The Royal Trap

The Royal Trap
Developer(s) Hanako Games
Publisher(s) Hanako Games
Engine Ren'Py
Platform(s) Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
Release date(s)
  • WW: February 23, 2013
Genre(s) Visual novel
Mode(s) Single player

The Royal Trap is a visual novel developed and published by Hanako Games on February 23, 2013 for Windows, Mac OS and Linux. The story of the game follows a young companion who has to take care of her prince, Oscar. The game uses anime-style graphics and is written in English.[1] On June 15, 2013 the DVD version of The Royal Trap was released, which also contains a HD version of the game, as well as exclusive concept sketches. It was re-released in April 2015 for Steam with new background art, a higher resolution, and some expanded content.

Gameplay

The player reads through the story and makes decisions at crucial points. Based on the decisions the player chooses, the plot differs and influences the outcome of the story. The game is divided into seven chapters. While the first four chapters are similar, the game splits into four completely different plots starting from chapter five. There are more ways to finish the game. During the course of the game, the player unlocks certain CG images, which can be viewed in a gallery again.

Plot

Madeleine Valois is the companion of prince Oscar of Ocendawyr; her job is to guide and advise him. One day he is invited to present himself as a potential suitor to the princess of a rival kingdom: Princess Cassidy. She is the heir and future queen of Gwellinor. However, things in Gwellinor are not as they appear. During the party Cassidy is kidnapped. Madeleine takes the initiative and she searches the castle, attempting to rescue the princess.

Development

The Royal Trap was developed by Hanako Games, which also created Cute Knight, Cute Knight Kingdom, Magical Diary, and Long Live the Queen. The game was created with the Ren'Py visual novel engine and features an opening theme written by Matthew Myers and performed by Natasha Cox of the band Mankind Is Obsolete.[2] The character art was done by Yui Sumeragi, while the event CGs were created by AQU. The story and the code was developed by Papillion. The game's logo was designed by Jeff Zhao.

Reception

Technology Tell's Jenii Lada rated the game "A", opining: "There’s a depth to the characters and story that make it feel more real than other visual novels I’ve played and I found myself loving how strong Madeleine, Cassidy, Callum and other cast members were. The Royal Trap is a game people will want to play more than once and I think Hanako Games should be applauded for that."[3] GameZebo's Neilie Johnson gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote: "My attention was held from start to finish by its mature themes and convincing character exchanges, not to mention its impressive audio-visuals. So much so, that once I've gotten over the disappointing results of my first-try ending, I'll no doubt play through the whole thing again."[4]

References

  1. ↑ "The Royal Trap - Visual Novel - Palace Intrigue". 2013. Retrieved 2013-06-20.
  2. ↑ "The Royal Trap - OP / Trailer". YouTube. 2013-02-14. Retrieved 2013-06-20.
  3. ↑ Lada, Jenni (2013-03-01). "Review: The Royal Trap for PC". Technology Tell. Retrieved 2013-06-20.
  4. ↑ Johnson, Neilie (2013-03-05). "The Royal Trap Review PC". GameZebo. Retrieved 2013-06-20.
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