Can You Uncover The Secrets Of This Gothic Manor?
Gothic romance is an extremely popular literary subgenre. And it has also been a big influence on games, especially those found in the visual novel space, normally blending romantic entanglements with a spooky subplot, often set in an isolated location featuring a brooding anti-hero and dark family secrets.
The Crimson Maid has all these elements and much more. Published by Wales Interactive and developed by Darkania – the team behind the recent What Have You Done, Father? – it’s a game that mixes narrative storytelling with some light puzzle-solving. Let’s unlock its secrets.
I like the fact that this development team has a healthy fascination with religion and the figures who embody it. It’s a theme that has run through their recent games that I’ve played, and they always approach these subjects in interesting and unusual ways.
A Mystery Of Religion, Murder And Family Secrets
In The Crimson Maid, we play as Marius, a priest-in-training returning to his family estate at the turn of the 20th century. He has been estranged from his family, so it’s with a heavy heart that he comes home after hearing about his father’s failing health. Upon arrival, he finds his stern mother and younger brother, who is overwhelmed by the responsibility of running the family business. But there is also a new maid, Irini, who stirs feelings of love and lust in Marius that he is trying to repress. When a terrible murder takes place, the game quickly shifts into a mystery, while also introducing supernatural elements.
As the story unfolds, The Crimson Maid plays out like a gothic romance with a much darker edge. It’s a good mystery that keeps you engaged throughout. I liked the different characters you meet, and the dialogue works well, even if it occasionally feels melodramatic. I think that’s very much in keeping with the style of the game.
Exploration, Dialogue And Puzzle Solving
Gameplay is mostly in first person and consists of exploring the house and its surrounding estate while completing a variety of tasks. At one point you’re searching for Irini, while later you’re asked to check on your father. Initially, everything is fairly straightforward. The story and its relationships remain the main focus, with dialogue trees and choices determining how Marius responds to those around him.
There are puzzles to solve as well, providing a break from the story. Early on, you’ll encounter tiled picture puzzles where you need to rearrange the pieces to complete an image. Later, there is a sequence involving a blood transfusion, where you’re required to follow instructions carefully and perform the correct procedures in the proper order. There are several puzzle sections like this throughout the game, and they provide enjoyable and varied diversions from the main narrative.
However, The Crimson Maid can feel a little static at times. Characters often remain standing exactly where they are until you choose to speak with them, only really coming to life during the cutscenes. Occasionally, it feels as though you’re wandering through a museum. That said, I enjoyed the puzzles and liked taking my time exploring every nook and cranny of both the house and the estate. The game also moves at quite a slow pace, and that’s something you need to buy into. Anyone looking for fast-paced gameplay won’t find much to enjoy here.
Beautiful Gothic Presentation
Visually, the game is impressive. The developers clearly have a talent for creating detailed interiors, as they demonstrated in their previous work, and The Crimson Maid continues that trend. The rooms are beautifully designed, filled with intricate furniture, decorations, and attention to detail. Character models are perfectly decent, although they occasionally stray into uncanny valley territory. There is also the option to disable nudity at the beginning of the game if you prefer a more PG experience. The soundtrack is suitably melodramatic, fitting the gothic tone perfectly, while the narration is well delivered through the voice work.
A Slow-Burning Mystery
The Crimson Maid does a good job of slowly unravelling its mystery, while themes of religion, sin, and murder hang over the entire experience. They seem to be subjects this development team enjoys exploring, and they handle them well. Exploration is enjoyable, and the puzzles provide plenty of interesting moments along the way. I do think the pacing could be tightened up slightly, and some of the character models could be improved. But overall, I had an exciting time uncovering the mystery of The Crimson Maid.
Important Links
Love, Lies And Murder Await In The Crimson Maid On Xbox, PC And PlayStation – https://www.thexboxhub.com/love-lies-and-murder-await-in-the-crimson-maid-on-xbox-pc-and-playstation/
Buy from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/the-crimson-maid/9p3nd4l29xq0
