Sensei! I Like You So Much!: A Fandom Fantasy or a Fanfic Fiasco?

Crafting your ultimate OTP while dodging translation traps

Launch Day Larry

In the world of “Sensei! I Like You So Much!”, players are invited to dive headfirst into the vibrant and chaotic universe of fandom culture. This early access game promises a unique blend of management simulation and fanfiction creation, all wrapped up in a charming art style that screams “fangirl/boy heaven.” But does it deliver on its ambitious premise, or does it get lost in translation? Let’s find out.

Gameplay: A Fandom Playground with a Few Potholes

“Sensei! I Like You So Much!” offers a tantalizing glimpse into the life of a fandom enthusiast, complete with character customization, fanwork creation, and community engagement. The core gameplay loop is simple yet addictive, capturing the essence of online fandom spaces. Players can customize characters, create ships, and even decorate rooms and merchandise, making it a dream come true for fanfiction aficionados.

However, the game is not without its quirks. The mechanics, while creative, feel incomplete and occasionally frustrating. Bugs and glitches are as common as plot holes in a rushed fanfic, often requiring game restarts. The character creation process, though a highlight, is finicky, with limited options and a tendency to lose progress faster than you can say “OTP.” The fanfiction writing mechanic, a central feature, is marred by poor English translation, leading to incoherent and repetitive narratives that make achieving the correct endings a Herculean task.

Cultural accessibility is another hurdle, as the game’s focus on fandom culture might leave newcomers feeling like they’re at a convention without a cosplay. The storytelling aspect, crucial for a visual novel, is hindered by awkward dialogue and translation issues, making it a challenge to fully immerse oneself in the narrative.

Graphics: A Visual Treat with a Side of Glitches

Visually, “Sensei! I Like You So Much!” is a feast for the eyes, with an art style that perfectly aligns with its fandom theme. The character designs and illustrations are appreciated by players, offering a level of detail that enhances the overall experience. The ability to decorate rooms, bags, and PCs with stickers adds a personal touch, allowing players to express their creativity.

Yet, the game is not without its graphical hiccups. Bugs abound, from characters appearing duplicated to icons with improperly layered elements. The room decorating feature, while charming, is buggy, with objects sometimes disappearing or becoming immovable. Text issues, such as words splitting between lines, further disrupt the visual consistency, suggesting a need for UI improvements.

Localization problems also plague the visual presentation, with random line breaks and incorrect pronouns affecting the text’s flow. These issues, while not game-breaking, detract from the overall polish and immersion.

Story: A Love Letter to Fandom with a Few Typos

The narrative of “Sensei! I Like You So Much!” is a charming exploration of fandom culture, allowing players to create and explore different character dynamics and storylines. The characters are well-developed and capture various aspects of fandom culture, resonating with players who enjoy shipping and self-shipping. The game offers a unique blend of reality-based storylines and creative freedom, inspiring players to revisit their passion for writing fanfiction.

However, the story is not without its pitfalls. Grammatical issues and translation errors can disrupt the narrative flow, making it difficult to fully engage with the story. Some story elements, such as a witch story involving a child version of a character, have raised concerns among players. The game does provide options to filter out certain subjects, but the presence of non-consensual and problematic plots might be off-putting to some.

Despite these challenges, the game is praised for its versatility in character customization and the ability to create and engage with fanfiction-like narratives. Players appreciate the visual novel elements and the character-driven story, finding it easy to become emotionally invested in the characters.

Final Verdict

“Sensei! I Like You So Much!” is a game with a promising concept and a niche appeal, offering a unique experience for fans of fanfiction and fandom culture. While the art style and character customization are highlights, the game is currently held back by translation issues, bugs, and incomplete mechanics. As it continues to develop, there’s hope for improvements that will allow it to fully realize its potential.

For now, “Sensei! I Like You So Much!” is a delightful yet flawed experience, best enjoyed by those who can overlook its quirks and appreciate its charm. With future updates, it could become a must-play for fandom enthusiasts.

Score: 6.5/10