A Rose in the Twilight First Impressions

Player(s): 1
Platforms: PS Vita, PC (via Steam)

A Rose in the Twilight is an upcoming puzzle platformer by NIS America, to be released on April 11th for PS Vita and Steam. The story follows a girl named Rose and her Giant companion through an ancient castle where time is at a standstill, and there is no color. Rose utilizes her Thorn Power ability to control blood and time to travel through the castle, while the Giant’s super strength removes heavy obstacles in their way.

The puzzles are straightforward at best and frustrating at worst. Rose tends to die a lot in this game, and it doesn’t take that much to kill her. I think the worst part of it is dealing with the ultra slow animations again, and again, and… again. There is plenty of backtracking, and it seems excessive at times to have to go back through several rooms in order to collect enough Blood Memories to move on. However, if you can manage to garner enough patience to wait through the dreary cut scenes and minimal story explanation it’s not an un-enjoyable game.

Gruesome and bloody deaths, dark themes, and other horror-mystery elements added to my interest in the game. The art and soundtrack create a gothic atmosphere, and the style keeps a hint of cuteness within the morbidity. I think the best part of A Rose in the Twilight for me is the art style.
 
So far, I’m not impressed with the overall execution of this game. It is pretty to look at, but even then the animations drag on a little too long for my taste, and repeating the same areas several times through becomes a bit of a nuisance. Maybe it will grow on me as I play more, and perhaps interesting tidbits will reveal themselves as the story progresses.
 
It’s an alright game, and if you’re into puzzle-platformers you may want to check it out for yourself. It is currently available for preorder on the NISA online store, with a limited edition Collector’s Box. Just $39.99 will get you the soft cover art book, soundtrack, double-sided rubber Rose charm, and Giant stress ball along with the PS Vita version of the game.
 
-Danny