself feels well paced and constructed with a strong sense of intent. There are areas that feel as if they could stand to have less of your character’s inner dialogue, and a few phrases that creep close to overuse, there’s overall a sense of economy to the writing. Scenes get wrapped up in politics and historical context, but the script knows when to step in and excuse you from details that aren’t immediately relevant. (An encyclopedia keeps a handy collection of relevant terms able to be referenced at any time). 

While it’s easy to get lost in the myriad of names, factions, and events, the characters keep the story grounded. The main cast of the Shinsengumi have strong, identifiable personalities, and even side characters are definable at a glance. Admittedly, your familiarity with each of them will be dependent to a degree on what route you take, so it is possible that a couple of them will fade into the background over time. 

Each of these characters is complemented by fully voiced dialogue (down to the most minor characters), as well as some gorgeous background and character art. Both the art and the voice acting is expressive, with texture and character that make it stand out. (Your character is left unvoiced, as she’s a stand in for you, but she feels independent enough that this omission leaves moments feeling a bit lacking). I’m told that the translations are excellent as well, but without actually knowing the language that’s not something I can confirm. Still, the fact that the translators were able to take what is story deeply rooted in Japanese historical context and culture and communicate that with its nuance intact is commendable. 

The romance elements themselves are rather tame. Chaste even. It’s a romance that blossoms simply by virtue of you being the only woman there, a grounding point in a whirlwind of chaos. The friendships and relationships that you develop throughout the story provide more emotional feedback, with actual acknowledgement of romance acting as an endpoint, rather than the start of something. I took only a singular ending, however, so its possible that there are others that provide a bit more of a payoff, but structurally it doesn’t seem likely. Sure, you get the guy, and for a moment you might even smile at the new intimacy between the characters, but there’s sadly nothing beyond that. You never get to see the romance truly blossom.

Anticlimax aside, the story does provide a substantial tale to work through, and several alternate possibilities to explore. There’s a certain love for historical drama that you’ll need to fully enjoy it, and a desire to dig a bit deeper to get the most of it, but happily Hakuoki does lend itself to that approach. It’s a beautifully produced story that works well for both newcomers and fans of the genre. I’d give the caveat that it is best approached with patience, as it is dense in both text and history, not something that lends itself well to being passively engaged with. There’s a certain amount of emotional buy-in required to engage it, and a willingness to work with the genre conventions. For those willing to do that, there are rebels and bishounen samurai abound to conquer.