OVER REQUIEMZ by developer Idea Factory and publisher Aksys Games—Ninetendo Switch review written by Natasha with a copy provided by the publisher.
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Enjoying a relaxing day on my reading couch, playing my visual novel in my bedroom, when suddenly a giant rift rips open a hole through reality. A soft voice beckons you near.
“I've sensed a strong spirit riddled with curiosity and couldn't stop myself from tempting you into another world!”
Spoke the rift as I slowly lowered my Switch and gasped, in awe, at the fact that this scenario was really happening. I corrected myself before this unknown phenomenon could question my lack of pants and matted hair. As I realigned my glasses I boldly replied:
“What's in it for me?”
“A land of mystery filled with dangerous criminals that must atone for their sins. With YOU as their guide!”
“Are they hot?”
“Scorching!”
“Emotionally scarred?”
“Forever traumatized!”
“Unhinged?”
“Viewer discretion is advised!”
I aggressively zip up my sweater, grab my carrying case, a stick of deodorant and some pants.
“I'm in...”
~
Welcome to the Land of Oz
In a typical day for our protagonist, Yuhiru, she didn't imagine she would be pulled into another world. As a rift ripped opened in front of her, Yuhiru's curiosity won out and she stepped into a strange Kingdom of magic and ruin. In OVER REQUIEMZ Yuhiru is thrown into the castle of Oz and is immediately accused of trying to assassinate the King and shoved into the dungeon. Not only is she treated like a criminal, but apparently her black hair and eyes are the sign of a devil child. Many wish for her to be hanged, however there are those who are given a second option of possible freedom. Journey to a “Ruin” and take care of the strange monster that threatens the residents of this world and you will be given a pardon. With no other choice but to choose survival, Yuhiru and her band of merry, Wizard of Oz inspired, men set out to seek and destroy. Will she be able to gain the trust of the other criminals that journey with her or will she be consumed by a delicious darkness that seems to stick close to them all.
With a Click of your Heel, The Line-up is Revealed
The land of Oz is unique. Not quite the same as our ruby slipper heroine who goes on an adventure down the yellow brick road, defeats the wicked witch, and returns home after making memorable friends. Similar, but different. You are NOT Dorothy, no Toto, and no jeweled shoes. However, you do travel with very good looking men and each of them represent a piece of Oz' story in some way.
Kaize Ozma (VA: Azakami Youhei) {Radiant Tale, 9 R.I.P.)
Prince of Oz
Will talk dirty to you, but can't talk to girls?
Hide and Seek
Kaize is the second prince of Oz and is the representative of the Great and Powerful Oz himself. Accused of killing the King he joins everyone to be pardoned of his crime. He comes off shy, but back him into a corner and watch him turn into someone demanding and suggestive. Born with black hair and eyes, he too was shunned as a child by everyone except his older brother. How can one lead his country if everyone thinks he's a devil.
Claude Grain (VA: Furukawa Makoto) {Lover Pretend, Cupid Parasite, Birushana}
Botanist
Child at heart
Man Eater (or is it Woman)
Claude is a travelling researcher and is the representation of the Scarecrow. He was thrown in jail for murdering his entire village and believes himself a danger to those around him. Even though he has a perma-scowl he's actually quite approachable once you get to know him. His giant scythe will cut down enemies with ease, and surely your heart. Hopefully you can cut through the vines that are wrapped around his soul.
Molly Woodland (VA: Ishikawa Kaito) {Piofiore, Bustafellows, Dairoku}
Good with his Fingers
No Rain, Please
No Strings Attached
Molly is an undertaker for his hometown and is the representation of the Tin Man. He was imprisoned for attacking and killing a travelling merchant. Coming off frivolous at times, he will take every opportunity to flirt you up. I guess even a criminal still needs to impress. Strange since this is the same attitude he has when working with corpses. Hopefully he's not too hollow inside. Maybe he just needs the right person to re-kindle his cold heart.
