DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation
DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation
Game
Game2024
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia
Developer Idea Factory, Compile Heart, Sting
Play as Shido and unravel the secrets of the mysterious spirit Ren in the visual novel follow-up to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation, based on the acclaimed light novel and anime series. From the Steam store page
111 reactions from 3 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon) · newest Oct 24, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
92
LovedLoved
69 positive · 6 negative
95% range 84–96%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 69 | 6 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 2 | 1 | 31 |
| Mastodon * | 2 | 0 | 0 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
93 of 99 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
93% recommend · 76 yes, 6 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 82 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (440 of 458 positive).
Some players find the game repetitive and lacking compared to previous entries. [1][2][3] The game is recommended only for dedicated Date A Live fans, not newcomers. [4][5][6]
Liked
Representative posts
- [2]
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is a truly head-scratching game. A game that looks and plays no different from its predecessors. All the while presenting fans with very underdeveloped and uninspired routes. While the Live2D models look great and the voice acting is phenomenal, it just can’t carry the weight that is everything else. Even the True Ending, which is some of the writing team’s best work, can’t save this. Ren …
- [10]
The official translation is finally here, for a hardcore date a live fan like me, this is definitely worth the wait! For the people that wants good value for their money, I would suggest getting Rio Reincarnation instead since it shares a similar price tag as Ren Dystopia, but its three in one. If the first three visual novels highly interests you, then this one is definitely is worth getting! Just a little fair …
- [4]
This game is peak Date A Live and any Date A Live fan who is interested should play it, just make sure you have watched the first 3 seasons of the anime or read up to volume 11 and have also played Rio Reincarnation before playing this one.
- [12]
The game feels a bit short and the individual routes a little bit repetitive, but that's due to the games premise, so it's kinda fine I guess For some reason Reine and Miku's audio quality is horrible. There is no way such a blunder could slip quality control... Ren is an absolute enrichment to the universe. I love her personality and would love to see her in the anime as well. As for the extra content of the deluxe …
- [1]
I'd say the game is...fine. A very solid VN and something fans of Date a Live will surely like, but honestly, it felt a little...stale at times. Don't get me wrong, it is a high-quality game for sure, it's just that the actual gameplay is quite limited (even more so than in Rio Reincarnation) and the story - while initially pretty cool - becomes a little strange at the end. And yes, that means something for this …
Summarised from 34 of the 117 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 10, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
93% of the 82 Steam reviewers we collected recommend DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia. The complaint that keeps coming up: game feels short and routes are repetitive. Deal-breaker or nitpick?
Reactions
60 of 111 · most liked firstThe official translation is finally here, for a hardcore date a live fan like me, this is definitely worth the wait! For the people that wants good value for their money, I would suggest getting Rio Reincarnation instead since it shares a similar price tag as Ren Dystopia, but its three in one. If the first three visual novels highly interests you, then this one is definitely is worth getting! Just a little fair warning though, you will be greeted with a rather "special" scene once you start…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Concise Game Reviews: "DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia" (Scroll down for the longer version) Game Value: ✅ Perfect for fans of visual novels and the DATE A LIVE series. Featuring gorgeous visuals, compelling character arcs, and intricate branching routes, this installment pushes the emotional stakes higher than ever. The plot follows Shido as he encounters Ren, a mysterious spirit trapped in a dream world with the power to grant three wishes. As Shido navigates the complex dynamics of these…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm gonna be completely honest. This might be the best game I've ever played. Ren's aura is absolutely insane. The presentation is overall a 10/10. The atmosphere is a 10/10. I get to play a 2nd Date a Live game to put another 10k hours on?! I absolutely love everything about this game and I only had to sell my right kidney for it! I've been hyped about this game since June and when