Welcome to the world of Mask of the Rose
Dear friends, rejoice, for our descent into the "Neath" is imminent. Four long years have passed since the release of Sunless Skies, and now comes Mask of the Rose, a visual novel that puts Fallen London in a compelling focus.
In the Fallen London universe, gothic horror and Victorian principles collide, creating an exciting atmosphere for a dating sim game. Mask of the Rose takes place shortly after the fall of London and showcases the societal changes and exposed conventions in this emergency situation.
Mysterious Figures and Social Change
The dark figures known as the "Masters of the Bazaar" have taken control of the trading economy of Fallen London and serve as a catalyst for social change. They view gender differently than humans and bring about changes in the game.
A Focus on Art, Characterization, and Story
Mask of the Rose has a smaller scope of locations and characters than Sunless Sea or Sunless Skies, but places more emphasis on art, characterization, and story. The game is more forgiving than previous versions of Fallen London: there is only one death – that of a murder victim that needs to be solved.
Romance or Enlightenment? The Choice is Yours
Players can choose between solving the murder or pursuing romantic relationships – both are possible without one affecting the other. The approach to seduction is more natural; it's less about statistics and more about genuine interaction with the characters.
Character Creation and Clothing Choices
The character creation in Mask of the Rose eschews gender assignments and instead offers a wide range of titles and relationship options for all romantic and sexual orientations, including asexuality. The clothing choices in the game affect dialogue and conversation paths.
Matchmaker Role and Replayability
Players can also act as matchmakers by manipulating conversations or passing on messages to bring other characters closer together. Mask of the Rose offers great replayability and many secrets to discover in Fallen London.
Release and How to Pass the Time
Mask of the Rose is set to be released on June 8, 2023, via Steam. Until then, fans of Fallen London can dive into our Sunless Skies review or check out a list of the best story games to pass the time.