Noil Bestia (VA: Suzuki Ryouta) {Jack Jeanne, Tengoku Struggle, Mistonia}
Royal Loyal
No Personal Space
Orphan Life
Noil is a knight to the kingdom and is the representation of the Lion. He massacred his entire platoon, which sentenced him to life behind bars. He's got a mean demeanor but takes his duties seriously. As an orphan he's always had to count on himself and no one else. Perhaps he just needs the right gal to set him straight and to help heal his mind from his dark past. Then, and maybe then, you'll be able to see the real lion from within.
Dorothy (VA: Horie Shun) {Olympia Soiree, Uchronia}
Interdimensional Man of Mystery
PINK! Why so much Pink?
Double Sided Coin
Dorothy is the Mage of the West and the representation of, well... the name speaks volumes. Unlike the others, he is the guide and keeps a watchful eye on the group of criminals he's been assigned to. He's especially excited about you and how you came to this world. To him you are like a brilliant piece of glass; delicate and beautiful. He wishes nothing more than to protect you in a very intimate way. Don't let his devilish smile ensnare you, or you might end up being whisked away.
Love is like a Yan-DERE
OveRequiemZ seems to do something unlike most Otome games. It pushes the boundaries, but also gives you the choice whether to go down the regular romantic path or the dark and twisted one. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Allow me to explain what I mean in depth.
You start off in the “Prologue”, this will throw your main female protagonist into the story and discover very quickly the type of scenario you're in and set you on your way to discover and develop your relationship with your 5 companions. After that brief intro, you'll be given the opportunity to choose your LI. Yes! All 5 bachelors are available to select from the get go. No waiting to play through other routes to unlock later ones. Nope! You can choose the man of your dreams to start.
Once you've selected your lover, each one plays through pretty much the same as the others. That being the run through the first 5 chapters to get to know one another. You will eventually get to a point in chapter 5 where you will have to choose between the good endings or the dark ones. Notice how it's plural? That means each route has 2 possible endings, equaling a total of 4 endings to unlock per LI. You'll know fairly quickly if you're in the good or dark, as each one will be labelled “Fact” (for the good) or “Dark”.
There isn't much of a love meter that keeps track of your affection level, but I found that when you've chosen the correct answer, you'll be rewarded with a bonus line track in the main menu of the game under the “Special” category.
The final thing I'd like to point out was the pacing. It's excellent! I found I didn't linger in any chapter for too long. They're sweet and to the point and progress the story along at a nice pace. I never felt like the story dragged.
Ototo, we're not in Kansas Anymore
I found the story behind this world of Oz to be unique. It became legend that Oz was nothing more than a desert oasis with a small Kingdom. One day unknown structural ruins appeared and brought with them luscious greenery and deadly monsters. The first King of Oz ordered that all structures were to be heavily guarded to protect his citizens, but also to keep the ruins intact as they were providing the land with rich soil. So the once desert kingdom blossomed into the full landscape of forests, mountains and rivers.
It Takes Courage, Brain and Heart to find your New Home
To conclude, OVER REQUIEMZ was such a shocking surprise. The fact that the game gives you the choice to choose between a romantic and/or dark route is something we Otome fans are rarely blessed with. If dark and twisted themes of romance isn't your poison, then you can stick to your original “Safe”, routes. The world is tempting and so are the characters and their background stories. I never found myself bored, only intrigued to find out how both routes end. I give this game my approval of 9.5 out of 10. The perfect visual novel for my dark romance girlies and gents, tip-toeing the line between good or bad!
~
As I battle my way through dimensional dungeons overrun by mutated monsters, something pulls my attention away. A new rift opening up in front of me, pulling me back to my world.
“No! I'm not ready to go back. There's so much more to do. Please! Just a little longer.”
I quickly whipped my hand behind me, grasping for any one of my companions' attention as my body was slowly returning to my world. Only my hand remained before I felt a strong grip tug me back in, but the rift was stronger, adamant on returning me to where I belong. With one last ditch effort, I thought of the only other way to end this. I pulled inward, rocking back into my world with whoever was in tow. A massive weight tumbled on top of me, clouding my thoughts and pinning me down. Once I regained my center of self, I opened my eyes to find my metropolis lifestyle had returned, but with a bonus. It seems everyone joined in on trying to help. I turned to peer up at five guys, dazed and confused.
“Looks like this journey isn't over yet!”
I cooed as I wiggled my eyebrows.
Score: 9.5 / 10
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