Time to cast aside assumptions that gaming's genres are a limited, somewhat homogeneous whole and embrace the new breed. Brace yourself for Hatoful Boyfriend, then, a title offering interspecies flirting at a school for gifted pigeons that has welcomed a sole human student. Yours is the role of that mysterious woman, in a world where birds reign supreme. And work in cafes. And have their own gangs.

It's all absurd of course, but the game positively revels in absurdity. This English translation of a cult Japanese release takes the form of the visual novel, a genre built entirely from text and near-static images. To interact involves much reading, a little decision-making and ample opportunities to romance all manner of winged creatures. As such, Hatoful Boyfriend might, justifiably, be said to occupy an extreme niche, but it is so eccentric, self-aware and hilarious that it's utterly delightful to play.