Bara ni Kakusareshi Verite (2016)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Bara ni Kakusareshi Verite (2016): A Rose-Tinted Revolution

Introduction

Bara ni Kakusareshi Verite (literally “Truth Hidden Among Roses”) is a 2016 otome game developed by Otomate and published by Idea Factory. The game tells the story of Liese, a servant to the Queen of Austria, who is chosen to take the “scapegoat medicine” and impersonate the queen until her recovery. Liese must move to the Palais de Versailles and navigate the treacherous waters of French society on the verge of revolution.

Gameplay

Bara ni Kakusareshi Verite is a visual novel with branching storylines and multiple endings. The player takes on the role of Liese and must make choices that will affect the course of the story. The game features a variety of love interests, each with their own unique personality and backstory.

Characters

  • Liese: The protagonist of the game, Liese is a kind and compassionate young woman who is fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Despite her humble beginnings, she is chosen to impersonate the Queen of Austria due to her striking resemblance to the monarch.
  • Marie Antoinette: The Queen of Austria, Marie Antoinette is a beautiful and intelligent woman who is beloved by her people. However, she is also a target of the French revolutionaries, who view her as a symbol of the monarchy’s extravagance and excess.
  • Oscar François de Jarjayes: The commander of the Queen’s Guard, Oscar is a skilled swordsman and a loyal protector of the monarchy. He is also a close friend of Liese’s, and he helps her to navigate the treacherous waters of Versailles.
  • André Grandier: A doctor who is tasked with administering the scapegoat medicine to Liese. He is a kind and compassionate man who is dedicated to helping others.
  • Louis XVI: The King of France, Louis XVI is a weak and indecisive ruler who is unable to control the growing unrest in the country.

Setting

Bara ni Kakusareshi Verite is set in France during the late 18th century, on the eve of the French Revolution. The game’s world is a beautifully realized one, with stunning visuals and a rich historical atmosphere. The player is transported to the opulent world of Versailles, where they can experience the grandeur and excess of the French monarchy.

Story

The story of Bara ni Kakusareshi Verite begins on May 16, 1770, when Marie Antoinette develops a high fever. Liese is chosen to take the “scapegoat medicine”, a secret recipe that has been transmitted from generations in the Habsburg family, and impersonate the queen until her recovery.

Due to the medicine’s ability to change the appearance but not the personality or the voice, Liese must be careful not to arouse suspicion. She must also learn to navigate the treacherous waters of French society, which is on the verge of revolution.

As Liese spends more time in Versailles, she begins to learn more about the queen and the monarchy. She also begins to develop feelings for Oscar, the commander of the Queen’s Guard. However, their love is forbidden, and they must keep their relationship a secret.

As the revolution draws closer, Liese must make a choice. She can either continue to impersonate the queen and risk her own life, or she can reveal her true identity and risk the wrath of the revolutionaries.

Themes

Bara ni Kakusareshi Verite explores a number of themes, including:

  • Identity: Liese must grapple with her own identity as she impersonates the queen. She must also come to terms with the fact that she is different from the other servants at Versailles.
  • Love: Liese’s love for Oscar is forbidden, and she must keep their relationship a secret. However, their love is also a source of strength and hope for Liese.
  • Revolution: The French Revolution is a major backdrop to the story. Liese must navigate the treacherous waters of a society on the verge of collapse.

Reception

Bara ni Kakusareshi Verite was well-received by critics and fans alike. The game was praised for its beautiful art, engaging story, and lovable characters. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Otome Game of the Year award at the 2017 Famitsu Dengeki Game Awards.

Conclusion

Bara ni Kakusareshi Verite is a beautiful and engaging otome game that tells a powerful story about identity, love, and revolution. The game’s stunning visuals, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking story make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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