Romance mechanics

Promotional image for a limited set of acrylic stands, depicting the ending images for all romantic routes possible to achieve in Medarot 8.

Romance mechanics, also known as Date mechanics or Affection mechanics, are a gameplay element in most Medarot main games, centering on the sole playable male character's ability to choose one of the girls, which affects the game's ending. Initially, the choice was between two girls—a tomboy and a girly girl—but the number of options expanded as the series progressed. Each girl has hidden values indicating their affinity with the main character, which can increase or decrease based on the player's actions throughout the game.

This mechanic is typically linked to side-quests that reward the player with a medal, with each girl giving a different medal. Consequently, it is impossible to earn all the medals in a single playthrough, requiring players to trade betwen saves with different endings. Since the games do not alert players to this side-quest, it is commonly missed by new players, especially as some games are less flexible regarding mistakes in certain choices.

Although this mechanic has been part of the franchise since its roots, player decisions do not affect the story's timeline. Developers select only one of the options as "canon" in sequels, usually favoring the childhood friend or main heroine while ignoring the other choices. This is most evident with Kirara Akita and Nae Akihabara, who are options in the first game. By Medarot 2, Kirara is depicted as having a relationship with Hikaru Agata, while Nae no longer interacts with the former protagonist.

The romance mechanic is exclusive to games with RPG elements. Among the core and side games, only Medarot R, 3, 4, Navi, and 9 do not include this feature.

Medarot 1 / Medarot Perfect Edition

As Hikaru Agata, the player can earn the affection of either Kirara Akita or Nae Akihabara. Completing Kirara's storyline rewards the player with the Devil (Kabuto) or Dragon (Kuwagata) medal, while Nae's storyline provides the Angel (Kabuto) or Ninja (Kuwagata) medal.

To achieve this, the player must make specific decisions throughout the game to earn positive points with the girls. Unlike its sequel, this game allows the player to maintain good relationships with both girls, enabling a final choice between them. Since some decisions are contradictory, the game permits a few mistakes.

In Medarot Perfect Edition, there is a third (pseudo) option involving Iseki Hatano. Depending on the player's decisions, Iseki can develop feelings for Hikaru, but he will always ultimately choose between Kirara or Nae. Consequently, there is no true ending for Iseki. This inclusion is a nod to Iseki's popularity in Japan due to her "cute" battle portrait in the original game.

Regardless of how many players opt for Nae's ending, Kirara is always established as Hikaru's love interest starting with Medarot 2.

Medarot 2 / Medarot 2 Core

As Ikki Tenryou, the player can gain the affection of Arika Amazake, who gives the Cat Medal, or Karin Junmai, who provides the ? Medal. These are the only options available in both the original game and Medarot 2 Core. Like in Medarot 1, the player must make specific decisions during the game to win their affection. However, unlike its predecessor, Medarot 2 is less forgiving of mistakes.

In Medarot 2, it is not possible to pursue both girls simultaneously. Although there are hidden numerical values for each girl's affection, what truly matters is following the correct sequence of decisions perfectly. These decisions are often contradictory, so even a single mistake can jeopardize the player's ability to complete one of the endings. However, some exclusive mid-game scenes (Like the ship scene) can still be activated despite the error.

A common example is the player's first choice at the beginning of the game, where they must say "Yes" or "No" to the Screws. Although this decision seems harmless and leads to the same event, saying "Yes" gives points to Arika and makes Karin's ending impossible. Conversely, answering "No" gives points to Karin, making Arika's ending unattainable.

It's important to note that Ikki's decision will be disregarded in Medarot 3, where he will not be in a romantic relationship with either girl. It can be assumed that the neutral ending of Medarot 2 is the canon one.

Medarot 5

The Romance Mechanics return in Medarot 5. Some events related to the mechanic are only accessible when playing the game on a Game Boy Advance.

Medarot 8

Medarot 8 has the largest selection of romantic interests and is the only installment to allow the protagonist to romance a villainess, albeit in her civilian identity. Salt can establish a relationship with Anise, Chicory, Parsley, Erica, and Mint. Relationship values are determined by wheter the player selects the option to Robattle alone or Robattle in Team when prompted, dialogue choices throughout the story and triggering certain conversations or events.

Note

• With the exception of Azuma Amakura in Medarot DS and Medarot 7, no protagonist experiences the romance mechanics more than once. While most protagonists play a central role in just one game, Ikki Tenryou is featured as the protagonist in multiple games. However, he can only pursue Arika or Karin in Medarot 2 and its remake, with Medarot R, Medarot 3, and Medarot 4 abandoning this mechanic. Azuma is an exception, likely because Medarot 7 is a kind of revised version of Medarot DS.