Lately I've been pretty invested in reincarnation stories in otome games or novels.
So I'll share some good ones with you:
The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs
Status: Ongoing
The general story of those otome games is usually that some person is reincarnated as the villainess of an otome game, trying to avoid their death endings. This one however is entirely different, so much that it's a pretty unique approach, because the MC is male, and was reincarnated into this world as a character that's not even mentioned in the original game. As such he uses his knowledge of the game to get the best items.
Something particular about this story is that essentially 95% of the female characters are feminazis and this world is ruled by women. As such, being a male character and the third (useless son) of a lowly nobility, his newly-wedded stepmother just wants him to get killed in the army and take his compensation money. In order to survive he begs his father for a ship so he can go on an adventure instead and find the endgame items to make a name of himself.
Unlike usual Japanese mangas, the male lead actually has balls, which is pretty refreshing. He give all of his competitors what they deserve and thus makes himself hated in the academy.
Either way, if you want to see a guy shred Feminazi's confidence and humility to pieces, go take a look at this.
Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shite shimatta...
Status: Finished (A second season is in the works though)
This is the story of Katarina, or rather Bakarina. (Baka=stupid).
She's reincarnated in an otome game as the villainess and tries to avoid her death endings, as usual. However due to her being so stupidly straightforward, and also stupid, she unknowingly charms all the characters that should've been against her and doesn't even get it.
This one is a heartwarming experience which excells at character developement (aside from the female lead) and lovely encounters.
Who made me a princess?
Status: Ongoing
This is a story about a reincarnation in a novel. Again, as the villainess. The art is really fascinating and there were many times where I just stopped and admired the art.
The general story is that the Female lead was reincarnated as a princess whose father hates her and wants to kill her. As the story progresses with her trying to get on the good side of her father, you learn more about the past and why he hates her, which may be interesting and logical, but was a little obvious if you're into drama. This Manhua excells at the art and the story after the "Getting on the good side of father"- Arc, which is definitely worth a try, even though it makes use of an annoying, overused trope. Also, you wait half the time for one of the side characters to return, which makes you wonder why it takes so long, since he can teleport himself anywhere at any point. It's indeed interesting to see the Female lead trying to make herself loved by her father.
The Villainess Will Crush Her Destruction End Through Modern Firepower
Status: ongoing
This is a story about a female gun fetishist being reincarnated as the villainess. It's special because the female lead is actually more of a villainess than the original villainess since she tries to make an army of gun-powered soldiers in a world where instant-kill options are scarce. She's manipulative, loves guns and has essentially no magic power, which is why she has to rely on her guns in order not to get killed.
Personally, I think the pace is a little bit off. For now (chapter 19 released) she's still a small child and tries her best to make weapons, but I'd love to see the story progress a litle faster, especially watching her debut in high society and continuing. It's an interesting take on the genre nonetheless, but I'd advice waiting a little longer until more chapters are released.
Or you might love seeing evil grins on a loli. Then it's fine to start reading this right now.
Fiancée’S Observation Log Of The Self-Proclaimed Villainess
Status: Ongoing
This is a story about... ahh whatever, you already know it's about reincarnation. Either way, the interesting part on this one is the fact that the Female Lead realizes she's the villainess and wants to play her part as best as possible. Which is then usually misunderstood by the other characters. She herself proclaims she'll be the villainess in front of the Male Lead right at the start, which is something the Male Lead finds so obscure that his genius level brain gets thrown away from his boredom.
If you like funny misunderstandings and a ridiculous story, this is for you.
For Certain Reasons, The Villainess Noble Lady Will Live Her Post-Engagement Annulment Life Freely
Status: Ongoing
This time the Female lead plots to get her engagement annulled in order to live leisurely and freely like a big, life-long vacation. However at some point she is suddenly looked at as a saintess due to the medical knowledge she remembers from her past life.
If you're interested in the Female Lead plotting her best way to get back to her leisure life, this is a story for you.
Death Is The Only Ending For The Villainess
Status: ongoing
This is essentially playing a Dark-Souls Otome game in real life, except that it's harder. It's really depressing to see how the Female Lead is treated and especially so since she has to use pre-defined options. Her goal is to not annoy any of the Male Leads while trying to keep her dignity in order to raise the likability so she can avoid death.
The Villainess' Slow Prison Life Began With Her Broken Engagement
Status: Finished
It's not really a reincarnation story. But it's really funny nonetheless. The Villainess is thrown into prison, where she's left to die of hunger. Unfortunately for the Male Lead, she prepared in advance, knowing she'll get thrown into prison. As such she deems herself untouchable while being in her cell, even locking herself up with another lock, so she can avoid the prison guards opening the cell.
It's such a ridiculous approach to the genre. Do you want to see a true villainess torture the asshole prince from inside her cell? Yeah, go ahead and read this. It's really funny.
More Mangas from this genre may or may not be mentioned at a later point in time.