I saw it was coming on the 5th of September I instantly ca- started saving up my money for it. Truly a unique and…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →KURUMI TOKISAKI IS THE BEST WAIFU ALL OF TIME! ZAPHKIEL!!! ⠀⠀⢀⠴⡻⣿⣷⡾⡋⣱⠞⢉⡴⢿⣽⣷⣄⣡⣻⣿⣿⣯⣭⣿⠙⠳⡄⠊⠙⢇ ⠀⢾⢵⡿⠊⢱⠋⠀⣼⠅⢠⣾⡾⣽⣿⣿⣽⣿⣿⣿⡿⢻⣿⣷⣇⠀⠳⡀⠀⢁ ⠀⣠⣻⡾⣼⣿⡷⢺⣿⣿⣿⡿⢱⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣤⡜⠛⢦ ⠀⠉⣹⡜⠙⠿⡇⣾⣿⣿⢿⡧⣾⣿⣿⡿⣿⣻⣿⣿⣿⢼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣾ ⠀⠀⠛⠀⠀⠀⢹⣿⣿⣿⠈⢀⣿⣿⣿⣧⡏⢹⣿⣻⡟⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣾⣿⣿⣿⠀⠈⠑⠛⠉⠹⠀⠘⠛⠻⢏⢹⣿⡿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⣿⣿⡟⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠛⣻⢑⠺⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⠀⠀⠀⡴⠀⣸⣿⣿⣿⢳⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠻⢶⠛⣹⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣶⣤⣶⣧⠀⣽⢿⢿⣿⠀⢆⠀⠈⢦⣄⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⠴⣹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣹ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣄⡏⠘⡸⣿⡦⡀⠢⠀⠀⠉⠉⠁⠀⠀⠀⡀⠔⠃⠓⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⢿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣦⣤⣽⣇⠈⠢⡈⠐⠒⣂⣀⣠⣭⣷⣶⠶⣶⠴⠿⠿⢿⣿⢸⣤ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠿⡠⠖⠁⠀⠀⠐⢄⠈⠺⠿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⡦⠃⣤⣀⣦⣤⣑⡄⠑⠄⠘ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⣬⣦…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →different game i still want kurumi to step on me. a year later in this different game and i still want kurumi to step on me.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is a truly head-scratching game. A game that looks and plays no different from its predecessors. All the while presenting fans with very underdeveloped and uninspired routes. While the Live2D models look great and the voice acting is phenomenal, it just can’t carry the weight that is everything else. Even the True Ending, which is some of the writing team’s best work, can’t save this. Ren deserves better. The reader deserves better. Especially when the company is…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I have 3 gacha main story updates to play, the PGR x Date A Live collab story to play, a certain extra content (yes P5R) I have yet to finish, not to mention my PGR main story and Steam game backlog... ✨️ time for Fields of Mistria ✨️
neutral · AI labelView post →This game is peak Date A Live and any Date A Live fan who is interested should play it, just make sure you have watched the first 3 seasons of the anime or read up to volume 11 and have also played Rio Reincarnation before playing this one.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Page 1 of a commission for Kiro from discord! Featuring Ilulu from Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, Kurumi from Date A Live, Delta from The Eminence in Shadow, Jibril from No Game No Life, and of course Kiro themselves who will all engage in a 5-way fusion dance!
neutral · AI labelView post →DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Follow [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45434562/]Good Game Collections to check other reviews. Let's collect good games together~! Conclusion (If you don’t feel like to read the full text) DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is a spin-off galgame that is strongly recommended to play only after completing the previous trilogy (DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation) and reading at least up to the end of volume 11 of the light novel (or after finishing the Season 3 anime)…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fun game. Kurumi best girl. I can fix Ren~
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is a classic character-driven visual novel that’s primarily aimed at fans of the series. It focuses on spending time with the cast, making dialogue choices, and steering the story toward different routes and endings. If you’re here for action gameplay, it won’t deliver that, but if you like relationship-focused VNs with anime humor and romance, it fits the bill. The structure is built around branching decisions and route hunting. You’ll make frequent choices that…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is the hardest thumbs-down I've ever had to write. As a massive fan of Date A Live, and an avid enjoyer of the three other visual novels, I had high hopes, that were ultimately dashed. The game isn't bad, it's... fine. But it's not on the same caliber of the others at all. The music is completely reused, the writing wasn't very compelling, and the story is heavily contrived, to an annoyingly rash degree, and not only has one of the cheapest endings I've ever seen, but ultimately lacks a…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →before commissioning my current avatar I used Hifumi, Kou and Aoba from New Game as avatars (also Kurumi from Date a Live), and there was a clear reason why
neutral · AI labelView post →[Review] DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia doesn't serve as a good entry point to see whatever positives the series has to offer, and this title is best reserved for more dedicated fans and true believers.
