Collar x Malice is an otome visual novel developed by Idea Factory and released in 2016. It's an exciting mystery-solving adventure with charming characters, intense plot-twists, and thrilling action.
In order to experience the full story, it's best to play through all the available routes - either one after the other in chronological order, or by focusing on one specific character.
If you decide to play all the routes in chronological order, then you should begin with Shinjiro Hyuga's route. Shinjiro is the main protagonist of the story and his is the only route that's available at the start. As such, it's the best way to get familiar with the game's overall storyline and characters.
Once you've completed Shinjiro's route, you can then go through the other five individual routes. Each route focuses on a different character, so if you want to get to know the entire cast, then these are your best choices! The order of these routes should be as follows:
Takeru Sasazuka (Takeru's story explores his relationship with the protagonist and how he works to find out who the real perpetrator is)
Kei Okazaki (Kei's story focuses on his relationship with the protagonist and how his past entanglements colored their present actions)
Hayato Ozaki (Hayato's story revolves around his own secrets and how they are connected to what's happening in the present)
Aiji Yanagi (Aiji's story focuses on his relationship with the protagonist and how he works to help with the investigation)
Ichika Hoshino (Ichika's story focuses on her personal agenda and her relationships with the other characters)
Finally, after completing all the available routes, you can unlock the "Plus Scenario" - the true ending to the story.
No matter your play style, Collar x Malice is an immersive and thrilling visual novel that's sure to captivate and engage. Good luck, and have fun taking part in this life-changing adventure!