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.

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.

文笔特别棒，截图了好多喜爱的文本。因为这部游戏入坑的互动小说，兜兜转转发现还是本作的文笔无可替代。有关人物形象的生动撰写和大场面的环境描写堪称一绝。可惜最期待的舞会到末尾还没展开哈哈。 特别喜欢的一部，主控的形象伴随着剧情选择，成为了贯穿整个故事着墨重彩的一笔。甚至个人感觉恋爱线攻略对象的诱惑都没有主控来得魅力大。 绝对巅峰之作。期待去下一部的展开！

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

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 :)

Fantastic writing. Every-time i see a gramatical or spelling error, it makes me realise how i could also make something as awesome as this.

One of best novels in the Steam. If you like to read novel and making choices then what are you waiting for? And I love the first male romance interest..... And Billy, you are best horse in the universe.