The Royal Trap: The Confines Of The Crown

Even though The Confines of the Crown Is listed as Otome, it's not a typical Otome Game. I would classify it more as a Visual Novel, because this is mostly about the Story, which has a Variety of Characters, Relationships and Endings in store. These include, except for two Measures, not always a romantic Relationship or a typical Otome happy ending. But that's exactly what I like so much about this Game. However, because of the short Duration Of play, I recommend waiting for a Sale. There it is offered for £4.99and at this Price I also bought the Game. Briefly on the Plot The Story begins with How we, aka Madeleine Valois, Prepare Prince Oscar of Oceandawyr for the Ball of Princess Cassidy of Gwellinor. In the Hope of winning her Heart, because in this World it is the case that the first-born Daughter passes on the Family title and inherits the Fortune, while the Sons are obliged to marry as well as possible. These are then officially the Rulers as kings, but the Queens, who are titled wisdom, have the real Power and serve as official Advisers. To make sure all this goes perfectly at the Ball, we accompany the Prince there. Of Course, it doesn't stay quiet for long and we are in the midst of the political Feuds that test all our Skill, loyalty and Friendship to Oscar. Can we protect our Prince? And at what Cost? And what Secret is Princess Cassidy hiding? Gameplay & Characters Unfortunately, there is not enough Space to cater to the Story and all Characters due to the very short playing time. While you get to know Madeleine and Princess Cassidy really well, you learn almost nothing about most other Main Characters. That doesn't mean the Characters wouldn't be interesting, though. On the Contrary, even if the Game serves many Otome Clichés, everyone still has a certain Something that sets them apart from the Crowd. The Main Story itself captivated me from Start to Finish. By having each of the Routes tell a separate Piece of the Story, there is a great Replay value. Thanks to a few unexpected Twists and turns, you always have AHA moments until all The parts come together at the End. There are a pleasant Number of Decisions to make, but unfortunately the Outcome is a little too predictable. I'm glad this Game is venturing into some difficult Issues like Transsexuality, Intersexuality and Homosexuality and, in my Opinion, treating it respectfully as well. It is Also very refreshing that our "Heroine" can take good care of herself for a Change. Madeleine is intelligent, independent and strong, all without losing even a Piece of her Femininity. Music & Graphics The Music is quite ok. The Soundtrack is not too extensive and repeats itself very often. The CGs and Backgrounds are very nice in size but the Sprites are a big Mess of the Quality. I particularly liked the fact that larger Sections of text were displayed in an extra Box and you didn't just pack everything into the small Dialog box.