Halloweek #5! Inspiring Fear: Rule of Rose

The first I heard of the video game Rule of Rose was back in 2005 when I saw a strange little trailer announcing its impending release in Japan. This two-minute snippet gave no clue to the gameplay or, really, anything about the story. But the tone and music and glimpses of the story’s potential riled horror fans like me into a frenzy. Unfortunately, the game’s fate outside Japan was up in the air until Atlus announced that it would bring Rule of Rose to the States.

Of course I picked it up on day one.

Set in the 1930s, you play as nineteen-year old Jennifer, a girl whose parents were recently killed in an airship accident. We meet her on a bus traveling through the English countryside. After arriving at her destination, she glimpses a young boy who leads her down a trail. At the end of this trail, Jennifer finds an orphanage. Not one overseen by gentle caretakers though but ruled by three sinister adolescent girls who call themselves the Red Crayon Aristocrats. It’s their leader, Diana, who tests Jennifer’s worth through a series of tasks that take her around the orphanage and put her in the path of animal-headed imps, a bound mermaid, and a dog named Brown who not only becomes her companion in the story but an ally in the game. We also meet Amanda, a disturbed girl shunned by the Aristocrats who is only happy Jennifer is there because that gives Diana and the rest someone else to hate. And then there are other kids, including the boy who led Jennifer to the orphanage in the first place, but let’s leave them for you to discover.

The chapters, which run from March to December, are introduced by crayon drawings that set each stage. The cinematics that play throughout are creepy and chilling and pitch perfect. As you endure Diana’s trials, you learn the true story behind the orphanage and its inhabitants, including the connection Jennifer has to the place—something the girl herself doesn’t realize.

I try to only shine light on inspiration you can find either in stores, on a streaming service, or in digital distribution. Unfortunately, Rule of Rose is long out of print. Sellers on Amazon Marketplace currently list it at over $100. You may be able to find a copy of ebay, in the used section of your local GameStop (or regional equivalent), or in a secondary market retailer. As these sorts of games are usually hoarded, you’ll likely have to pay a pretty penny. Or, if you’d rather skip the gameplay and only enjoy the story, playthroughs exist on YouTube and such.

Rule of Rose is not a great game but its atmosphere combined with the twisted world of the Aristocrats is perfect nightmare fuel for Little Fears. And if you doubt me, check out that trailer I mentioned earlier:

For those of you who wish to dig deeper, you can also check out this Rule of Rose Wiki.

About Jason L Blair

Writer, designer, and creator of Little Fears.
This entry was posted in hblf, lfne and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

224 Responses to Halloweek #5! Inspiring Fear: Rule of Rose

  1. Najwa says:

    If some one needs expert view about blogging then i recommend him/her to pay a visit this
    webpage, Keep up the good work.

  2. Anel says:

    I read this post completely on the topic of the resemblance of newest and previous technologies, it’s amazing
    article.

  3. Cyrstal says:

    hey there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up anything new from right here.

    I did however expertise several technical issues using this site,
    as I experienced to reload the web site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load correctly.
    I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining,
    but slow loading instances times will often affect your
    placement in google and can damage your high quality score if
    advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look
    out for a lot more of your respective exciting content.
    Ensure that you update this again soon.

  4. Zulma says:

    What a stuff of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how concerning unpredicted feelings.

  5. Sky says:

    Thanks for finally talking about > Halloweek #5! Inspiring Fear:
    Rule of Rose | The House of Little Fears < Loved it!

  6. Thadius says:

    If some one desires to be updated with most up-to-date technologies afterward he must be go to see this web site and be up to date daily.

  7. Bernadine says:

    Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this
    blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to get that “perfect balance” between superb
    usability and appearance. I must say you have done a great job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads super quick for me on Safari.

    Exceptional Blog!

  8. Bernardette says:

    Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice even as you amend your
    website, how could i subscribe for a weblog site? The account aided me a applicable
    deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright transparent concept

  9. Takeia says:

    Normally I do not read post on blogs, however I would like to say that this
    write-up very compelled me to check out and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me.

    Thanks, very nice post.

  10. Kanda says:

    Marvelous, what a weblog it is! This website gives useful information to
    us, keep it up.

  11. Steffan says:

    Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard
    against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
    on. Any recommendations?

  12. Zackry says:

    This paragraph presents clear idea for the new viewers of blogging, that genuinely how to do
    running a blog.

  13. Lindell says:

    Hi there, I would like to subscribe for this blog to take most up-to-date
    updates, therefore where can i do it please assist.

