Roman's Christmas / 罗曼圣诞探案集

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Roman's Christmas / 罗曼圣诞探案集 is a single player role playing game. It was developed by SelfCrop Studio and was released on February 19, 2020. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Roman, the wolf-kind detective plans to spend his Christmas vacation in his favorite tavern, but a murder case happened in the tavern put him to work again.

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Single-Player

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98%

Audience ScoreBased on 84 reviews

story16 positive mentions

atmosphere3 negative mentions

Roman's Christmas features a captivating story with well-developed characters, allowing players to form genuine emotional connections and invest in the unfolding mystery.
The game excels in its unique art style and atmospheric soundtrack, enhancing the cozy yet melancholic setting of the holiday-themed narrative.
The gameplay mechanics encourage critical thinking and observation, rewarding players for their attentiveness and engagement with the dialogue and character interactions.

The English translation is often unpolished, containing grammatical errors and typos that can detract from the overall experience.
Some players found the pacing rushed, particularly in the transition between chapters, which can lead to a lack of emotional depth in character development.
The game lacks a complex overarching plot, with some mysteries feeling less challenging and the resolution arriving abruptly, leaving players wanting more closure.

story
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
49%
8%
The game's story is set in a cozy, snow-covered inn during Christmas, blending festive imagery with deeper themes of unresolved histories and emotional struggles among its characters. It emphasizes character-driven storytelling and psychological mysteries over sensational twists, creating an immersive experience that resonates with players seeking emotional depth. While some critiques mention structural issues, the overall narrative is praised for its captivating plot, rich character development, and beautiful art, making it a standout in the visual novel genre.
- “Set in a cozy, snow-covered inn during Christmas, the game frames its story with the warmth and nostalgia associated with the season, only to gradually peel back the cheerful veneer and expose unresolved histories, emotional wounds, and troubled dynamics among its guests.”
- “It tells a mystery, but it also tells a story about flawed individuals seeking warmth in a cold season—sometimes failing, sometimes succeeding, always feeling real.”
- “A riveting story, with beautiful art, and emotional music.”
- “First of all, the story is not very well made and it was told badly: the structure is not well made, lack of tension build-up, etc. Second, some game mechanics are annoying.”
- “The game promotes the roulette, tarot, sniffing,... as gameplay mechanics, but in reality, it's nothing special at all; not that it really matters, you're here for interacting with characters, reading a story, searching for clues and confronting people with evidence.”
- “It's tagged as LGBTQ+, but I wouldn't call it an LGBTQ+ story outside of a few characters.”
music
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
27%
14%
The music in the game is widely praised for its exceptional quality, enhancing the overall atmosphere with calm piano pieces and orchestration that evoke a bittersweet mood. Many players found the soundtrack integral to the experience, with some even purchasing the OST separately, although a few noted that certain sound effects felt out of place. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, complementing the storytelling and character development beautifully.
- “The soundtrack enhances this tonal balance, using calm piano pieces, light orchestration, and subtle seasonal cues to maintain a reflective, almost bittersweet mood.”
- “The music, once you let it seep in, becomes an integral part of the atmosphere, echoing the subtle tension and the emotional highs and lows of the investigation.”
- “A riveting story, with beautiful art, and emotional music.”
- “Some of the sounds are put into the soundtrack, which I quite dislike, especially when you buy the soundtrack separately.”
- “No matter what happens, the music and especially sound effects seem to be out of place.”
- “The soundtrack should be seen as a bonus.”
emotional
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game masterfully juxtaposes the warmth and nostalgia of a Christmas setting with the emotional complexities and unresolved issues of its characters, creating a rich tapestry of interpersonal dynamics. Through nuanced dialogue and atmospheric elements, players are invited to explore themes of isolation, resentment, and grief, all while navigating a narrative that balances interactivity with emotional depth. With its touching story and evocative music, the game offers a compelling emotional experience that resonates deeply with players.
- “Set in a cozy, snow-covered inn during Christmas, the game frames its story with the warmth and nostalgia associated with the season, only to gradually peel back the cheerful veneer and expose unresolved histories, emotional wounds, and troubled dynamics among its guests.”
- “Christmas, in the game, becomes a symbolic container—expectations of togetherness, forgiveness, celebration, and emotional connection serve as a poignant backdrop to characters struggling with isolation, resentment, or unspoken grief.”
- “For players who value emotional storytelling, carefully constructed dialogue, atmosphere-rich settings, and mysteries rooted in psychology rather than shock, it offers a deeply satisfying experience.”
gameplay
