Mask of the Rose

OK, a dating sim set in 1862 London? You've got my attention. Mask of the Rose has made the prospect of mixing romance, mystery, and visual novels intriguing by deciding to set the game against a period that has never seen such an eclectic genre crossover, let alone many games. This upcoming title will certainly reel players in with its unusual approach to interactivity.

But there's still the matter of whether Mask of the Rose will succeed at what it's trying to do. It's ambitious to add such a broad palette of elements into a relatively unknown setting, but a noble challenge that could ultimately turn heads. We haven't played the game yet, but we've seen enough content to get a decent idea of where the title is heading and what it will offer players.

Kissed by the Rose

So here we are in a parallel version of 1862 London, where death is temporary, rats can hold civilized conversations, and the city borders with the fiery landscapes of hell. Of course, there's only one thing on everyone's minds as they survive the seemingly dystopian world; when am I going on my next date? That's right; it appears this setting has everyone in the mood for love!

Mask of the Rose has possibly one of the most pleasantly bizarre narratives I've seen in a visual novel. Despite the more minimalist mechanics, one can't help but be intrigued by your search for love in such a dark and dreary setting. Players will turn pages, discover locations, meet other Londoners, and naturally, solve murders as one does in a Victorian setting.

This mysterious world's minigames, dialogue options, and story development look entertaining. A dynamic player crafting system allows plenty of customization to how you play, aiming to be your best to impress the rest as you traverse the Fallen London dating scene. You'll also be able to make your own love stories and murder mysteries, sharing even more stories with lovelorn residents.

There's so much going on in such a mysterious universe that one can't help but find interest in playing Mask of the Rose. It's one of the most original approaches to dating sims and romance games, where even those skeptical about the genre can enjoy the more meticulous mechanics of finding love in a strange universe. This game is one to watch in its near future release!

Jolly Good, Old Chap

How do you compare something like Mask of the Rose to another title when the approach is original? If you look at other outlandish dating sims, Sucker for Love: First Date was probably the most admirable title when creating a romance game that looked outside the box. You feel the former game is going the same route, being creative with its characters, themes, and mechanics to conjure a memorable dating scene.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• An original dating sim idea that sparks life into the genre
• Well-developed characters and story
• Versatile gameplay for a visual novel

Cons:

• A bizarre concept that might be hard to convince some players to try
• The minimalist mechanics may not challenge enough