Home Sweet Homecoming

About

Home Sweet Homecoming is a visual novel with simulation elements that follows Ryoutarou, a high schooler who moves back to Japan after years abroad. Living with his childhood friend Tooru, he navigates school life, builds relationships, and chases romantic connections. Players manage daily routines, dialogue choices, and social interactions that shape his journey from awkward outsider to someone carving a new path. The story balances schoolyard crushes with quieter moments of readjustment, blending light-hearted banter with personal growth. The game stands out for its slice-of-life charm and branching narratives that let players guide Ryoutarou’s relationships. With over 20 hours of content and multiple endings, it leans into Hooksoft’s strengths in character-driven stories. Released in 2019, it runs on PS4, PC, and Switch, offering a cozy, relatable take on high school dramas. Players often note the warm art style and natural dialogue as highlights, though the pacing favors comfort over intensity.

Storyline

Ryoutarou had been forced to live and study overseas for the past six years due to his parents’ work. He confided to his childhood friend Tooru, who was living in Japan, that he hated it. “I’m surrounded by the guys in the class and can’t even get a chance to talk to the girls…. I don’t want my teenage years to end like this!!” Tooru sympathized with Ryoutarou upon hearing his difficulty with the language barrier and desire to return to Japan, and talked with his parents about the possibility of bringing him back. After convincing his parents, Ryoutarou was able to return and live in a room share with Tooru. He was thrilled to be back on native soil, but more importantly, that he will be able to talk with girls! He’ll be able to fall in love at his new school! “Why did you plan on doing when you came back to Japan?” “Of course fall in love! I want girl friends!”