Taisho Alice

When Taisho Alice was announced, I admit I wasn’t very excited: it was Primula’s first game, and I didn’t know what to expect from a new company; also, the fairytale theme feels already abused, so it took me a while until I finally decided to give it a chance. And that was a really good choice!

I’ve played the PC version, which was released in 4 different chapters.

I’ve started with Cinderella., even if he’s isn’t my type, so I didn’t have great expectations; I couldn’t imagine from the start that there was an overall plot that tied together all the routes, so I didn’t pay attention at some details, which made sense only in the end. Now I’m so sorry about that, I should replay his route because I feel bad for him, my first impression was really superficial and wrong!

In fact, the route itself didn’t interest me that much besides some funny dialogues, but what really stood out the most to me was the heroine, even more than the characters. She’s really strong and funny, her answers and reactions made her “the real main character”, instead of being nothing but a self-insert for the player, as unfortunately happens sometimes. That, already, was a nice change: I think I’ve never seen an otoge heroine with such an outstanding personality!

I’ve also realized that this game has a very good writing, just by playing Akazukin’s route. At first, he looked like the typical kuudere who has no emotions, but after a while everything changed: his reactions when he was embarrassed were priceless, when he stuttered and had blood running from his nose I was dying from laughter on the chair! Yurika’s comments made him blush and panic even more, and that’s when I’ve noticed that I was playing something very good and different, not just an Alice themed plain otoge. This route had everything: angst, mystery, sad moments, funny scenes, love… it felt really complete, and I started to appreciate this game more than I could imagine.

But still, I didn’t know how deep the plot could become in the next chapter, which was way darker and sadder than the first one.

Kaguya’s route touched very sensitive arguments, like self harm and suicide; somehow, it felt kind of strange to me, because when I met him in other routes I used to think he was a weird but funny character, so I wasn’t expecting something so serious and shocking.

Gretel’s route was even creepy, but I enjoyed it most of all: the first reason, is because I’m so weak at otouto siscon; also, because I was very curious since the beginning about him, it was obvious that he had really shocking reasons to act like a psycho.

The third chapter became even darker and psychological: at that point, it became really obvious that the real plot had still to be unveiled.

Shirayuki’s route was quite calm and light at first, so I hoped somehow to relax a little and have some fun… but I was wrong. In the end, when I discovered the truth about his mother, everything became really tragic and even quite disturbing in a scene.

Mahoutsukai’s route, finally, explained everything! or most of it, at least. I won’t lie, I’ve tried to make some assumptions about the truth, before being able to play him, but I was so wrong… well, I don’t think anyone could predict something like that. It’s really too complicated, and I admire the writer so much for thinking such an original a plot. It took me quite a long time to understand completely what was going on in all those flashbacks, and I had to read many times some of the most important dialogues. I was satisfied with all the explanations, but not that much with the route itself… because it feels like reaching an happy ending with this character it’s almost impossible. And it makes me sad, because I like him, but I must accept it. This route explained all about the other characters too, that’s why it couldn’t focus only on one; but the most important thing, is that everything finally made sense, in a shocking way.

The great final, was obviously Alice. I was afraid that the epilogue could waste something, because the truth seemed already explained perfectly in Mahoutsukai’s route; also, I was worried that the real ending could make suffer the others…. it’s really hard to convey my feelings without spoilers, but you will understand what I mean when you reach it. Alice was really difficult to play, I had to stay focused on every line, or I could probably lose somewhere an important part; I though his happiness would mean someone elses’ pain, and that was my greatest worry, but I’m so glad that somehow everything was solved in a really happy ending. Everyone had to suffer so much, and I had to suffer too while playing, so…….. we needed something relieving in the end.

Do I recommend this game?

Yes, but maybe not to anyone. Don’t give me wrong, the writing itself makes it a masterpiece, the heroine is great and the plot is really good, that’s why overall I think it’s a great game! But some of the routes may be disturbing for sensitive people, the atmosphere can be really heavy sometimes, and creepy. This is not for people who are looking forward to a bright and funny game (even if some dialogues are really hilarious) because the sad part is really the most important, when you go on through the various routes and reach the final epilogue. It’s also very psychological and deep, so you must be really focused and understand every single line, or you will miss something important. Anyway, it’s going to be localized soon (in December, I think?), so people who can’t fully understand japanese can enjoy it too, that’s a really good news! Also, I can’t wait for the fandisk, because Ookami and Ryoushi will have their own routes! (But mostly, because I miss Gretel too much).

If you’re ready to be shocked, Taisho Alice is a must play!