Over a decade has passed since Hakuoki SSL: Sweet School Life first launched on the Vita in Japan. The original Hakuoki series has seen numerous iterations across various platforms, including PSP, DS, mobile, PS3, Vita, 3DS, PS4, and Switch. Now, Hakuoki SSL arrives as a “feel-good” otome game, primarily aimed at long-time fans of the franchise.
Hakuo Academy, formerly an all-boys institution, became co-ed just as Chizuru was set to begin high school, a decision made by Principal Isami Kondo. This sudden change means Chizuru is currently the sole female student. Despite this, she adapts well to her new environment, aided by her childhood friend and neighbor Heisuke Toudou and friend Soji Okita, who also attend. Challenges arise, such as upperclassman Kazama Chikage declaring her his future bride, but Chizuru remains determined to enjoy her first year and succeed.
Primarily, Hakuoki SSL functions as a visual novel, similar to the original series, where players follow Chizuru’s daily life at Hakuo. It incorporates some interactive features, such as responding to text messages from potential love interests and other characters. Additionally, minigames are included, testing either knowledge of the original series or player reflexes. Overall, the experience is a standard visual novel, but with a key difference: the Shinsengumi members are depicted as ordinary humans leading peaceful lives, rather than supernatural Furies. As this title predates later Hakuoki rereleases, it does not include newer romance options like Shinpachi Nagakura, Keisuke Sanan, Susumu Yamazaki, Hachiro Iba, Ryouma Sakamoto, and Kazue Souma. (Yamazaki has a minor route, but not a full one.) The available love interests are Chikage Kazama, Hajime Saito, Heisuke Todo, Sanosuke Harada, Soji Okita, and Toshizou Hijikata.
While the release of Hakuoki SSL: Sweet School Life is welcome, certain aspects of this version might cause disappointment. The minigames, for instance, are mandatory and influence progression. Achieving the best endings with characters often appears to require perfect performance in these minigames. Failing tasks, such as delivering Valentine’s chocolates, can be frustrating.
