Japanese indie developer Hokuto released their free visual novel Kobayakawa-san is a Soulslike for browser (via PLiCy) and PC (via BOOTH). If it’s not already obvious from the title, the game is heavily inspired by the “soulslike” genre pioneered by FromSoftware’s games.
In the game, you (the protagonist) decide to spend some time after class with your love interest, Kobayakawa-san. But rather than attempting to seduce her by flirting or compliments, you can only win over her heart by “battling her.” Once she finds out that you were hanging out with another girl, Kobayakawa turns into a “Twilight Inquisitor,” and gives you only a few seconds to respond to her (rather indiscreet) questions.
Just like in any souslike, you get to react with a light attack, a heavy attack, a parry, or a roll. Making the wrong choice results in an instant “YOU DIED,” so you’ll have to carefully read the girl’s emotions and hopefully avoid getting killed. Of course, you are free to die-and-retry however many times you want.
According to the developers, the game has already reached over 13,000 plays one day after its launch, and it seems like players are eager for a sequel.
With around five minutes of playtime (that is, if you don’t find yourself getting killed over and over again by the girl of your dreams), the game is available in both Japanese and English.
Kobayakawa-san is a Soulslike is out for browser (PLiCy) and PC (BOOTH), for free.
