Gacha games make us do some impulsive things sometimes. Many of us want to get away, but then there’s that character from a particular event that we just have to get. And our wallets feel it. This theme is explored in SukeraSomero-developed visual novel OshiRabu: Waifus Over Husbandos. True, the game’s plot is built on something silly, but the emotions explored are genuine and engaging.

In the opening moments of OshiRabu: Waifus Over Husbandos, we meet Akuru Hayahoshi, a gambling addict who is anxiously spending money on gacha pulls to acquire her husbando from her favorite game. Given that this is a limited event, she is on the clock to pull her best boy. Sadly, she isn’t having much luck, and she might even be going into a little debt, but then we meet Ren Furutachi, a girl with much better luck who lends her aid to Akuru.

As Akuru stairs into the eyes of her 2D husband, she proclaims something along the lines of, “I love you,” and “I want to marry you.” As you could have guessed, Ren assumed these words were directed towards her, and she was smitten. After a strange turn of events and Akuru attempting to explain the situation to Ren, one thing led to another, and Ren ends up moving in with Akuru.

When it comes to the relationship between Akuru and Ren, the story plays on their age gap, since Akuru is older. They butt heads on stuff, but Akuru has mainly stayed away from social interaction, while Ren enjoys exploration and trying new things. Akuru says many times that she’s not really into anyone but 2D guys, but that doesn’t stop Ren from making her way into Akuru’s life.

The tone is kept lighthearted and romantic as the two characters begin to learn more about each other. Interestingly, the inner narrative shifts from Akuru to Ren so we can see Ren’s thoughts as well. This was a massive plus for the story because up until that point, Ren just came off a bit pathetic, but then you can see reasons why she liked Akuru, and it was only natural to root for her advances.

You see, Akuru isn’t a lesbian, but Ren definitely is. There’s plenty of grey space here as Ren tries to get Akuru to fall for her, but this can be frowned upon. Akuru is at a place in her life that could go two different ways, and she struggles with sorting out her own goals. There are some themes of self-realization that occur throughout the story, but it’s tough to be entirely on board because you can’t help but wonder what you’d do in this situation.

OshiRabu is pretty much a linear story save for a few choices that take place crucial moments. These choices lead to other endings and direct the relationship between the two girls. Side characters also play a role in the narrative who sort out the character’s feelings and talk them through the situation that they are in. There are smaller issues that emerge as you get to know each of them more, but it turns out that they can both help each other succeed.

I think if you want them to live happily ever after, you’ll need to get the extra DLC with the 18+ content. This is because it shows a side of Akuru that isn’t in the main game. This additional story content is rather long and features the girls expressing their love more intimately, but I think it makes the entire story a bit more well-rounded.

I’d also like to touch on just how beautiful the character illustrations are. The developer uses a pastel color palette to give the girls a soft look. It works surprisingly well, even for a hard ass like Akuru. They weren’t afraid to be a bit playful with their characters, either, which made the comedic moments stand out.

OshiRabu: Waifus Over Husbandos presents a strange premise that ends up working thanks to the charming cast of characters. The writing for the characters was endearing and romantic as you find yourself immersed in this otaku group of friends. There are a few low points in the story where you feel like the plot takes a couple of steps back, but the conclusion makes it all worth it.