Konami is bringing back a beloved romance simulation classic with Tokimeki Memorial: Forever with You Emotional, set to release on May 8 for the Nintendo Switch in Japan. The remaster promises a faithful experience with modern enhancements, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Tokimeki Memorial.
A Nostalgic Return with Modern Enhancements
Fans of the original Tokimeki Memorial from the mid-‘90s will find plenty to love in this remaster. Konami has emphasized preserving the classic experience while adding modern quality-of-life improvements.
The game introduces the Emotional Voice System (EVS), a feature from Tokimeki Memorial 2 that allows characters to call the player’s name using voice acting. Players can choose from preset names or create their own—though a network connection is required for custom names, and Konami has warned that this feature could be discontinued in the future.
Another major addition is the ability to switch between original and new character illustrations. This option extends to portraits, still images, and fonts, offering players multiple visual styles:
- Original: Classic illustrations and fonts.
- Original + New Font: Original illustrations with high-resolution fonts.
- New Graphics: Updated character illustrations while keeping the classic font.
- New Graphics + New Font: A fully modernized visual experience with new illustrations and high-resolution fonts.
Even with these changes, Konami has ensured that the game’s user interface and core mechanics remain true to the original.
Pricing and Deluxe Edition Extras
Tokimeki Memorial: Forever with You Emotional will be available in two editions:
- Standard Edition – 6,600 yen (physical & digital).
- Deluxe Edition – 9,680 yen (physical & digital).
The Deluxe Edition includes exclusive content:
- A subtitle-free version of the game’s opening movie.
- A digital soundtrack featuring background music from both the 1994 original and the 1995–1996 Forever with You Emotional release.
- A gallery with over 280 character illustrations from key visuals, promotional materials, and merchandise.
These extras cater to long-time fans, offering a deeper dive into the game’s history and art.
A Look Back at an Iconic Romance Sim
Tokimeki Memorial is widely regarded as a pioneer in the romance simulation genre. First released in 1994 for the PC Engine, it gained massive popularity, leading to multiple ports, sequels, and spin-offs. The game follows a high school student navigating friendships and romantic relationships, aiming to win the heart of one of several potential love interests.
The title’s legacy continues to influence modern dating sims and visual novels. With this remaster, Konami aims to introduce a new generation to the game while giving veteran fans a chance to relive their memories.
The Cast and Voices Behind the Characters
A major highlight of Tokimeki Memorial has always been its voice acting, and this remaster retains the original cast:
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Shiori Fujisaki | Mami Kingetsu |
| Mio Kisaragi | Akiko Sekine |
| Yuina Himoo | Tomoko Naka |
| Ayako Katagiri | Masayo Kawaguchi |
| Saki Nijino | Sachiko Sugawara |
| Yukari Koshiki | Ayako Kurosaki |
| Nozomi Kiyokawa | Ayako Sasaki |
| Mira Kagami | Rei Igarashi |
| Yuuko Asahina | Youko Teppouzuka |
| Megumi Mikihara | Mikiko Kurihara |
| Yoshio Saotome | Kurin Yoshiki |
| Miharu Tatebayashi | Shiho Kikuchi |
| Rei Ijuuin | Narumi Tsunoda |
| Yoshio Saotome | Yuji Ueda |
Many of these voice actors played pivotal roles in shaping the personalities of their characters, making them memorable for long-time fans.
Why This Release Matters
For fans of Japanese visual novels and dating sims, Tokimeki Memorial: Forever with You Emotional is more than just a nostalgic throwback. It represents a key piece of gaming history that helped define an entire genre.
Bringing the title to the Nintendo Switch means more accessibility for both old and new players. Whether you’re revisiting a classic romance or experiencing it for the first time, this remaster aims to deliver the charm and emotional depth that made the original a standout.
With its May 8 release date set, all that’s left is for fans to get ready for another school year filled with heartfelt moments and memorable characters.
