Bustafellows

 Switch
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Jul 27, 2021
    100
    Bustafellows is part crime caper and part otome romance, and those are common enough things, but it's the quality of the writing and the strong thematic core that helps to set this one apart. It might be perhaps a little too long for its own good, and so some of the impact of it is softened via desensitisation, but even then, there's no real lull in the storytelling, and it's one of those rare lengthy games that isn't simply throwing content at players. The best crime fiction stories are page-turners, filled with excitement and drama. Bustafellows adds several proverbial tonnes of charm, humour and panache into the mix, and thanks to all of that, it is one of the most dynamic and exciting visual novels you can find.
  2. Nintendo Insider
    Sep 21, 2021
    90
    I don’t think Bustafellows is perfect, but it nails most of what it aims for. The story is engaging, but the character drama and hilarious dialogue are what sell the experience. The production value makes it a visual treat, and it was so nice to play an Otome that never dropped my attention. Previously I’d considered Collar X Malice to be the best introductory Otome, but that’s now been dethroned. I still like that game, but this was such a wonderful experience. Apparently a “Second Season” is in the works that claims to be more than the traditional Otome fandisk. I honestly can’t wait, I hope for both a localization of that game after it comes out and more Otome games from PQube.
  3. Hardcore Gamer
    Aug 2, 2021
    90
    With so much to love about BUSTAFELLOWS, it’s an easy recommendation for all otome visual novel fans. It’s not perfect; the inability to save at dialogue choices is annoying for completionists, but that’s a small complaint in the grand scheme of things. Excellent characters, storytelling, localization, voice acting, art and more make this one of the best releases this year. Here’s hoping BUSTAFELLOWS is just the start of PQube’s otome localization career. Give it a look if you want a taste of the criminal underworld alongside delectable romance.
  5. Noisy Pixel
    Jul 26, 2021
    90
    Bustafellows is a great representative of the fascinating stories visual novels can tell. The narrative features a strong lead and a cast of handsome boys with dark pasts that create this endearing tale. Still, it’s a story on society’s shortcomings, which makes it relatable in many ways as we ask ourselves what would cause us to take matters into our own hands. While some design choices seem odd in this release, this otome is an easy recommendation from me.
  6. RPG Fan
    Aug 13, 2021
    85
    Bustafellows wants to be the complete package: an otome sweet enough to melt your mouth with cavities, as well as a dangerous and dark visual novel. But it leans too far in one direction to allow the other its chance to emerge seamlessly from the depths.
  7. Siliconera
    Aug 4, 2021
    80
    If you’re an otome fan, you most likely will already have pre-ordered a copy, and you will not regret your purchase. For those on the fence, I can’t recommend it enough.
  8. Gamer Escape
    Jul 30, 2021
    70
    The glitches with text and voice-acting are pretty minor, but if you’re like me and this is a pet peeve, it might take a toll on you eventually. If you don’t care, then you’ll have an even better time. Overall, the characters were not for me this time around, but I did enjoy getting to try out Bu$stafellows and look forward to more future releases from this studio.

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Switch Game of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 4 out of 13
  1. Tortor
    Jan 19, 2023
    8
    Loved how incredibly unique every path was. Sometimes surprisingly so.

    I always expect one clunker in an Otome game but in this I found every    Loved how incredibly unique every path was. Sometimes surprisingly so.

    I always expect one clunker in an Otome game but in this I found every character to have something unique about them either as a character or with the plot you get involved in with their path.

    For example one character may not have the best romantic path, or stand out as a character, but their plot line is so incredibly captivating that you just get so invested.

    The only thing I didn't like about this was the time rewind mechanic feels sooooo tagged on without explanation or sense. This is obviously a world where super powers do not exist in any way, shape or form but somehow for plot purposes we are supposed to just suspend disbelief for this one character. It sticks out like a sore thumb and is just utter nonsense but I understand it's need to help get a plot off the ground.

    Overall though this is one of the better visual novels I've had the pleasure to play. This really just reinforced how Otome games just seem to work really well and gets me to want to play them more often.    … Full Review »
  2. blisslovesotome
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    I was really astonished at the quality writing of this otome! My favorite love interest is Scarecrow!
  3. NindieSpotlight
    Dec 17, 2021
    7
    Right out of the gate I’ll admit I’m a bit lost in trying to summarize the Bustafellows experience, but regardless I won’t deny it has styleRight out of the gate I’ll admit I’m a bit lost in trying to summarize the Bustafellows experience, but regardless I won’t deny it has style and attitude to burn. Mixing together a somewhat motley (but I’m sure intended to be quite cute) crew of criminals with your main character who is a female journalist in search of a big story (but who has an ability move back time just a bit and inhabit others), it opens the door to fleshing out the game’s characters and motivations in unexpected and unique ways. With your choices feeling like they have greater consequence than the average visual novel the level of engagement is pretty impressive, but ultimately whether it’s a game for you really rests on how much you like the unusual premise and whether it sounds like an experience you can just enjoy the ride with or whether it may be a bit too odd for your tastes.

    https://www.nindiespotlight.com/2021/08/mini-reviews-august-4th-edition.html    … Full Review »
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