negative · AI labelView post →As a fan of the Date A Live series, I was excited to try out DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, and I'm happy to say it lived up to my expectations. The visual novel captures the series' romantic and comedic moments beautifully, drawing me into the story. The game features impressive visuals and a captivating narrative that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I especially liked the character development, as the game does a great job of exploring the cast's personalities and relationships. The…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Date A Live: Ren Dystopia is a fantastic visual novel, I loved the story and CG are always beautiful! Of course Kurumi supremacy everyday.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Reissue for the 1/7 scale figure of Nia Honjo from「Date A Live IV」produced by BellFine. ・ Nin Nin Game : bit.ly/4kv39V9 ・ Hobby Link Japan : bit.ly/3ZtScLq ・ Release date : 07/2025 #BellFine #date_a_live #デート・ア・ライブ
neutral · AI labelView post →First second of the game and there is already waifu in my bed 10/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game feels a bit short and the individual routes a little bit repetitive, but that's due to the games premise, so it's kinda fine I guess For some reason Reine and Miku's audio quality is horrible. There is no way such a blunder could slip quality control... Ren is an absolute enrichment to the universe. I love her personality and would love to see her in the anime as well. As for the extra content of the deluxe edition, I think it's worth alone for the two audio dramas with Natsumi.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The 1/7 scale figure (Design COCO) of Tokisaki Kurumi AXGRIT Ver. from「Date A Live」is available for pre-order! ・ Nin Nin Game : bit.ly/4eSA7x6 ・ Hobby Link Japan : bit.ly/44CptHl ・ Release date : 08/2026 #AXGRIT #date_a_live #デート・ア・ライブ
neutral · AI labelView post →The game exceeded all my expectations. It evoked just as much emotion in me as the first installment; the character models are far more detailed, facial expressions have improved, and new characters (outside the anime cast) have been introduced. It was also a pleasure to see familiar faces from the first game—they will always hold a special place in my heart. Although the price is steep, the game is definitely worth it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Kurumi the best as always, also i really like Ren here, she looks really cool with angel granting wishes.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I will update my review the more I play the game. At least the UI works perfectly, some visual novels come out with fked up PC ports. Glad this is not one of them. At least in the beginning. Edit: I forgot to update the review lol. It has the same writing style as the other 3 visual novels. If you want like the other games, you like this ome
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good game but only cause Kurumi carried ofc
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is a story-focused visual novel that confidently embraces its roots as an anime-style romance narrative while expanding the lore of its long-running franchise with a new, surreal scenario. Developed by Idea Factory, Compile Heart, and Sting, and published internationally by Idea Factory International, the game positions itself as a direct narrative successor to earlier DATE A LIVE visual novels rather than a standalone entry. It is designed first and foremost for fans…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Main character survey, question 17: how do you defeat your enemies? Goku: I use a Genki Dama on them. Saitama: I one-shot them. Lelouch: I outsmart them. Light: I write their names on a notebook. Shido: Err... I kiss them. Everyone stares at Shido in visible confusion. Introduction Date A Live: Ren Dystopia is a text-based dating sim developed by Idea Factory/Compile Heart that's a sort of a sequel for Rio Reincarnation. The difference is that the latter had three games in one,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Any