Magical Explorer, (Light Novel) Vol. 1: Reborn as a Side Character in a Fantasy Dating Sim

Magical Explorer: Reborn as a Side Character in a Fantasy Dating Sim #1

by Iris ., Noboru Kannatuki (Artist)

OUT OF THE FRIEND ZONE AND INTO THE FIRE!

​Few titles are more revered among horndogs—(ahem) connoisseurs of Japanese erotic video games—than Magical Explorer. One day, our smut-loving hero wakes up to find he has been reincarnated into the body of the game’s dreamboat protagonist! Or rather, his hapless comic-relief best friend, Kousuke Takioto. But with his unparalleled knowledge of Magical Explorer and Kousuke’s unorthodox abilities (a scarf that doubles as a fist?), our hero vows to turn the game’s unluckiest loser into its mightiest heartthrob. In this world, nothing is out of reach when you’ve got the know-how!

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Fiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2019

About the author

入栖

Author of light novels and manga.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This makes absolutely no bones about what it is: a story about a guy reborn in an eroge that opens with a deconstruction of the weird logic of eroge. It's not really my thing, but it does what it says on the tin well enough that if this is your thing, I think you'll enjoy it.

[Tenome · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picture the most stereotypical ecchi harem story from an eroge/manga/anime you can think of. That's this story. It's exactly as you expect it. The jokes play out as you expect them. The archetypes play out as you expect them. "But of course they do, he's in an eroge game!" you say, but it's still garbage. Not worth reading at all. I must have been bored when I decided to read this.

[William Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unnamed man is reborn in a world of a fantasy dating sim. He becomes the unlucky, hapless, best friend character, Kousuke Takioto. All of volume one is the prologue, so we build up the story bit by bit. So rather than be satisfied with being the side character, our protagonist decides to fight his fate and become the strongest.

The book acknowledges the silliness inherent in a dating sim story. Where are the parents? Why is there an affectionate female childhood friend character? Why are the tropes the way they are?

Kousuke discovers magic and decides to improve himself. He can't cast fireball or anything like that due to his unique constitution. He can cast enchantment magic, and he has a massive mana pool. Taking advantage of those traits, Kousuke trains himself.

The book is well done. It is slightly erotic, but as long as you aren't a prude, it should be fine. I enjoyed it. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.

[Sikna Bazzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. It’s mid

[Kavatarapu Kun · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Ghostea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather silly premise, but one that is very self aware how indulgent it is by taking place in a fictional world based around a dating sim. It can be a bit 'pervy' and some of the set ups are cringey, but it is kind of the point. Outside of just that, it is an enjoyable fantasy novel with some good action. I am curious to see how the story progresses in later releases.

[Dantegideon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is good, light fun. Not particularly smutty, as these things go. Looking forward to the next one.

[Stas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan of first person narrative, so this was a bust from the get-go.
This type of dating sim is also not my jam.

HARD PASS.

[Cristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Malísimo!

[Marcus Cruell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty entertaining