Picture this: you’re a hopeless romantic with a knack for matching colorful tiles, and suddenly, you find yourself face-to-face with Kyu, a mischievous love fairy who promises to transform you into a dating prodigy. Welcome to the world of HuniePop, a delightfully addictive dating sim puzzle game that has been capturing hearts and puzzling minds since its 2015 debut on Steam.

HuniePop’s narrative is a cheeky twist on the classic dating sim formula. After a cringe-worthy attempt to woo Kyu, who’s actually a magical love guru in disguise, she takes pity on you and decides to become your personal dating coach. Armed with Kyu’s wisdom and a newfound confidence, you embark on a quest to win the affections of eight stunning ladies, each with their own unique charms and quirks.

At its core, HuniePop is a Match-3 puzzle game with a flirtatious flair. Each of the eight romance-able characters has their own set of preferences, so you’ll need to adapt your tile-matching strategy to cater to their desires. Some girls swoon over displays of talent, while others melt at the sight of passion or romance. As you engage in conversations and successfully complete puzzle challenges, you’ll earn points that can be invested in leveling up your skills, making you an even smoother operator.

To make your way into each girl’s heart (and eventually, their bedroom), you’ll need to conquer five dates, each requiring a different approach to the Match-3 gameplay. Along the way, you’ll be treated to flirty texts and tantalizing teases, providing ample motivation to keep you matching tiles late into the night. Once you’ve proven yourself worthy, you can invite your lady love on a special date, where the puzzle action reaches a fever pitch. You’ll need to match tiles at lightning speed to fill the score meter before it depletes, or risk losing your chance at a steamy rendezvous.

HuniePop’s vibrant, hand-painted environments provide the perfect backdrop for your romantic escapades. From cozy cafes to serene parks, each location has its own charming atmosphere, with many featuring full day/night cycles. The character designs are equal parts beautiful and diverse, with each girl boasting a distinct look that complements her personality. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new outfits and hairstyles, allowing you to play dress-up with your digital darlings. And for those who crave a little extra spice, HuniePop offers nearly 50 sizzling CG scenes that leave little to the imagination.

While HuniePop isn’t shy about its adult themes, the spicy content never overshadows the core gameplay experience. The more risqué scenes are presented as rewards for successfully navigating each girl’s dating journey, rather than being the sole focus of the game. It’s a tasteful approach that adds an extra layer of excitement without veering too far into tawdry territory.

Sadly, HuniePop’s greatest weakness lies in its handheld performance. The game’s 1:1 aspect ratio and low resolution make for a cramped and uncomfortable experience on smaller screens. The text and UI elements are often too tiny to read comfortably, and the precision required for the fast-paced special date challenges is nearly impossible to achieve on handheld devices. It’s a shame because the game’s pick-up-and-play nature would be perfect for on-the-go gaming sessions.

Despite its handheld shortcomings, HuniePop remains a gem in the dating sim puzzle game genre. Its clever blend of tile-matching mechanics, relationship-building, and cheeky humor creates an experience that’s both engaging and endearing. The colorful cast of characters, each with their own lovable quirks and backstories, will keep you coming back for more, while the challenging puzzle gameplay ensures that you’re never just going through the motions.

If you’re in the market for a fun, flirty, and unapologetically adult-themed game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, HuniePop is well worth your time and attention. Just be sure to play it on a PC or laptop to get the most out of this tantalizing title.

• Story: 7/10
• Gameplay: 8/10
• Art Style: 8/10
• Spice: 6/10
• Handheld Compatibility: 2/10

With its captivating cast of beautiful girls, addictive match-3 gameplay, and a sprinkle of spicy romance, this cheeky gem will have you falling head over heels faster than you can say “I love you.”