When I first heard about 7’scarlet, I wasn’t very interested: I couldn’t trust Otomate when it comes to “horror stories”, I felt it was probably going to be a failure; but then many friends played it and their reactions were enthusiastic, so…..I trusted them and even bought a limited edition.

And it was a smart decision!

This game is very unique, you can tell even before you start: a voice whispers “7’scarlet” in a creepy tone that gave me chills every time I opened the game.

When I started, the first few seconds impressed me a lot: I wasn’t expecting animations and even cinematics, it’s something I never experienced in otome games and worked perfectly to create a mysterious atmosphere.

The plot didn’t seem very deep when I first read about it, and that’s probably the reason why at first I decided to pass this; but the writing was actually very good and it became very interesting while playing, so I take back my words: the plot is deep, and it feels like falling into a dark hole.

I loved the BGM, when there were scary places or dialogues: I’m easy to scare, so they worked perfectly to give me goosebumps.

I went for Hino first, the tsundere childhood friend.

His route didn’t reveal a lot of the truth, I was a bit disappointed, but I liked him a lot and I can’t complain at all; It’s perfect to start, because his sweetness leads the heroine to explore the city without having too much fear, so the events felt “natural”, despite being creepy.

I never watch horror movies, and I’ve never understood why the characters always love to enter creepy dark tunnels or explore abandoned places, when they know there’s a crazy murderer around… I know the story must go on, but stay safe people! RUN AWAY!

In this case, obviously the heroine didn’t give up because she wanted to know more about her brother who disappeared, but……… I still don’t know if I admire her for her courage or I think she’s crazy.

Isora’s route was even scarier, because I couldn’t even trust him.

There was obviously something weird going on with that boy, I could tell by his exaggerate reactions and his creepy way of talking, when he was worried about Ichiko.

As always, she was too naive and put herself in danger without considering all the crimes that were happening around her, but the whole situation was really frightening at some point!

Anyway, it was another great route, I loved it.

Toa’s route was interesting, because I got to know more about the secrets of the village and I finally could start guessing the truth about the real culprit.

Unfortunately, I had to be patient and leave him hanging for a while: the “happy ending” wasn’t satisfying, but I couldn’t unlock the real one before getting done Yuzuki’s route.

The true ending was….. I don’t even know how to explain it.

Let’s just say I went “WTF” so many times, I didn’t know what I was playing anymore! It was shocking… so many shocking truths, one after another, made me go crazy! I couldn’t stop playing!

Sousuke’s route was very interesting plot wise.

I wasn’t very involved with him romantically, I admit it (probably because during the matsuri he acted like he was pulling a Kent on me and I don’t like those kind of logical characters), but I still enjoyed the relationship he built with Ichiko, they looked good together.

Here the mystery started to unfold, we got to know more secrets about that city and new characters were introduced; the story started to look like a real horror!

Yuzuki’s route was nice, and I admit it was surprising.

He always acted rude in the others routes, so I was wondering how Ichiko could fall in love with his terrible personality… but he wasn’t that bad at all, actually.

They were a good couple, I liked their relationship!

Then, the real truth unveiled.

I can’t comment properly, because it would be a huge spoiler… let’s just say I loved it and I cried a lot.

Well, this was a great game already, this heartbreaking ending made it even better for me, if it was possible.

I think it’s obvious already that I absolutely recommend this game, but I admit it’s not for everyone: it’s different from the usual otome, even if there are romantic moments too.

Overall is creepy and sad, so it’s normal that some people won’t end up liking it in the end.

If you’re looking for romance and fun, this is not for you; but if you love mystery, horror stories, creepy characters and a good plot, 7’scarlet is an amazing game that you will love for sure!