Summary
- Release Year: 2007
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: iOS, PlayStation 2, Wii
- Developers: Sting Entertainment
- Publishers: Atlus, Rising Star Games, Sting Entertainment
Baroque (2007): A Journey into the Depths of Despair and Redemption
Released in 2007, Baroque is a dungeon crawling JRPG that stands out from the crowd with its unique blend of dark fantasy, psychological horror, and philosophical themes. Developed by Sting and published by Atlus, Baroque is set in a ruined world where the remnants of humanity struggle to survive in the face of despair and madness.
The game begins with the player character awakening in a ruined city with no memory of their past. Guided by a mysterious voice, the player must descend a seemingly endless tower in search of absolution. Along the way, they will encounter a cast of strange and enigmatic characters, battle horrific monsters, and uncover the secrets of a world that has been twisted and corrupted by a cataclysmic event.
One of the most striking things about Baroque is its unique art style. The game’s world is rendered in a dark and muted color palette, with a heavy emphasis on black and white. The character designs are grotesque and unsettling, with many characters appearing to be disfigured or mutated. The overall effect is one of a world that is both beautiful and horrifying, a place where hope and despair are intertwined.
The gameplay in Baroque is challenging and unforgiving. The player must carefully manage their resources and make strategic use of their abilities in order to survive. The game’s dungeons are labyrinthine and treacherous, filled with deadly traps and powerful enemies. Players must be prepared to die often, but each death brings them closer to understanding the true nature of the world and their own place within it.
In addition to its challenging gameplay, Baroque is also known for its deep and thought-provoking story. The game explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of humanity. The player character is constantly haunted by a sense of guilt over their past actions, and they must confront their own demons in order to find peace. The game also raises questions about the nature of good and evil, and the role of individual choice in shaping the world.
Baroque is not a game for the faint of heart. It is a challenging, disturbing, and ultimately rewarding experience. The game’s unique blend of dark fantasy, psychological horror, and philosophical themes makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
Characters
The player character in Baroque is a silent protagonist known only as the Wanderer. The Wanderer is a mysterious figure with no memory of their past. They are guided by a mysterious voice that leads them to the tower, where they must confront their own demons and find absolution.
Along the way, the Wanderer meets a cast of strange and enigmatic characters. These characters include:
- Clavis: A young woman who is searching for her lost brother. She is a skilled fighter and a powerful mage.
- Leonard: A priest who is struggling with his faith. He is a kind and compassionate man, but he is also haunted by the horrors he has witnessed.
- Bard: A musician who is able to use his music to heal the sick and wounded. He is a gentle and caring man, but he is also deeply saddened by the state of the world.
- Melancolia: A woman who is said to be able to see the future. She is a mysterious and enigmatic figure, and her predictions are often cryptic and difficult to understand.
Gameplay
Baroque is a dungeon crawling JRPG with a turn-based battle system. The player must navigate through a series of labyrinthine dungeons, fighting monsters and solving puzzles. The game features a wide variety of weapons and items that the player can use to customize their character.
One of the unique features of Baroque is its “death system.” When the player character dies, they are not game over. Instead, they are transported to a purgatory-like realm where they can choose to continue playing or to give up. If they choose to continue playing, they will lose all of their items and experience, but they will be able to keep their level and skills.
This death system adds a sense of tension and urgency to the game. Players must be careful not to die too often, or they will lose all of their progress. However, it also gives players the opportunity to experiment with different strategies and to learn from their mistakes.
Themes
Baroque explores a number of deep and thought-provoking themes, including:
- Guilt and redemption: The player character is constantly haunted by a sense of guilt over their past actions. They must confront their own demons and find absolution in order to find peace.
- The nature of humanity: Baroque raises questions about the nature of good and evil, and the role of individual choice in shaping the world. The game shows that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope for redemption.
- The power of hope: Despite the bleak and unforgiving world of Baroque, the game ultimately offers a message of hope. The player character is able to find redemption and meaning in their life, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Legacy
Baroque is a unique and unforgettable JRPG that has left a lasting legacy on the genre. The game’s dark and disturbing world, challenging gameplay, and thought-provoking story have made it a cult classic among fans of JRPGs and dungeon crawlers.
Baroque has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its unique art style, and its deep and thought-provoking story. The game has been compared to other classic JRPGs such as Shin Megami Tensei and
Review Score
8.5/10