  14. Scott says:

    Pretty part of content. I simply stumbled upon your
    website and in accession capital to claim that I get actually
    enjoyed account your weblog posts. Anyway
    I will be subscribing in your feeds or even I achievement you get right of entry to persistently quickly.

  15. Josten says:

    I know this site presents quality based articles or reviews and additional material,
    is there any other website which gives these data
    in quality?

  16. Donathan says:

    I quite like reading through an article that will make people think.
    Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!

  17. Bracha says:

    Does your site have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but,
    I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might
    be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and
    I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

  18. Shamonique says:

    First of all I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like
    to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear
    your mind before writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out.
    I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10
    to 15 minutes tend to be wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints?

    Many thanks!

  19. Jeriah says:

    Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?

  20. Aishah says:

    I visited multiple blogs except the audio quality
    for audio songs present at this website is in fact marvelous.

  21. Sakura says:

    Superb site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any community
    forums that cover the same topics talked about
    in this article? I’d really love to be a part of community
    where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
    Many thanks!

  22. Desmond says:

    Highly energetic post, I liked that bit.
    Will there be a part 2?

  23. Nguyen says:

    Hi! I could have sworn I’ve visited this web site before but after going through
    a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyways, I’m certainly happy I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it
    and checking back often!

  24. Kuulei says:

    Very good write-up. I absolutely love this site. Continue the good work!

  25. Rosamaria says:

    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this brilliant blog!
    I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to new updates and will talk about this website
    with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  26. Raylene says:

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this
    site. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade content by
    you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my
    own, personal website now 😉

  27. Murad says:

    Right here is the right web site for anybody who wishes to understand this
    topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that
    I really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been written about for decades.
    Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

  28. Traci says:

    I am in fact pleased to glance at this web site posts which includes
    plenty of helpful facts, thanks for providing such data.

  29. Maddalena says:

    Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.

    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say great blog!

  30. Blimie says:

    When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and
    now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Many thanks!

  31. Leeander says:

    Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in reality was a enjoyment account it.
    Glance advanced to far delivered agreeable from you!
    However, how can we keep in touch?

  32. Dale says:

    I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I
    will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
    I am quite sure I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  33. Jennise says:

    You actually make it appear so easy along with your presentation but
    I find this topic to be actually one thing that I think I might never understand.

    It kind of feels too complicated and very wide for me.
    I’m taking a look ahead to your next post, I will
    attempt to get the hold of it!

  34. Saquan says:

    Wonderful work! That is the type of info that should be shared across
    the internet. Shame on the seek engines for no longer
    positioning this submit upper! Come on over and seek advice from my web site .
    Thank you =)

  35. Arleta says:

    Hello, I desire to subscribe for this weblog to obtain newest updates, so where can i do it please help out.

  36. Modesta says:

    Very rapidly this web page will be famous among all
    blogging people, due to it’s nice posts

  37. Princessa says:

    This is my first time go to see at here and i am really happy
    to read all at alone place.

  38. Johnthan says:

    That is very attention-grabbing, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I have joined your feed and stay up for in search of extra of your great post.
    Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks

  39. Levi says:

    I’m really inspired with your writing skills and also with the
    layout for your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it your self?
    Anyway stay up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice weblog like this one nowadays..

  40. Antonique says:

    I think the admin of this web site is genuinely working hard in support of his site, for the reason that here every information is quality based material.

  41. Sophia says:

    Wonderful blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there
    that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any recommendations?
    Bless you!

  42. Calisha says:

    It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people
    on this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
    Thanks

  43. Darik says:

    Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and
    gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.

    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is
    completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  44. Celinda says:

    Just wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your
    post is just cool and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
    Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

  45. Tamilia says:

    Spot on with this write-up, I really believe that this website needs far more
    attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks
    for the advice!

  46. Ashaunti says:

    I blog often and I truly thank you for your content. Your article has really
    peaked my interest. I will take a note of your website
    and keep checking for new details about once per week.
    I subscribed to your Feed as well.

  47. Marquella says:

    After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments
    are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive four emails with the same
    comment. Is there a means you can remove me from that service?
    Thanks a lot!

  48. Trent says:

    This is very interesting, You are an overly skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to in quest of extra
    of your magnificent post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks

  49. Doria says:

    Hola! I’ve been following your web site for a long time now and finally got the bravery to
    go ahead and give you a shout out from New Caney Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the good
    work!

  50. Keiry says:

    Can I simply just say what a relief to find somebody who truly knows what
    they’re discussing over the internet. You definitely realize how to bring a problem
    to light and make it important. More and more people need to
    read this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised
    you’re not more popular since you surely possess
    the gift.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.