fan of the anime will love it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'd say the game is...fine. A very solid VN and something fans of Date a Live will surely like, but honestly, it felt a little...stale at times. Don't get me wrong, it is a high-quality game for sure, it's just that the actual gameplay is quite limited (even more so than in Rio Reincarnation) and the story - while initially pretty cool - becomes a little strange at the end. And yes, that means something for this franchise! I also think that the CGs are quite...limited. I'm not asking for…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The 1/7 scale figure (KADOKAWA collection) of Tokisaki Kurumi: Fantasia 30th Anniversary ver. Renewal package edition from「Date A Live」is available for pre-order! ・ Nin Nin Game : bit.ly/4kTgXZz ・ Hobby Link Japan : bit.ly/3UwuMCc ・ Release date : 02/2026 #KDcolle #date_a_live #デート・ア・ライブ
neutral · AI labelView post →Has original OP like the OG game removed due to licensing issues, Miku's voice constantly sounds like ♥♥♥♥ due to poorer vocal quality compared to the rest of the cast and reused assets: sfx/music. Need I say more? A poor game considering how great the first one was. Two things I can compliment on is the newer sprite work and the new character Ren.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →First 15 min : https://youtu.be/jVwCLsCx4w4 If you are fan of DATE A LIVE series you will definitely love this
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →PS exclusive coming to PC for the first time, with English translation! A visual novel/dating sim about the new adventures of Shido and the beautiful Spirit girls. Gameplay: https://youtu.be/MBQdLM9jBuI DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia was first released for PS4/PS5 on September 24, 2020 in Japan, and is now coming to Steam for PC with English translation! The game includes an original story along with a new character named Ren (created exclusively for Date A Live: Ren Dystopia). The game supports…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →デート・ア・ライブの時崎狂三、ゲームセンターの景品です。 AMP+ シリーズ、タイトー製のプライズフィギュア。メルカリで販売中、ほかにも100点以上出品中です。 Prize figure of Kurumi Tokisaki from Date A Live - Japanese arcade game. #プライズフィギュア #アニメフィギュア #フィギュア 🇯🇵 ほかの種類はメルカリへ 👉 メルカリのショップ 🌏 From outside Japan 👉 How to buy
neutral · AI labelView post →The 1/4 scale figure (FREEing) of Tobichi Origami from “Date A Live V” is available for pre-order! ・ Nin Nin Game : bit.ly/49F2w9q ・ Hobby Link Japan : bit.ly/3XiiNtA ・ Release date : 05/2026 #FREEing #date_a_live #デート・ア・ライブ
neutral · AI labelView post →Page 2 of a commission for Kiro from discord! Featuring Ilulu from Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, Kurumi from Date A Live, Delta from The Eminence in Shadow, Jibril from No Game No Life, and of course Kiro themselves who will all engage in a 5-way fusion dance!
neutral · AI labelView post →Amazing story and interesting cover character, her backstory and motivation. It's kinda tricky to get the "extra" ending (how the true ending is called here), but it is totally worth it. Of course, similarly to earlier entries, it is a bittersweet one, but like other DaL games, it is of high quality. It was good to meet all the Spirits from up to 3rd season of anime (or 12th light novel) and even more in true ending (something nice for earlier DaL game fans). Pity that all routes are a bit…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Review If you’re a fan of DATE A LIVE, there’s no question: Ren Dystopia is a must-play. This visual novel delivers exactly what longtime followers of the series crave—more time with beloved characters, sharp writing, and Tsunako’s stunning artwork. While it may not be the best entry point for newcomers, it’s a charming and engaging experience for those already invested in Shido’s world-saving romantic escapades. A Familiar (But Welcome) Formula Ren Dystopia follows…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →why did the opening for ren dystopia not included in which the song was called kangen yuuwaku receptor by Sweet ARMS?
