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Within a Rose

66%Game Brain Score
story, emotional
music, gameplay
88% User Score Based on 26 reviews

Platforms

Mac OSMac OSPCPCWindowsWindowsLinuxLinux
Buy Nowfrom $4.99
Buy NowGet on Steam$4.99

About

"Within a Rose" is a first-person puzzle-adventure game set in a surreal dream world. The player explores a mysterious mansion filled with intricate puzzles and hidden secrets, all while uncovering the story of a heartbroken inventor. With a focus on exploration and discovery, the game offers a unique and immersive experience.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Within a Rose screenshot
Within a Rose screenshot
Within a Rose screenshot
Within a Rose screenshot
Within a Rose screenshot
Within a Rose screenshot
Within a Rose screenshot
Within a Rose screenshot

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 26 reviews
story14 positive mentions
music3 negative mentions
  • The game features a beautifully written story with emotional depth and relatable characters, particularly the dark fairy Desdemona and the male protagonist Wally.
  • It offers a refreshing take on gender dynamics, showcasing a strong female lead and a sensitive male character, which is a rarity in visual novels.
  • The artwork and soundtrack complement the narrative well, enhancing the overall experience despite some generic background art.
  • The game is quite short, taking only a few hours to complete, which may leave players wanting more content.
  • There are inconsistencies in the background art and some abrupt character development that can disrupt immersion.
  • The dialogue can be hit or miss, with some parts feeling rushed or lacking in detail, which may detract from the storytelling experience.
  • story
    47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story is a charming retelling of "Sleeping Beauty" from the perspective of the dark fairy, featuring a modern twist and multiple endings that explore themes of reconciliation and personal growth. While some reviewers noted the writing could be improved and the pacing occasionally felt rushed, the overall narrative is praised for its depth, emotional impact, and unique character dynamics, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of visual novels. The game balances romance and meaningful storytelling without relying heavily on explicit content, appealing to those who appreciate a more mature and thoughtful approach to relationships.

    • “After having an extra year to reflect upon it, I believe that this game really is a must-play for anyone who can appreciate a deep and meaningful story about actions and consequences.”
    • “The story has multiple endings, including two 'happy endings' for the dark fairy, two unhappy endings for her where she ends up alone, and one ending where the male protagonist ends up with his childhood friend. I greatly enjoyed the story, which focused on reconciliation and letting go of a troubled past to embrace happiness in the present.”
    • “This was the most impressive thing about this romance story: the very different sorts of masculinity and femininity on display, and how it is perfectly acceptable to have different puzzle pieces (strong female, gentle male), which fit together perfectly.”
    • “The story is pretty short, so it will only take around 3 hours to complete pretty much the entire game, and I would always love if those short visual novels would have made their stories a bit longer.”
    • “The story of the game itself is really interesting; the only problem is the writing. Sometimes it's really too fast and doesn't let the player fully engage, being 'too fast' at some parts or 'too sudden.' However, the game is good in that most events that occur have a reason to be there, so we don't waste time on useless things; the game goes straight to the plot, which can be a good thing for people who like fast stories.”
    • “Very enjoyable, great writing, and a bit frustrating because of the multiple endings; you need to play again and again to get the story right.”
  • music
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally praised for its beauty and ability to enhance the emotional impact of cutscenes, effectively complementing the art and writing. However, some players note that the soundtrack can feel generic, particularly for those familiar with visual novels, though it is still considered sufficient and fitting for the scenes. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a strong point, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere.

    • “The art is pleasing, as is the soundtrack.”
    • “Cutscenes where the music and writing complement the scene art, in order to portray a powerful mood.”
    • “Though forgivable due to the small dev team, the use of generic background art and music sticks out too much for players like me who play a lot of visual novels.”
    • “Bad art, bad music, bad writing.”
    • “The music is sufficient, and fits the mood of each scene.”
  • emotional
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its well-written narrative that evokes a range of feelings, from kindness and hope to deep sadness, particularly in its tragic routes. Players appreciate the balance between wholesome moments and impactful emotional experiences, with some expressing that it moved them to tears, showcasing its ability to engage without relying solely on drama.

    • “This story made me feel kinder and more hopeful.”
    • “...then I played it again and got a tragic route, and it made me cry a lot as soon as I realized the severity of what was happening.”
    • “Is it bad that I cried? So far, only two online books (visual novels) have moved me this much.”
  • graphics
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's graphics feature pleasant visuals, including expressive character sprites and appealing backgrounds, effectively conveying the story despite not being the most advanced. While the artwork is appreciated, some users suggest that a re-release with updated visuals could enhance the experience further. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point, complementing the game's narrative and characters.

    • “Mechanically, the game has simple mouse or keyboard commands, and pleasant visuals, including backgrounds and character sprites with changing expressions.”
    • “It is not the most expensive graphics, but I found it did an excellent job of conveying the story—and the gallery pictures are worth the price of admission.”
    • “Nice artwork and storyline (and characters, by the way).”
  • humor
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its abundant humor, with players finding it funny and enjoyable without the need for uncensored patches. The story is considered decent, and the characters are described as adorable, contributing to the overall comedic experience.

    • “This game is filled with humor that keeps you laughing throughout.”
    • “I usually play games with uncensored patches, but this one doesn't need it; it's funny, the story is okay, and the characters are adorable.”
    • “The humor in this game is delightful and adds a unique charm to the experience.”
  • gameplay
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of this visual novel is straightforward, relying on standard mechanics such as mouse or keyboard commands. Players can enjoy pleasant visuals, including dynamic backgrounds and character sprites that feature changing expressions, but there are no significant gameplay elements beyond these basics.

    • “Mechanically, the game has simple mouse or keyboard commands, and pleasant visuals, including backgrounds and character sprites with changing expressions.”
    • “This is a visual novel; it doesn't really have any gameplay aspects beyond the standard stuff you'd expect from a visual novel.”
    • “Mechanically, the game has simple mouse or keyboard commands, and while the visuals are pleasant, the gameplay feels lacking.”
  • character development
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The character development in this visual novel is enhanced by its simplistic background and character design, contributing to a unique and standout experience in the genre.

    • “The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character.”
    • “Each character's journey is thoughtfully crafted, making their growth feel authentic and engaging.”
    • “The unique backgrounds and character designs enhance the storytelling, making the characters truly stand out.”

Buy Within a Rose

7h Median play time
6h Average play time
3-8h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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