The Confines Of The Crown

The MC is great, I think she was the high part of the game for me. I like how she is strong and capable, but clearly flawed

It's a rather good VN that managed to simultaneously bore me out, and surprise me a few times)
How can that be? Well, the plot is utterly predictable, and the characters are utterly dense, but some details still come as a surprise

In short: good graphics, nice music, rather 3d characters, a goofy story with 'high stakes' and basic logic present, and endless tedious melodrama from the FL

Now, regarding routes. It is a CRIME that Callum's route is blocked during the first playthrough. I was aiming for it on purpose and ended up left without allies at all. And that's a tad frustrating, so keep in mind that you should go through someone else's route first.

Nazagi is your regular dangerous manipulator, but with basic morals)
In his bad ending, you'll end up with a wiped memory on your way home.
So the writer gave him an 'ends justify means' attitude without making him ruthless.
His good ending is a surprise on its own. God knows power trouple was not something I expected)

Actually, I enjoyed this route the most. Probably, because there's at least a semblance of intrigues going on, and constant 'tension'.

Oscar is a pvetty honeypie with love for poetry and pouting (his route literally depends on his feelings). Well, considering the FL's love for whining in her thoughts they might be a good match after all. His route is the main one as I understand, so it contains the most variability in regards to details (got to replay it many times to find all small differences).

Overall it's a farytale-like story that made me consider dropping the game overall. If you're not into melodrama better to try something else on your first playthrough. Because I literally have nothing interesting to say about this one 0-0

Gaston's route is my second favorite one. If you think you figured that guy out, no you didn't) Just wait until the ending, you'll be surprised)
Unexpectedly his route is the most funny, and wholesome one ever. Love it!

The funny thing is as this character is mild-hearted, mind that the ending depends on how compassionate you prove yourself to be. One shallow observation may cost you quite a lot (wink)

And I think that this route is probably the best ending overall: I believe that most characters will be happy (truly)

Callum's your spicy brooding boy, and you hit off with him after one(!) conversation. Even FL acknowledges that it's way too sudden, and swift to say the least.

What you should keep in mind is that despite the missing stakes you can't pull out of the game per se. It's either you end up together, or you'll face consequences. Unless you wish to switch sides (wink)

His route makes the most sense, but I still prefer the Gaston's or Nazagi's over it. No intrigues going on, apparent danger, or tension until the end. And it totally makes sense: you are under royalty members' protection after all.

His good ending is one of the best for the FL, and I think they suit each other, but I don't appreciate any ending where Cassidy is not together with the gushing blond)

Now regarding switching sides. Depending on the way you treated the page (Dolores) you may 'free' yourself together with her. Of course that will come at a price of betraying your newfound lover, Cassidy, Oscar, possibly ruining country overall, and stealing country's assets once again

Is it worth it? I'm not sure, especially considering that Dolores will be better off staying as princess's friend in any ending. But it's a possibility nonetheless that gains this game a plus.

Also, I once again enjoyed how the game punishes you for foolish actions and indecisiveness: if you're willing to throw a state in turmoil, at least be faithful to it, and run away yourself.
And a cherry on top: if you're willing to lie openly, don't expect to be trusted)

Overall it could be better, but nothing is perfect)
Thanks for a few fun evenings!

Very Little content for the price of the game. The music is good standalone but doesn't mesh with the game play.

Visual novel about romance in a kingdom.

I was intrigued by the main character actually seeming powerful and capable, judging by the introductory store page art and initial story presentation, I decided to pick it up during a sale and I was not disappointed at all.

The main character is beautiful, smart, witty and very capable, which is a true gem in a genre dominated by naive, weak and incapable female leads. The other characters also feel well fleshed out and believable, each of them with their own unique personality traits and quirks.
However, character development is pretty much non-existent in almost all cases outside of you actually getting to know the characters as you play.

Endings can be surprising and not what you expect, which can be off-putting to some and a breath of freshness for others.

The individual storylines are unique and they all add to the overarching storyline, which is great and surprisingly deep. It threw me for a loop and I loved it. Depending on which route you go for the romance goes from sweet to steamy passionate, so that's a good mix as well. Some of the routes are locked in the beginning of the game and that can feel a bit stale, but as you play you will be able to unlock them fairly easily.

The art style seems hand drawn for the characters and can initially be off-putting to some people, but it isn't bad and truly shines during certain scenes. Some of the backdrops are gorgeous. The music is good as well.

I found myself being quickly drawn in by the story and I wanted more. The game feels a little short, but for what it is I feel the price is fair (15 euros at the time of writing this).