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good game underrated franchise i see kurumi I buy
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm a huge fan of both the anime and the previous 3 VNs, but this game really went above and beyond to make an experience that brought back the magic I felt when I first discovered DAL. Highly recommend if you're a fan of the series.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Heres my post about anime I like: Evangelion Nichijou Soul Eater Lucky Star Haruhi Blue Box (Manga) Date a Live Highschool of the Dead No Game No Life Gundam Ghost in the Shell Bocchi the Rock Fate D-Frag Dragon Ball Naruto Fruits Basket Hellsing Higurashi JoJo Mashle Lain SAO Toaru Trigun
neutral · AI labelView post →Thank you, Idea Factory, for bringing this to the West! Be Careful What You Wish For! As a longtime fan of Date A Live, this left a rather bitter taste in my mouth with how two of my favorite characters' routes were treated, but nonetheless, I still loved it and was even laughing to the point of tears at times. This title has one job for you, the reader: to ensure the girls get their happy endings, you must think like Shido! Shido being Shido has led to a variety of situations this time…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Ending my night with Date a Live: Ren Dystopia! It's a light and anime series and this game is a visual novel with different romance routes! It was released earlier this week! #デート・ア・ライ蓮ディストピア #anime #visualnovel
positive · AI labelView post →If you are DAL fan you gonna love this game anyway.But only problem l saw in game voice of Miku.Her voice come weird like they record her voice with poor device still everything is good
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →/／ 📢 Event Reminder Riichi City × Date A Live V \＼ The collaboration event「Date A Tile」is currently in full swing‼️✨ Be sure to check the event details in-game and join the fun. ⏰ Event Duration Mar 14, 2026 (Sat.) 10:00 – Apr 12, 2026 (Sun.) 23:59 (UTC+9)
neutral · AI labelView post →A great experience. It is much more of a traditional visual novel structure than the earlier entries in the series. The voice acting is absolutely fantastic throughout. In a way, that is to be expected from such a veteran cast. But it was still a real highlight. Natsumi's voice actress steals so many scenes. She gets to do a lot without words and lights it up every time. Harem Master Shido has no time to waste with the route shenanigans of other visual novels. He simply chooses a…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I have mixed feelings on this game so far. Maybe it'll change as I put more time into it as I've just done Yamis' & Origami's routes so far. For the most part, this game is solid & fun. My BIG issue with this game is that it's too short. Yuzuru's route took me 20 minutes, including the GOOD END I got right away. Back in the first two vns, you spent HOURS w the Spirits. Shortening the routes is fine & even understandable, considering there's three extra characters this go-around, but not to…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Death of the Common Route (And why that's a good thing.) I'm reviewing this as a long time Date a Live fan and anyone that isn't one will be completely lost. Played this on a PC/Switch controller, but keyboard and mouse should suffice as it's just a visual novel. But before going into Ren Dystopia, I have to talk about ARS install, the 2nd entry in the series. Despite liking the story, it was an absolute nightmare to play through all the way to the end to reach the true ending. We went from…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →if you liked the anime then yea play this
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →As a fan of DATE A LIVE and Kurumi lover, I'm enjoying this game
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I love this Franchise
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Jeez, it took quite a while for this one to hit PC but the wait was worth it. Timeline wise it takes place after Season 3 of the anime. (so if you saw Season 5 already, a certain spirit won't be as mysterious) The gameplay loop is very similar to Rio-Reincarnation, new girl (Ren), new story, new drama. Natsumi was also added to the roster of waifus. There are also some cool cameos I won't spoil. :) On the technical side, you got the usual animated sprites, lip-sync, amazing voice work,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really good game, haven't cried in a while but this one did it for me. Would replay again
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →After finishing Date a live V I was crazy craving for more content or anything. The anime might be over but this makes me happy to see all the characters again. The amazing soundtrack makes it all a blast. Personally I would say it is a solid 9/10 (Due to some of the voices in game are in low quality comparred to others)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Let's begin our date! The minor issues are the OP and ED sung by Sweet Arms are replaced probably due to licensing issues, You can refer to guide in Steam to download and replace the OP and ED. Hopefully Nia, Mukuro , Mio and Reine can be dated if there is another date a live game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →10/10 everything is amazing thank you for bringing this game to steam!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Cute, funny, and a little bit spicy. As a newscomer to the series, I've still enjoyed Ren Dystopia It's about what you'd expect from an anime visual novel, in a good way! Cute anime girls, a few spicy CGs, and a plot with a bushel of branching paths. If you want to check out the first 30 minutes, I have a Let's Play on my channel! https://youtu.be/9ZwcxXFmkGQ
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Date A Live: Ren Dystopia gets its worldwide release on Steam this September!
neutral · AI labelView post →Date A Live: Ren Dystopia is launching worldwide on Steam this year!
neutral · AI labelView post →
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