Today marks the release date for Replay Boys, a game that’s all about unraveling the eerie mysteries lurking within. It takes the classic otome game vibes and throws them into a twisted world filled with horror and suspense.
The scene opens with an unsettling sight—emergency vehicles lining up outside an arena. As you read your friend’s odd text messages, a strange darkness starts to invade your vision. Before you know it, you’re living the same day over again.
In this intriguing storyline, you step into the shoes of Hannah, a video editor working for a small record label. Everyone at work has called in sick, and suddenly you’re responsible for managing the chaotic members of the Replay Boys. The tasks seem straightforward: get them to the concert, ensure sound check runs smoothly, and manage their meltdowns. However, behind this seemingly typical visual novel setup lies a darker, more sinister theme.
Replay Boys requires you to replay the same day multiple times to uncover its darker secrets. As you relive the day, you’ll encounter ghosts, clash with brainwashed fans, and even confront a dangerous cult. Alongside these supernatural challenges, you’ll also face more ordinary threats like kidnapping and firearms-related crimes. The day repeats itself for reasons unknown, marking a pivotal moment in the game’s narrative.
In a conversation with Bell, the game’s writer, she explained how the story evolved naturally. “I love crafting games that make players question their senses,” she shared. “Visual novels, in particular, have a unique way of playing with your mind, creating an eerie atmosphere that relies heavily on your imagination.”
By blending visual novel and horror elements, Replay Boys offers a fresh take on how repetition is used within these genres. Typically, visual novels have sections that remain static across different routes, requiring replaying to see the story branch out. Here, though, the repetitive nature becomes part of a mysterious time loop integral to the story. Similarly, horror narratives often lull you into a false sense of security, only to twist those expectations into something petrifying.
The first day in Replay Boys unfolds like any other visual novel, leading you to anticipate a certain type of story. However, it ends abruptly, and when the day restarts, it seems as if nothing has changed. But with each loop, moments speed up, and creepier factors begin to surface. Strange noises might come from your phone, or you might gain access to a dark room previously out of reach. The more loops you complete, the more the original story warps into a surreal and fantastical experience.
Although Replay Boys subverts expectations with its plot, Bell ensured it stays true to its roots as an otome dating sim. “I wanted each band member to feel vibrant and authentic, allowing players to form unique relationships with them. By the end, players should feel they’ve genuinely earned the trust of the character they pursue.”
This Valentine’s Day, dive into the romantic yet spooky world of Replay Boys with its quirky boy band duo. The game is available today on Xbox One, Series X|S, as well as the Xbox app on PC.
Replay Boys stands out as a visual novel with multiple endings tailored by your choices—whether you go for the romantic or platonic routes. The game is packed with lively characters and vibrant scenes of romance and chaos, woven together with an gripping pace. As Hannah, stepping in when the band’s manager gets sick right before their big concert, it’s up to you to mediate band disputes, uncover their fears, cope with fan antics, face a cult, and navigate time loops. Make your choices wisely—each decision shapes the outcome!
