I suspected I’d ike Jack Jeanne would be a game I’d enjoy when I first learned about it. The art Sui Ishida shared looked gorgeous, and I’m a sucker for rhythm games of any sort. I followed it off and on, especially since there were hints of a worldwide release, but tried not to get too invested. After so many years when otome games wouldn’t get localized, I suppose I always have this lingering fear. After going through it two times now, however, I can’t help but feel like Jack Jeanne is my favorite otome game on the Switch.
Kisa Tachibana loves performing, and has since doing so as a child while playing with her brother Tsuki and childhood friend Soshiro. Her brother was so talented, he even made it into the exclusive Univeil Drama School. While she always wanted to do the same, especially after he disappeared after graduating, it wasn’t an option. It’s a school for men only, where male students play both the male Jack and female Jeanne parts. Kisa isn’t even planning to go to high school and start working to help support her father.
Screenshot by Siliconera
That’s when the principle of Univeil appears with an offer. He’d like to expand the school’s admissions and change policies. But to do that, he needs her help. He’d like her to join, disguised as a man, and win top prizes in performances and a role in the final show. Also, as a Univeil student, she’d be earning money, so she’d still get to support her family. However, she has to keep her identity a secret. So, she heads off to pursue her dream.
The structure of Jack Jeanne is such that there are the visual novel elements many Switch otome games are known for, complete for choices, but with stat-building and rhythm game components interspersed. It’s also executed somewhat like an anime series, as you could consider preparing for different shows “arcs” of the story. Kisa finds herself in the Quartz class at the school, with each class focusing on elements. For example, Amber is an “elite” group that already ends up handling major performances. Rhodonite focuses on performers who take Jeanne roles and excel at singing.
Screenshot by Siliconera
Since the structure is such, it means there aren’t the traditional “routes” as in other dating sims. Instead, you’ll end up triggering access to events based on the affection level of love interests based on responses in situations and the current skill in the stat associated with them. So the third-year dancer Sarafumi is tied to the agility skill. Each week day you’ll pick a class to build the stat associated with it or rest, if Kisa needs it. On weekends, you can visit people to boost affection or see events, meet with one teacher for extra stat building, or see another student to practice parts of the songs you’ll perform in the next show. The pacing is good, and regular story segments are frequent so it doesn’t feel like you’re constantly pushing a button to “take a class” and fill a bar too much.
The rhythm elements are split into two sorts of songs. There are dance numbers and singing performances. As the voice acting in general for Jack Jeanne, the music is exquisite and perfectly fits the “theme” for each play. The dance numbers are more traditional, as you tap one of four button inputs when indicators hit the bottom. (Custom key binding is supported, and the icons at the bottom of the note chart change when you do.) These also involve the 3D models of the characters in costumes dancing in the background. The songs are more like Groove Coaster, with notes following along a line and a player moving back or forth to follow it in time. While yes, endings are tied to performance, the easiest difficulty level is quite rudimentary. So someone unfamiliar with rhythm games could still feasibly get the scores necessary for the best ending. Conversely, the more challenging options do pick things up quite a bit, and the most challenging “Jack Jeanne” difficulty unlocks in the Gallery to play at any time after clearing that part of the story.
Screenshot by Siliconera
This is all supported by an incredible story with a wonderful cast. Whether it’s a major character or minor character, they tend to be well-written, fleshed out, and have a fantastic character design. People look amazing and stylish in this game! Which shouldn’t be surprising since Tokyo Ghoul and Choujin X creator Sui Ishida is behind it. The CGs have an ethereal watercolor effect that somehow makes the emotion behind them hit harder. Also, because of the structure, this isn’t just a fantastic otome game. It’s a wonderful visual novel in general.
The fact that the general, overall story is so strong doesn’t mean the romantic moments end up overshadowed either. Jack Jeanne’s love interests are all well-written and well-rounded individuals. Even two of the routes that might feel like they lean into tropes, like the childhood friend or the man who “hates” women, end up doing something fresh and surprising with the concept. I loved all of these people. The fact that this takes place over a school year means there’s plenty of support for this being a meaningful relationship between Kisa and the person you choose. Plus, their backstories and writing are so good that all of them feel like people you can connect with.
Image via Aksys
What I also loved about Jack Jeanne is the level of acceptance. The cast is actually rather diverse, and everyone embraces the roles that suit them. The members of the Rhodonite class tend to wear dresses, skirts, and cute clothing, as well as bikinis during the summer break trip, and everyone is fine with it and supports them. During one event scene that involves some small children, there’s a little girl who wants to learn the “Jack” role, while the boy learns the “Jeanne” one. And they’re able to, without any negative stigmas. It’s a joy to play.
Jack Jeanne is an absolute delight. It’s one of my favorite games of 2023. I’d easily consider it my favorite Switch otome game, in the same way Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side 3rd Story stole my heart on the 3DS. It’s so well-executed. Anyone who enjoys visual novels, even if they normally don’t go for ones that are dating sims, should give it a chance.
Jack Jeanne is available for the Nintendo Switch.
Jack Jeanne is an incredible Switch otome game, packed with lovable characters, fantastic music, and a touching story.
- You can watch the videos of performances in the gallery without needing to worrying about playing through songs after clearing them once.
- The general route for Kisa herself also means you get some event CGs and special moments with NPCs who don’t get their own routes.
- Even a play I felt like wasn’t “clicking” with me usually did by the time the performance rolled around due to the way the characters grew into their roles.
- I honestly can't pick a favorite character. Even Kokuto, who annoyed me initially, shocked me with the depth of his story and character progression.
