Hatoful Boyfriend

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. RPG Fan
    Jan 28, 2016
    90
    Hatoful Boyfriend isn't just quirky and bizarre, it's also the smartest visual novel you've never played.
  2. PSNStores
    Jul 28, 2015
    90
    Hatoful Boyfriend is enjoyable enough for just being a weird pigeon dating sim. The truth about the reality of St. PigeoNations is what elevates this beyond what I ever expected. Learning that truth takes time and every second is completely worth it.
  3. GamingTrend
    Aug 17, 2015
    85
    Hatoful Boyfriend tells an endearingly crazy story that will have you smiling, laughing, crying and feverishly turning the virtual page. It takes some buy-in, but pays off if you’re looking for something way off the beaten path.
  5. Multiplayer.it
    Aug 11, 2015
    85
    Hatoful Boyfriend is a must have for anyone who is a fan of visual novels. Plus, the PlayStation version has cross buy, cross save and full Italian translation.
  6. DarkStation
    Aug 31, 2015
    80
    Overall this game is perfect for pick up and put down play.
  7. NZGamer
    Aug 17, 2015
    80
    A strange, charming dating sim with a lot more depth than first meets the eye.
  8. Digitally Downloaded
    Jul 28, 2015
    80
    So unpredictable as the humour is that I found myself constantly surprised with the narrative that would pop up in response to the choices that I made in the game took me down a different narrative path towards a different ending, each more weird and wonderful than the last.
  9. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Jul 27, 2015
    80
    Like those fantastical and ridiculous movies and novels, it demonstrates an ability to rise above its base, absurd concepts and weaves several stories that last. It’s much more than it seems, and begs for you to play it and discover its depth.
  10. IGN
    Jul 27, 2015
    80
    Dating birds may seem silly, but Hatoful Boyfriend nails its plot with the help of its well-written characters, and even surpasses its humorous premise with mysterious themes and dark undertones.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 37
  3. Negative: 10 out of 37
  1. dubloon7
    Sep 11, 2015
    9
    HIGHLY enjoyable novelish style game, which 100% opens up to the true story after getting through each bird's storylines. It's a grind to getHIGHLY enjoyable novelish style game, which 100% opens up to the true story after getting through each bird's storylines. It's a grind to get through and no guidance how to go about, unlike 999: Virtues Last Reward.

    PRO: Humor, STORY, Pudding
    Con: Grind to completion    … Full Review »
  2. BumbleBrand
    Jan 2, 2017
    10
    I came in expecting a few laughs after all it is a "pigeon dating sim" but instead what I found was a masterpiece with brilliant and memorableI came in expecting a few laughs after all it is a "pigeon dating sim" but instead what I found was a masterpiece with brilliant and memorable characters, and the more you delve in the sadder the story becomes, this game touched my heart, absolute masterpiece.… Full Review »
  3. adamkynaston
    Jul 31, 2015
    8
    Pigeon dating has never been so incredibly weird. And storytelling has rarely been so carefully crafted. When played in order with a guide,Pigeon dating has never been so incredibly weird. And storytelling has rarely been so carefully crafted. When played in order with a guide, this game's approach to plot layering shines. Each ending builds slightly on the last, and what remains is a multiple hour long ending that tantalizes and surprises. The endgame story is markedly different in tone and depth from the rest of the sillier tale that comes first, and leaves a lasting impression of intrigue, betrayal, and defending friendships at incredible cost. The extra special ending, obtained with a 100% completion of the game, is even more interesting and emotional. What this game manages to do is take a school girl premise and weave a dark, adult tale. Hatoful Boyfriend is indeed a game for adults, when adults are willing to put in the time. Here's one grown man who will be anxiously awaiting a sequel!… Full Review »
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