Whisper of a Rose

The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and variety, with each area featuring unique tracks that enhance the overall experience. Many players find the soundtrack soothing and reminiscent of classic RPGs, making it enjoyable for casual listening outside of gameplay. However, some users noted that the music can become repetitive over time, leading to a desire to mute it. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's fairy tale atmosphere.

The graphics in "Whisper of a Rose" are widely praised for their vibrant, colorful artwork and detailed pixel art, showcasing a unique and imaginative style that sets it apart from typical RPG Maker games. While many reviewers highlight the impressive custom graphics and the overall aesthetic appeal, some note that the visuals, though beautiful, are not without minor flaws and could benefit from further refinement. Overall, the game's art direction is considered a significant strength, contributing to an engaging fantasy atmosphere.

The gameplay of the game is criticized for being slow and lacking action, with many reviewers noting that it feels overly drawn out and reminiscent of basic RPG Maker mechanics. While the combat system features interesting elemental damage mechanics and offers multiple classes, it is often described as simplistic and not engaging enough to sustain interest over the expected 30 hours of playtime. Additionally, technical issues such as UI cropping and sprite glitches detract from the overall experience, leading to a consensus that the gameplay fails to capitalize on the game's otherwise appealing story and art style.

Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is largely viewed as tedious and unnecessary, often detracting from the overall experience. Players find the repetitive battles and slow story progression frustrating, especially with mechanics that force them to revisit cleared areas. While some appreciate the challenge and rewards of grinding, many feel it becomes overly burdensome, overshadowing the game's positive elements.

The game is noted for its emotionally powerful narrative, featuring deeply moving moments that resonate with players long after gameplay. Heartbreaking scenes, such as Melrose's struggles with her father and her poignant experiences in both the real and dream worlds, evoke strong emotional responses, particularly for those who are sensitive and willing to invest in the story. Overall, the emotional depth of the characters and their journeys leaves a lasting impact.

The humor in the game is described as a blend of sadness and hilarity, with elements like awkward bathroom jokes and time-bouncing scenarios providing a refreshing change of pace. Players find the comedic moments mildly hilarious, often prompting them to share their enjoyment in humorous ways, such as concocting excuses to take time off work to play.

The game offers significant replayability through its New Game+ mode, which encourages players to complete all achievements and side-quests, requiring at least two playthroughs. Players can unlock new content and access exclusive sidequests, including one that rewards the best summon in the game, enhancing the overall replay value. Additionally, the presence of over 50 achievements and visually appealing card drops further incentivizes multiple runs.

The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its unique "colored pencil" art style, which many players find appealing. While the slow start may deter some, it provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the relaxing ambiance of the game.

The game's optimization is notably poor, with users reporting dreadful framerates in specific areas, likely due to excessive special effects and event handling. This issue is attributed to the inherent limitations of the RPG Maker engine, rather than the performance capabilities of individual machines.

The reviews do not provide specific insights into the monetization aspect of the game, focusing instead on the quality of the art and the effectiveness of the advertising. As such, there is no clear consensus or information regarding the monetization strategy or its impact on the player experience.