The Golden Rose: Book One

This is the perfect example of why I don't start a game series if tit isn't finished before I start. I love this game. I adore this game. I have a canon story and now I can't play it again without making the same exact choices. :) . The MC can be what you make of them and they completely fit in the world through your choices so you feel like you have agency. I love that the MC is an asset to the story no matter how you choose them to be. I enjoy all of the NPCs that you run into. They are unique and well characterized. I can imagine the setting easily, it is so well described. I felt the highs and the lows from my decisions, the joy, the embarrassment, the fear. Then it ended. I know there's a second part coming. But having to wait for another million words with all those options is killing me. Is this game great? Yes Would I have bought it if I had known when it ended and how long I would have to wait for the next part? No. Would I recommend it? If you want the story definitely completed, then no. If you can enjoy the story (and it is great) without having an ending yet, then yes. So, what did I check overall? Yes, I recommend it. How could I not? The story's too good.

Really like this playing this game. It take time to say things and to do things. Its a long game for a textbase game, i hope the next book will be so lengthy.

This game is exceedingly well-written and a shining example of the genre. The world is rich and alive and feels like it keeps spinning even when the game is closed, which is a feat for any kind of written story, let alone one with branching paths. I have put ten hours into my first playthrough so far and have been consistently delighted by the quality of tale provided here. I'm deeply engaged in the plot and in my choices (minor ones included) because they FEEL like they affect the world around me, rather than just being the vehicle through which the game pushes me to an outcome. Even the events that are clearly hardcoded into the plot progression feel earned and consistent, which is very impressive. The characters, major and minor, are three-dimensional and engaging, and your main allies make for truly worthy companions regardless of whether you interact with them romantically or platonically. If you do choose to romance one of the main two (though I can only speak for Alessa at the moment), those interactions are handled with care and visible thought. Though there's some repetitiveness inherent to the medium, the conversations you can have with them are well worth taking the time to exhaust dialogue trees. I look forward to scenes with both my companions and genuinely care if/when they are upset or in danger. Crucially, though this may be more of a personal preference, when speaking to Alessa, Hadrian, and other characters, this author has also skillfully drawn the line between genuine charm vs. snark, and allows you to choose either/or rather than forcing all lighthearted options under the umbrella of flippant disregard. Some other games in the genre cannot say the same. Second-to-last point: The sheer number of interesting side characters you can run into is unbelievable. For the most part, the game excels at not having side characters overstay their welcome while simultaneously convincing you that their lives continue on after you leave them to their business (if you've decided to engage them at all). Not to mention, I was deeply impressed by how skillfully characters you've met previously are introduced at future points, with obvious thought put into making sure these sightings are consistent with the choices you made upon first meeting. Some familiar faces have popped up/been referenced when I did not expect them--a few to the point of getting an audible reaction out of me. Lastly, and this is the what I would considered this game's best quality, is the kindness. Even for main characters like mine that are primarily pragmatic and plot-focused, the game offers you opportunities to be kind, gentle, and silly. More importantly, it doesn't punish you for making these choices. The moments I have most appreciated and what spurred me to write this review in the first place were the ones where I got to show kindness to a stranger or have my character laugh out loud and do something silly while wandering around the city. These moments do not take away from the plot nor the tone of the story and I found that they actually increased my immersion rather than threaten to break it. And, these choices are plainly optional and do not force you into a good/bad dichotomy. Focusing on the mission is as viable as stopping to help someone. If anything, that made CHOOSING a moment of kindness feel genuinely heartening. This is a very good game. If the author happens to read this review, I hope you know that your work has brought a smile to my face and that your passion for the world and characters you created is obvious. I've yet to finish my first playthrough, but as of Chapter 8 I can confidently say that I will be first in line to buy Book Two should it become available.

Very good, sometime it can get a bit too descriptive and it becomes boring. Just my opinion but you dont need to describe EVERYTHING in such detail. Awesome game and I cant wait for the next book

Best IF game I've played by far. This one and "I, the Forgotten One" are my forever favorites. The story, the characters and the MC are all spectacular. I can't wait to see Beka and the kitten again in the second book!

I absolutely LOVED this game! Easily my favourite choice of games/hosted games book! The world building was SO interesting, and I loved meeting all the characters. I've just completed my first run romancing Hadrian, and I am super excited to romance Alessa next. The writing throughout this game was absolutely excellent, and you can tell so much love was put into this game. Super excited for the next one :)

I played some CYOA text-based game but this one definitely is one of the better that I've tried. The story is great with setting whereby the Church erased any trace of Rome and declare them heretic or something, not to mention there's low-fantasy element at play, enough to make you wanting to know more. Aside from that I loved the dynamic of the protagonists, the choice that was made for you is also varied in terms of characteristic which made you be able to be whatever you wish the MC acts like. I hope there's a sequel and it would be as interesting if not build on the first one in a satisfying way.

Fantastic from start to finish, save that the finish leaves you wanting more and book two is still a WIP. Progress is ongoing on Book Two and the author is very active on Tumblr so you can get updates there, but be warned that the author prioritises quality over speed so completing the series may take some time. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed Book One and heartily recommend it even on a standalone basis.

One of the best Choice games out there

Pretty great. I'll buy the rest of the series when it comes out.