Pocket Love (1997). Play Free Online

Summary

Pocket Love is a bishoujo dating‑simulation for the original Game Boy that never left Japan, yet it remains a fascinating glimpse of late‑90s handheld romance games. Released by KID, the title borrows its system design from Konami’s *Tokimeki Memorial* and places you in the shoes of a second‑year student at “Love Original High” as you work toward a confession on December 25.
The staff read like a who’s‑who of niche talent: original concept by Ichikawa Hisahiko, event script and character art by singer‑songwriter Sapporo Momo‑co, and music by Shinoda Nobuyuki, best known for his work on a 1992 Famicom carnival game. The programmer was Shimizu Kenji, with graphics from Kawai Masao and Nakajima Kazue.
Gameplay revolves around weekly choices – study, appearance, club activities, karaoke, games, part‑time work or relax – each affecting hidden stats and the growing affection of multiple heroines. Money is earned on weekdays and can surge dramatically through part‑time jobs, while a special CD‑bundled version syncs voiced character lines with in‑game events.
The release also included a mini‑guidebook and later spawned two sequels, *Pocket Love 2* and *Pocket Love ~if~* for the Neo Geo Pocket Color, cementing its cult status among handheld romance aficionados.

Storyline

Pocket Love puts you in the shoes of a second‑year high‑school boy at Koi ga Hara High. Starting on April 14, you must juggle weekly choices and raise various stats to win the affection of seven different girls before Christmas Day. One of the key targets is a classmate from a higher grade who catches his eye, while a childhood friend ends up in his class and also sparks his interest. Though insecure about his abilities, the protagonist is determined to secure at least one love confession by December 25. The game’s goal is simple: deepen friendship and love levels through daily decisions so that a heroine will finally confess her feelings on Christmas.

Edited by Maya Carter