Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Boyfriends I Picked Up in Horror Games Are Bizarre
This web novel is quite the ride! "The Boyfriends I Picked Up in Horror Games Are Bizarre" definitely lives up to its name, and I found myself both charmed and slightly disturbed by its unique premise. It's a completed original novel, currently being translated, and it offers a blend of comedy, romance, and horror that's not quite like anything I've read before.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the intriguing concept: a female lead who finds herself in horror game scenarios and manages to snag some bizarre boyfriends along the way. The first arc, set in a school horror environment, immediately grabbed my attention. The idea of a protagonist grounded in science, interpreting even the most supernatural events through a logical lens, was genuinely funny.
What Works Well
The core strength of this novel lies in its sweet and fluffy romance. While the "horror" aspect might be more of a backdrop than a genuine scare, the dynamic between the female lead (FL) and male lead (ML) in each world is undeniably endearing. The MLs are often described as obsessive and somewhat childlike, with questionable morals, but the FL's unwavering love and acceptance create a unique and engaging relationship. I particularly enjoyed the author's willingness to subvert typical romance tropes, especially regarding the ML's appearance. It's refreshing to see a story where the ML isn't always conventionally handsome, and the FL's affection is based on something deeper. The humor is definitely a highlight, with the FL's "dense" filter allowing her to brush off the bizarre and often gruesome events happening around her. The pacing is good, and the story moves along at a clip.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the overall experience, I did notice some potential drawbacks. Several readers have pointed out that the characters can feel one-dimensional at times, and the horror elements are often superficial. The FL's unwavering acceptance of her ML's sometimes-evil actions might not appeal to all readers, and some might find her lack of concern for the surrounding chaos a bit off-putting. I also saw comments regarding the repetitive nature of the plot in each world, with similar dynamics playing out.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers have mentioned the author's apparent dislike for "cold, domineering" male leads and "naive, cute" female leads, often giving them unfortunate endings within the stories. Also, the ML's potential for monstrous anatomy is noted, but never explicitly explored beyond hints.
Final Verdict
Overall, "The Boyfriends I Picked Up in Horror Games Are Bizarre" is a fun and lighthearted read, perfect for those who enjoy sweet romance with a touch of dark humor and aren't looking for genuine scares. While it might not be the most profound or complex story, it's certainly entertaining and offers a unique twist on the isekai genre. I'd recommend it to readers who are looking for a "dog food" novel that doesn't take itself too seriously.
