Mask of the Rose – Review

Those of you familiar with Failbetter Games will recognise their signature style and universe in their latest hit, Mask of the Rose. This installation is much closer to their original Fallen London browser game and as a gothic Visual Novel fan myself, it doesn’t disappoint. 

The premise of the game is a murder mystery/dating sim hybrid (which is far from unique) but what really stands out is the level of complexity afforded. Solving the murder can be done in a variety of different ways – something not unheard of but fairly unusual for the genre. It usually requires a more exacting approach. I’m a fan of this multi-layered model and other companies should take note. 

When I began, the idea of having a kinky fling with a sentient giant bat while hanging upside-down from a homemade sex swing wasn’t my main aim (when in Rome?) but it was definitely an experience. If tentacles, bats, rats and disembodied eyes aren’t your thing, maybe give it a miss. For those who appreciate a more eclectic romantic experience, MotR is certainly that. Ever dreamt of dating the oozing creatures from the sewers? Fantasised about aristocratic rats? This game has you covered. 

The replayability of this is rarely matched. I have completed several times already and feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. At roughly 4-6 hours per play through, completing in a single sitting is achievable. It feels like coming back to a favourite story, the familiarity is comforting yet the differences are enough to keep you interested. 

I won’t pretend to be unbiased, Failbetter has yet to produce a game I wouldn’t recommend. Everything about this universe from the art, to the writing style, to the time period, to the downright weird, borderline Lovecraftian, nonsense strikes a chord. I can’t say whether you’ll love it or hate it but I can assure you that it is unlike anything you’ve ever played.