Amairo Chocolate 3 Review – Some Sweets for Your Evening

Wow, has it really been five years since I reviewed Amairo Chocolate? Apparently, the cafe’s doors are still open, given that Amairo Chocolate 3 is now available in the west, with all the beast-girl goodness you’d expect. Well, to be honest, I expected much less, but Amairo Chocolate 3 not only acts as a sequel with additional routes and storylines, but also as a set of after stories for those who just can’t say goodbye.

Gameplay and Structure: Two Games in One

Amairo Chocolate 3 allows players to choose either an After Story featuring the series’ previous heroines or a full-length route with either Mitsuki or Kohana. Sadly, the two new routes act as individual stories that aren’t directly connected. While playing, it feels like Amairo Chocolate 3 is like two games in one, with a set of After Stories to sweeten the deal. Even though I wish the game featured actual interaction to branch into character routes, Mitsuki and Kohana offer two very distinct narratives.

Mitsuki’s Route: An Excitable and Impulsive Romance

Returning players will meet Mitsuki, Kaguya’s sister, who is very excitable and impulsive. She has the opportunity to further her relationship with Yuzuki after Kaguya goes on a school trip and leaves her alone. Yuzuki then eventually sees a different side of her, and I’ll agree, she grew on me throughout the route. I think that’s my favorite part about this Amairo series, it really knows how to take its time. There were several moments across each route that I felt they’d just slip in some h-scenes for an early payoff, but that’s not the case here.

In fact, I’d go as far as to say that if you’re simply looking for some slice-of-life friendship-to-relationship romp, you can easily play the all-ages version and have a decent time. The pacing is designed in a way where you’ll watch the relationship grow across a series of interactions and moments, and then you’re hit with the intermission credits screen, and every opportunity these characters have to get down, they’ll take it. For that reason, if you’re someone who enjoys a strong second half, well, you won’t find that here, but it’s decent enough.

Once you enter the second half, Yuzuki releases that dog in him, and this poor beastgirl has all her firsts taken, which, I’d say, is broken immersion. This series goes from slow and steady to taping on vibrators shortly after her first kiss, and I don’t think Mitsuki is that kinda girl. Now, Kohana, maybe, but we haven’t even got to her yet. Let’s stay focused, you’re telling me, just days before this girl was scared of ghosts, she’s now publicly being indecent with no worries? I don’t think so. Regardless, there’s a Kaguya x Mitsuki route, so I guess that makes up for it.

Kohana’s Route: A Comedic and Divine Adventure

Okay, the next full route is Kohana’s, where a new girl pops out of a stone, claims she’s a god, and then tries to take over the town. The group talks her into working and talking to others, which leads to her understanding some important life lessons. It’s much more comedic in tone than Mitsuki’s, but the fact that it builds up the cast made me enjoy the character scenes more here since they didn’t all focus on one character. Here, we get to hang out a bit more with the entire cast, giving this route more of a true sequel feel. Still, I wish these routes were intertwined and then branch off instead of two separate routes.

Presentation and Audio: Dated but Delightful

Still, Amairo Chocolate 3 has a lot to offer, with additional routes unlocked that mainly serve as more h-scenes, but I’m not arguing with that. The lack of any animated scenes makes Amairo Chocolate 3 feel a little dated, but the audio quality during scenes is insanely good. These voice actors nail some of the more comical scenes, which add some texture to the overall low-stakes narrative. I also like how many costume changes each character has, along with the variety of expressions that keep the scenes moving.

Final Verdict: An Uplifting, Leisurely Experience

Amairo Chocolate 3 is consistent with the tone and pacing of the previous entries, including the low-tension narrative that comes with it. Still, there are some really fun moments across the two main routes, alongside the after stories that highlight what initially drew players to this series. It’s just so damn uplifting, and then, a girl with cat-ears tries to kiss you, and you remember why you play these games. Just make some tea and enjoy the leisurely life of Amairo Chocolate.