The Widow's Boutique

About

The Widow's Boutique is a single player casual simulation game. It was developed by Tidvis Games and was released on March 8, 2023. It received positive reviews from players.

This is the expanded and translated version of Fru Sems valg, the Norwegian visual novel which won three game awards at Spillprisen 2022! Step into a small town society of the 1820s in this historically accurate visual novel, filled with drama, dresses and danger! You are Mrs. Sem, recently widowed and back on the social scene of Christiania (today Oslo), a small town like any other on the outski…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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90%

Audience ScoreBased on 10 reviews

story5 positive mentions

The game features a well-researched and engaging narrative set in 1820s Norway, providing an immersive experience with historical accuracy.
Players enjoy the satisfying gameplay loop, character development, and the ability to make meaningful choices that affect the story's outcome.
The inclusion of charming elements, such as the ability to pet a cat and explore various locations, adds to the overall enjoyment and uniqueness of the game.

Some players found certain endings to be abrupt and felt that the main character's backstory could be more developed.
There are inconsistencies in the narrative, such as timeline discrepancies and character logic that can confuse players.
The music was criticized for being generic and not fitting the historical context, with suggestions for more culturally appropriate soundtracks.

story
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
33%
25%
The story in "The Widow's Boutique" is praised for its historical accuracy and engaging narrative, though some players find character depth lacking and certain plot points inconsistent or abrupt. While the "choose your own adventure" format allows for player agency, some feel that their choices do not significantly impact the emotional weight of the story. Overall, the game is seen as a compelling blend of storytelling and historical detail, with potential for richer character development in future updates.
- “This expertise is evident in the authenticity of the storytelling.”
- “The game is designed in a 'choose your own adventure' style, giving players the freedom to make their own decisions and shape the outcome of the story.”
- “Overall, 'the widow's boutique' is an outstanding game that combines historical accuracy, engaging storytelling, and immersive gameplay.”
- “Character logic: in one storyline (ending number 3), Mr. Christoffersen banned me from the dramatic society but simultaneously tried to be friendly, which felt inconsistent.”
- “Abrupt endings: some endings - in the storylines that I did not get married - felt quite sudden.”
- “After the first few days in the game, I found the characters to be unmemorable and I felt like I had less emotional agency that didn't fully impact how I felt about the story.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The music in the game has received mixed feedback; while some players feel that incorporating authentic Norwegian music from the 1800s would enhance the setting, others appreciate the non-intrusive, generic guitar tracks despite their American feel. Overall, the music transitions smoothly between scenes and has left a lasting impression on players, contributing positively to their experience.
- “The music transitioned well between scenes, and I didn't encounter any bugs, which is a huge plus in my book!”
- “Even so, the music 'did its thing' and I was entertained.”
- “The music has been playing in my head for days!”
- “As a musician, I didn't like the generic guitar music since it sometimes reminded me of American music.”
- “But I understand why the generic/non-intrusive music was chosen.”
- “Incorporating Norwegian music from the 1800s would better complement the setting, though I understand there may be cost constraints.”
gameplay
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay in "The Widow's Boutique" is highly praised for its satisfying loop, engaging writing, and well-developed characters, all set within a rich historical context. This combination fosters excitement and encourages exploration, making for an immersive and unpredictable experience. Overall, it is regarded as an outstanding game that effectively blends storytelling with gameplay mechanics.
- “The gameplay loop is satisfying, and I really enjoy the writing, the characters, and the historical context.”
- “This adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the gameplay, encouraging players to explore new avenues and try out different approaches.”
- “Overall, 'The Widow's Boutique' is an outstanding game that combines historical accuracy, engaging storytelling, and immersive gameplay.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers high replayability through its multiple paths and outcomes, allowing players to experience different scenarios based on their choices.
- “The game is designed to be highly replayable, with multiple paths and outcomes depending on the decisions that players make.”
- “Each playthrough offers a unique experience, encouraging players to explore different strategies and choices.”
- “The variety of character builds and storylines ensures that no two runs feel the same, making you want to dive back in for more.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Character development in "The Widow's Boutique" is praised for its endearing and unique approach, enhanced by a well-researched historical context that appeals to informed players. The game's art style complements the depth of its characters, contributing to a rich narrative experience.
- “The widow's boutique is incredibly endearing and unique, taking into account the concepts, art style, and character development. Well-researched historical games are a dime a dozen, making it difficult for conscious and well-informed players to enjoy accurate games.”
graphics
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics of The Widow's Boutique are praised for their endearing and unique art style, which complements the game's historical themes and character development. Players appreciate the attention to detail and the thoughtful design that enhances the overall experience.
- “The widow's boutique is incredibly endearing and unique, taking into account the concepts, art style, character developments, and more. Well-researched historical games are a dime a dozen, making it difficult for conscious and well-informed players to enjoy accurate games.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players have noted that the characters lack depth and memorability, leading to a diminished sense of emotional agency and a reduced impact on their overall connection to the story.
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of "The Widow's Boutique" is characterized as charming and addictive, enhanced by engaging love interests and moments of Dickensian grit and suspense, creating a captivating and immersive experience for players.
- “The widow's boutique is a charming, atmospheric, addictive visual novel with some equally charming love interests and occasional bits of Dickensian grit and suspense.”