PS2 Horror Month: Rule of Rose, Part 1

Originally streamed Oct 1, 2020.

The fourth proper annual "Horror Month." In this one, for the first time I am able to stream PS2 games, and so this month is entirely dedicated to the PS2, arguably the best console for horror games!

Rule of Rose is developed by Punchline for the PS2, an attempt to make a more psychological horror game that draws upon Brothers Grimm fairy tales and the cruelty of young girls. This makes for a very unique feeling horror game with a certain style and classiness that is all it's own.

I think it's a really cool game that shares a certain stylishness of other PS2 games, while at the same time feeling quite unique. The visual style of the game is quite arresting, it really draws you in; excellent character designs. The music fits the game very well while also feeling very distinct and being memorable in it's own right. What people tended to criticize this game for is it's gameplay, which feels quite awkward... personally though I think it's awkward in a way that both makes sense and serves the game's experience very well. There's also genuinely cool aspects of the gameplay, like the heavy reliance on your dog for various things, including finding items for you which is quite neat.

As a horror game, I wouldn't say this is exactly "scary," but it does a great job of having a creepy atmosphere and being genuinely disturbing at times. This is definitely something of a hidden PS2 gem, a really cool and stylish and unique horror game that deserves to be played! And you'll like the dog mechanics!

My Rating:
Overall 8/10 - Music 7/10

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