Hatoful Boyfriend
Also known as はーとふる彼氏 · Hatoful Kareshi
Dating sim, Comedy, Romance, Mystery, Horror · by Mediatonic / Hato Moa · published by Devolver Digital · 2014
The only human at a prestigious academy for birds sets out to find love among pigeons, and stumbles onto something far stranger.
Who it's for: Players who want a short, absurd parody dating sim that hides a surprisingly dark mystery.
The story (spoiler-free)
You play a human girl enrolled at St. PigeoNation's Institute, a school otherwise attended by birds. Every classmate and teacher is a pigeon or other bird, presented with deadpan seriousness.
Short, replayable routes deliver jokes, odd charm and occasional heartfelt moments. Finishing enough of them unlocks a route that reframes the whole game.
It is a cult favourite precisely because it plays its ridiculous premise straight, then takes it somewhere unexpected.
Where to play
Why play it
- +Memorably absurd premise played completely straight
- +Short routes make it easy to finish
- +Hidden route rewards completionists
- +Multiple official translations
Keep in mind
- −Humour is very niche
- −Hidden route shifts sharply in tone and includes disturbing content
- −Mobile versions are no longer listed on the app stores
Content warnings
Show 4 content warnings
If you like Hatoful Boyfriend
OZMAFIA!!
Also comedy and romance, female lead, longer.
Amnesia: Memories
Also romance and mystery, female lead, longer.
Doki Doki Literature Club!
Also horror, shorter.
Hooked on You: A Dead by Daylight Dating Sim
Also dating sim and comedy, shorter.