Otome visual novel The Charming Empire coming to Switch

D3 Publisher will release otome visual novel The Charming Empire, known as Teikoku Kaleido: Banka no Kakumei in Japan, for Switch via the Nintendo eShop, the company announced. A release date was not announced.

The Charming Empire was previously released for iOS, Android, PS Vita, and PC. The PC version, which is available on Steam, is currently the only available English version of the game.

Here is an overview of the visual novel, via its Steam page:

■ Notes

• This game’s story is the same as the The Charming Empire smartphone application.
• Includes all of the main scenarios released as paid content. (Puzzle games are not included.)
• Features full voice acting, but the main character (heroine) has no voice.

■ What is The Charming Empire?

The Charming Empire is a dating simulation game set in the Taisho Roman era of Japanese history.

Each scenario is fully voiced, featuring the work of voice actors such as: Tetsuya Kakihara, Toshiki Masuda, Takuya Eguchi, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, Kenjiro Tsuda and more.

Teikoku Kaleido’s detailed and gorgeous artwork is illustrated by Mitsuya Fuji, who currently creates artwork for other mobile games and CDs.

■ Story

Our heroine, Amane Kosaka, was living a simple yet happy life in the countryside until one day she was suddenly taken away to live in the empire, summoned by her brother Soshi Amazaki — the current ruler. Though she was unaware of the underlying circumstances, she finds herself brought to this lively and palpable central city.

Living in the immaculate royal palace, our heroine comes to learn that the empire might not be as joyful as it seems. Her brother is no longer the gentle man she once knew… A corrupt organization secretly runs things behind the scenes… The heroine’s fate guides her down the path of love.

■ Characters

Toki Tanba (voiced by Tetsuya Kakihara)

The flirtatious cafe owner.

Toki owns a cafe in the city that serves tea and various confections. He is particularly kind to women and loved by all of his customers. But behind that kind smile, however…

“Sorry for the wait. This here is the pride of the cafe, our signature baumkuchen.”

Kei Yoshimine (voiced by Toshiki Masuda)

The captive former prince.

Kei is the heroine’s private tutor. The prince of a fallen country, he is now a captive of the empire. Perhaps because of those circumstances, he treats the heroine harshly.

“My name is Kei Yoshimine. Starting today I’ll be teaching you foreign language and dance. Any questions?”

Koichiro Sera (voiced by Takuya Eguchi)

The reticent bodyguard.

Sera is the heroine’s unsociable bodyguard. Not a minute goes buy where Sera isn’t devoted to his duties, and he also has a stubborn side. He bares distrust towards Lord Soji’s dictatorship.

“Stay close to me.”

Kagemitsu Togawa (voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga)

The mild-mannered aide.

Kagemitsu is Lord Soshi’s right hand man. He is a childhood friend of both our heroine and Soshi. Kagemitsu worries about the future under Lord Soshi’s dictatorship.

“You’re so kind…just how I remember you.”

Soshi Amazaki (voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda)

The aloof lord.

Soshi holds the most powerful seat in all the empire. Only trusting himself, he rejects the opinions of others as he continues his dictatorship agenda — breeding animosity amongst the people. He’s a cold man who sees even his own sister as a political tool.

“I see you’ve arrived safely. From now forth, you’ll be living here.”

■ You’ll love The Charming Empire if you…

• Are interested in Japanese history and culture
• Want to hear truly captivating voice acting
• Enjoy dating simulation games
• Admire Mitsuya Fuji’s artwork

Watch the trailer for the Switch version below.