Rule of Rose

"One of the Best Video Games Ever Created"

With this game wrongly cancelled over here in the UK, I had the European version imported and Rule of Rose became the most treasured video game in my possession. The game was cancelled due to media attack (children in jeopardy, underage lesbian antics, possible paedophilia themes,etc.), and generally bad reviews/ game sells.

GRAPHICS : 8 / 10

While the gameplay graphics are sharp enough to satisfy, the FMV graphics are stunningly beautiful. I've played many other games with much worse gameplay graphics, and the grainy filter maximises the horror aspect of the game.

AUDIO : 10 / 10

The soundtrack to this game is perfect; every song is so haunting yet wonderful to listen to, guaranteed to make the player feel nostalgic. The voice acting is superb, all the children really come off psychotic without it feeling tacky or cringeworthy.

STORY : 10 / 10

This is where the game deserves the title, 'masterpiece'. I have never come across another video game with a story so complex, emotional and intelligent as this one. Basically, without spoiling anything, it' about teenager Jennifer sent away to a completely isolated orphanage located in England, in 1920. The whole game is generally about Jennifer trying to remember what happened in her life which was so tragic it screwed up her mind. You really will have to play this and immerse yourself to get the full experience, but I should say that the last half hour is so emotional, my heart was sinking within my chest, and my eyes were welling up.

GAMEPLAY : 8 / 10

DON'T play this game if all you are interested in is guns and action. ROR is very much exploration/ find item, retrieve item territory. You use Jennifer's best friend Brown the dog to help you find various objects, while avoiding horrible little creatures with animal heads and solving some mild puzzles here and there. But this game is more about the fantastic story rather than what the character does.

OVERALL : 10 /10

ROR is my 2nd favourite game of all time (1st is Canis Canem Edit). It is unlike anything else and although the whole experience is somewhat depressing, ROR is a flawless gem, unique and totally underrated. Some scenes are really disturbing and creepy, but this game is so beautiful and emotional. If you are after something intelligent, deep and thought-provoking, get this wonderful and unforgettable game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 05/19/08

Game Release: Rule of Rose (EU, 11/03/06)