Idea Factory’s Otome visual novel/game Collar x Malice will have an anime movie adaptation. At the same time as this announcement, there is no confirmation for an animation studio, cast, crew, or any other details. Otomate is currently streaming a teaser/ promotional video for the movie.
Aksys Games describes the story for Collar x Malice as follows;
A terrorist organization’s brutal attack has left you fitted with a deadly souvenir- a poisonous collar that could end your life at any moment. With the situation spiraling out of control and time running out, five mysterious strangers appear to aid you in your quest for the truth. Who can you trust? Failure to comply with the rules will result in an instant death via the collar. Telling others in the police station bears the same consequence. Will you be able to save yourself and the soul of Shinjuku from the clutches of oblivion? In a city bound by malice, you are the only hope for salvation!
Like all otome games (literally meaning geared towards women), players will have the chance to pursue a romantic relationship with the given men in the story. While only one can be the love interest, all others will have some relevance to the overall plot of Ichika Hoshino figuring out the town’s mysteries. This game’s love interests are; Aiji Yanagi, Kei Okazaki, Mineo Enomoto, Takeru Sasazuka, and Kageyuki Shiraishi.
Collar x Malice: Making a Comeback for Otome Fans
Otomate originally released the Collar x Malice visual novel in Japan in August 2016. Aksys Games then released the game in English in July 2017. There is also a Collar x Malice Unlimited fan disc- which includes an interlude, sequel story, and three side stories, shipped for PlayStation Vita in July 2018.
Most recently, a version of Collar x Malice is available for Nintendo Switch (released in March 2020). That version combines the original version and Collar x Malice Unlimited.
Idea Factory’s Collar x Malice anime movie will open at an undisclosed date in 2023. The Nintendo Switch version of Collar x Malice currently retails for $34.99.