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
43%
21%
The gameplay of "Roman's Christmas" combines traditional visual novel elements with investigative mechanics such as clue gathering and logical deductions, enhancing immersion through character interactions and evidence confrontation. While some mechanics like roulette and tarot are highlighted, they are considered underwhelming, with the focus primarily on storytelling and character engagement. Overall, the gameplay is smooth and entertaining, drawing comparisons to titles like Danganronpa, despite some criticisms regarding story structure and certain mechanics.
- “Mechanically, Roman's Christmas stays grounded in visual novel conventions, but it introduces investigative structuring—clue gathering, evidence organization, logical deductions, and conversation choices that influence unfolding scenes.”
- “Roman's lupine strengths, like a keen sense of smell, are instrumental in the investigation, making the gameplay feel that much more immersive and authentic.”
- “Excellent gameplay with a fairly interesting plot.”
- “The game promotes the roulette, tarot, sniffing,... as gameplay mechanics, but in reality it's nothing special at all; not that it really matters, you're here for interacting with characters, reading a story, searching for clues and confronting people with evidence.”
- “First of all, the story is not very well made and it was told badly: the structure is not well made, lack of tension build-up, etc. Second, some game mechanics are annoying.”
- “- Some grammar issues confused me throughout the whole gameplay.”
graphics
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
37%
27%
The game's graphics feature a unique hand-painted aesthetic that beautifully captures the warmth and melancholy of a winter holiday, complemented by charming and likable characters. While the varying art styles can initially feel jarring, they ultimately contribute to a captivating visual experience that many players find heartwarming and distinctive. Overall, the artwork is highly praised, with standout pieces that enhance the storytelling and emotional depth of the game.
- “Visually, the game leans into gentle, hand-painted aesthetics that reflect both the warmth of a winter holiday and the melancholy lingering beneath it.”
- “The characters are all very likeable and the art style is immediately recognizable and distinct from any other detective games I have ever played.”
- “Important to note is that it seems like the game changed the sprite artwork.”
- “At first, I wasn't the biggest fan of the art style, but as I started playing, I fell in love with it.”
- “The artists who worked on this game have my biggest respect; the art style is one of a kind.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by soft lighting, cozy furnishings, and wintery visuals that create a welcoming yet contrasting backdrop to the emotional turmoil of the characters. This rich environment, enhanced by a fitting soundtrack, supports a narrative focused on emotional storytelling and psychological mysteries, providing players with a deeply immersive experience.
- “For players who value emotional storytelling, carefully constructed dialogue, atmosphere-rich settings, and mysteries rooted in psychology rather than shock, it offers a deeply satisfying experience.”
- “Soft lighting, crackling fireplaces, snowfall through frosted windows, and warmly furnished rooms reinforce the illusion of a safe, welcoming environment—an atmosphere intentionally at odds with the emotional turmoil brewing among the guests.”
- “The music, once you let it seep in, becomes an integral part of the atmosphere, echoing the subtle tension and the emotional highs and lows of the investigation.”
- “The soundtrack fits the atmosphere.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by witty dialogue and amusing character interactions, though it lacks significant story-altering choices. While some players may find the comedic elements enjoyable, particularly in the villains' downfall, others might feel that the humor doesn't add depth to the characters or the narrative. Overall, the humor is a highlight for many, providing a lighthearted experience despite its limitations.
- “Characters are fun to interact with; there are some really good funny bits.”
- “There aren't too many story-influencing choices, mainly to get funny dialogue quips, but there is one great choice you can make at the end that makes you think: 'If someone's going to be killed because you find out the truth, and the truth really won't change anything in the end, is it really worth getting that justice?'”
- “You may find this bothersome, but I find it quite hilarious and enjoyable.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers a surprisingly high level of replayability, thanks to its engaging characters, solid mysteries, and memorable settings and stories, despite some imperfections.
- “It's not perfect, but the characters are good, the mysteries are solid, the setting and stories are memorable, and it's surprisingly replayable for this type of game.”

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Roman's Christmas / 罗曼圣诞探案集 is a role playing game.

Roman's Christmas / 罗曼圣诞探案集 is available on PC, Mac OS, Phone, Windows and others.

Roman's Christmas / 罗曼圣诞探案集 was released on February 19, 2020.

Roman's Christmas / 罗曼圣诞探案集 was developed by SelfCrop Studio.

Roman's Christmas / 罗曼圣诞探案集 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its atmosphere.

Roman's Christmas / 罗曼圣诞探案集 is a single player game.

Similar games include Murders on the Yangtze River, Paradise Killer, Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer, PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders and others.

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