Crimson Colosseum

When it comes to visual novels, the story tends to be pretty predictable. The main character finds a down on their luck female and through nefarious or more innocent means, the two strike up a relationship and usually an X-rated one at that. However, some games like to give the femme fatale the power throughout the story. In Crimson Colosseum this is most definitely the case and sees players battle it out to win freedom and much, much more.

This game plays like other visual novels such as Phychic Guardian Super Slendour, Dark Deity, Fleeting Iris and False Myth. Plus, it plays rather similarly in many ways to games such as Final Fantasy and the Persona series. Crimson Colosseum aims to be a visual novel with a difference, but does this game succeed against all odds, or get fed to the lions? We find out in our review of Crimson Colosseum.

A Fight to the Death

Firstly, let’s take a look at the overall narrative for the title. This game borrows the premise of the Disney classic, Mulan. A young girl called Sachi goes against her father’s wishes to become a warrior. However, she is ambushed by a group of individuals and forced to battle to the death with other individuals. That’s where it differs from the relatable and lighthearted Disney content but overall, this is an excellent story that differs from the normal format of other visual novels but for the better and this is a positive of this title.

The visuals in terms of graphical spectacle are very much the same. The art direction is excellent. It sways toward the anime/manga style as opposed to photo realism but that is absolutely for the better and lends itself to the fantastic nature of the storyline. Which means that the success of the game really relies on how good the gameplay is as a whole. Thankfully, this aspect delivers on what it promises. This being an excellent, in depth combat system, a variety of tactical approaches, a series of characters, each with their own builds, skills and move sets. Then, of course, a series of real time strategy mechanics that make this game play like the best JRPG games of recent memory. Obviously not as refined as the AAA games of the genre but a very suitable replication.

The Verdict

Overall, Crimson Colluseum is an excellent visual novel title that tries to set itself apart from the rest and does the job with aplomb. Is it perfect? Absolutely not, but it is an excellent attempt that succeeds in empowering the female lead, offers the player a variety of story and gameplay options and as a whole, is the game that it tries to be.

Pros:

• Competent graphics
• Deep and complex combat
• Decent story

Cons:

• Rather predictable at times
• Writing could be more refined