Summary of the original plot: In the original version of the game, Ayano Aishi, a high school girl with no emotions, becomes obsessed with her classmate Taro Yamada (Senpai). She stalks him and eliminates any rivals who might get close to him. The player is tasked with eliminating these rivals through manipulation, sabotage, or murder over the course of 10 weeks.
The original game's structure involves Ayano using an ally known as Info-Chan, who provides items, information, and blackmail material to help Ayano eliminate her rivals. Yandere Simulator also includes 1980's Mode, which is fully complete and explores the story of Ryoba Aishi, Ayano's mother.
The ONLY thing 1980's Mode did right was the lack of Info-Chan, as the player had a bit more of a challenge getting rid of the Rivals. Especially when your gameplay is ranked at the end, giving certain players incentive to try again and get rid of the Rivals properly. Though I do not think a ranking system is necessary in the main game, the manner in which players have to get more creative in order to win the game is much more satisfying and fun.
Overview of the New Plot: In this new version, Ayano is no longer emotionless, but a deeply troubled girl who feels intense emotions, especially fear of abandonment. Her obsession with Senpai stems from a neglectful past, and her behavior becomes increasingly desperate as she tries to secure his affection. Senpai likewise has his own life and issues, connecting with each Rival in a more meaningful way instead of just randomly being roped into their confession.
Rather than eliminating rivals through violence right away, Ayano must outsmart them through social manipulation, using the school’s social dynamics to her advantage. Each rival presents a unique challenge, requiring Ayano to think critically and carefully plan her actions. As the Rivals get tougher and Ayano's anxiety over losing Senpai grows more intense, so do the elimination methods. She then becomes way more comfortable doing things like murder, kidnapping and ruining her Rivals' lives.
Key Changes:
Ayano Aishi (Renamed to Shion Asano): Shion grew up in an emotionally neglectful household. Her parents were distant and uninvolved in her life, which created a deep need for validation and attention. She was often ignored by her peers and lacked any strong friendships. When she first meets Senpai, he is one of the few people who shows her basic kindness. This sparks an intense, unhealthy fixation, as Shion now sees Senpai as her only hope for emotional fulfillment. She believes that if she doesn’t secure him, she will spiral into loneliness.
Shion's mother was obsessed with her husband, and even though she loved Shion, she was always more focused on pleasing Jokichi instead of raising her daughter, as she also feared losing her husband as he became more distant with time. Jokichi tried to be a supportive father, wanting to raise Shion so she is nothing like her mother, but he can't help seeing Ryoba when he looks at her. Especially with Ryoba occasionally teaching Shion ways to secure her Senpai, only to then neglect her, it interfered with Ayano having a normal childhood.
Jokichi eventually began to outright ignore Shion, driving a wedge between himself and both the Asano women in his life. He was forced into this family against his will and the arguments he had with Ryoba would damage Shion mentally and emotionally when she overheard them. She began to believe that her own marriage would end up the same way, and she feared meeting a boy who she liked. Shion had trouble making friends due to how quiet she was, and some mannerisms she displayed like standing completely still as a habit and responding minimally were deemed as "creepy" by her peers.
Taro Yamada (Renamed to Takumi Kawano): Takumi grew up in a loving but somewhat demanding household. His parents, both successful in their respective fields, have always had high expectations for him. They’ve encouraged him to excel in school, join clubs, and maintain a perfect image. Although Takumi is naturally intelligent and personable, the pressure has left him feeling somewhat isolated and burdened by expectations. Takumi's father is a successful angel investor, and many businesses dream of gaining finanical support from him, while Takumi's mother is a kind and hard-working nurse. Takumi’s parents are supportive but have a tendency to focus on results. He’s used to hearing things like, “You have so much potential, don’t waste it,” or “We’re proud of you, but you could do even better next time.” This creates a quiet internal conflict— he wants to live up to their expectations but also feels a lack of emotional freedom. He craves meaningful connections with people who see him for more than his achievements, but he struggles to express this.
Despite his popularity and success, Takumi feels lonely at times. He often feels like people only appreciate him for what he can do rather than who he is. He's used to people asking him for help on studying and academics, and he's active in extracurricular activities, looking to expand his resumé as per his parents' expectations. This makes him empathetic toward people like Shion, who seem to be on the fringes of social groups. However, he’s unaware that his kindness can be misinterpreted as something more, especially to Shion and her Rivals.