Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception

  • May 23, 2017
80%
Game Brain Score Based on 82 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception Game Cover
Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception is a great visual novel for fans of the slice of life genre and one that made me want the sequel right now.

"Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception" is a single-player Role Playing game with a splendid story. The game follows Haku, an amnesiac protagonist, who, with the help of the beast-like girl Kuon, embarks on a journey across a politically-charged world, meeting colorful characters and battling ruthless enemies. Offering a beautiful visual novel story experience, intriguing characters, fast-paced SRPG combat, and a world-class soundtrack, the game promises an unforgettable adventure.

  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station Vita
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 82 reviews
story30 positive mentions
  • The game features an engaging and well-written story with a colorful cast of characters that players can become attached to.
  • The visual novel elements are complemented by fun tactical RPG battles, providing a good balance between reading and gameplay.
  • The art and voice acting are well-executed, enhancing the overall experience and emotional impact of the story.
  • The game is heavily text-based, which may be off-putting for players looking for more action and gameplay.
  • Story development can be slow, with long stretches of dialogue before any significant events or battles occur.
  • The battle mechanics are simplistic and may not provide enough challenge for players seeking a deeper tactical experience.
  • story81 mentions

    The story in "Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception" and its sequel is highly praised for its emotional depth and character development, often compared favorably to Hollywood narratives. While the pacing starts slow with a focus on slice-of-life elements, it picks up significantly in the latter half, leading to a compelling conclusion that sets up the sequel. However, the game is heavily text-based, which may not appeal to all players, particularly those seeking more action-oriented gameplay.

    • “I highly recommend both games to anyone who wants one of the best written stories I've seen in many years, and that includes Hollywood movies. It puts Hollywood to shame and makes all their movies look like utter mindless crap.”
    • “Filled with characters that you grow to love and an intriguing story, this game is well worth the purchase if you love reading stories that draw you in.”
    • “The story was very tantalizing to the point where just reading through 'just one more' event before bed turned into an hour of reading and a battle which I was inclined to finish because why not?”
    • “The first half is slice of life that feels like it is going nowhere, but the story begins to get serious around the halfway point.”
    • “However, this game is not for everyone as it is very story heavy, and there are long stretches (in the hours) where there is almost no gameplay, just story.”
    • “The real deception is once one is finishing with both, they will look back on this game longing to return to the slow, carefree story that makes up the first half of Mask of Deception.”
  • gameplay18 mentions

    The gameplay is heavily narrative-driven, resembling a visual novel where players spend about 75% of their time reading, with battles that are simplistic and lack challenge. While the tactical gameplay offers some enjoyment, it is basic and features minimal customization, leading to a repetitive experience. Overall, the game may appeal to those who appreciate story-rich content, but its sparse gameplay may not satisfy everyone.

    • “The 3D graphics in the battles are below modern standards, but the gameplay is solid.”
    • “The SRPG gameplay is basic with minimal customization and it's quite easy except for the post-game content.”
    • “This is a visual novel and you'll have some fights with SRPG gameplay, but it's not many. The characters and artwork look great, the in-game graphics not so much, but that's not what it's about.”
    • “I'll admit the gameplay threw me off at first and it took a few hours to become fully invested because you spend roughly 75% of your playthrough reading due to it being similar to a visual novel.”
    • “However, this game is not for everyone as it is very story heavy, and there are long stretches (in the hours) where there is almost no gameplay, just story.”
    • “[gameplay is sparse to an unbelievable level, cutscenes are basic, akin to puppet shows, lots and lots of text for you to read, somewhat ham-handed story details throughout]”
  • graphics10 mentions

    The graphics of the game are a mixed bag, with dated 3D visuals in battles that fall below modern standards, while the character designs and 2D artwork are praised for their beauty. The Vita version is noted for looking great, suggesting the PS4 version may simply be an upscaled version. Overall, the visuals do not significantly enhance the experience, as the focus remains on the narrative and gameplay.

    • “I own this on the Vita; I can't speak to the graphics on the PS4, but I can say the Vita version looks great, which makes me think the PS4 version is an up-res version of the Vita version.”
    • “This is a visual novel and you'll have some fights with SRPG gameplay, but it's not many. The characters and artwork look great.”
    • “[Beautiful 2D visuals, great voice acting, colorful cast of characters, interesting story]”
    • “The 3D graphics in the battles are below modern standards, but the gameplay is solid.”
    • “Graphically, it is a visual novel that doesn't stand out except for the character designs.”
    • “[Dated 3D visuals, story may be too slow for some, no story/dialogue choices that affect the story or ending]”
  • music5 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised, with players finding it enjoyable and often listening to the original soundtrack even after completing the game. It complements the visual novel's aesthetic and enhances the overall experience, alongside fitting voice acting and engaging visuals.

    • “I find the music very enjoyable and continue to listen to the OST even after finishing the game.”
    • “[Visually looks great, music and voice acting are fitting, visual novel and battle segments are well-done, peculiar story and characters.]”
  • humor5 mentions

    The humor in the game effectively enhances emotional moments and character development, with engaging interactions that resonate with players. However, some reviewers noted missed opportunities for humor in battle sequences and criticized the awkward integration of sexual themes, which detracted from the overall experience. While the main character may lack depth, the side characters provide amusing moments, albeit feeling somewhat underdeveloped.

    • “It made the touching scenes more emotional, the humorous scenes funnier, and further defined each character's personality.”
    • “The character interactions are funny, and I liked them a great deal by the end.”
  • character development3 mentions

    While the character designs in the visual novel are praised for their artistic quality, the overall character development does not receive significant attention, suggesting that the narrative may not fully explore or deepen the characters beyond their visual appeal.

    • “The art is amazing and so are the character designs.”
    • “The character designs are truly exceptional and add depth to the overall experience.”
    • “The character development is engaging and makes you feel connected to their journeys.”
    • “Graphically, it is a visual novel that doesn't stand out except for the character designs.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to enhance touching scenes and amplify humor, effectively deepening character development and personality. This dual impact enriches the overall narrative experience, making it more engaging for players.

    • “It made the touching scenes more emotional, the humorous scenes funnier, and further defined each character's personality.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

66% average critic score

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