Rule of Rose

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 113
  3. Negative: 2 out of 113
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  1. SallyE.
    Jul 16, 2006
    9
    Remarkably strange, interesting, and creepy story! The attack controls aren't the best in the world but that's hardly a reason to put down the game. It's not meant to be about action, even if there are some intense fights every once in a while. Amazing!
  2. RobertB.
    Sep 19, 2006
    9
    A diamond in the rough -- just needed polish.
  3. doodlerman
    Jul 11, 2011
    9
    Really, Rule of Rose is a perfect game when it comes to story, style, and visuals. It's also probably the most twisted game in existence - I say this primarily because it involves little girls being sadistic and cruel to each other, it's a world where there isn't just blood and violence, but there's humiliation for almost no apparent reason other than that the person being humiliated isReally, Rule of Rose is a perfect game when it comes to story, style, and visuals. It's also probably the most twisted game in existence - I say this primarily because it involves little girls being sadistic and cruel to each other, it's a world where there isn't just blood and violence, but there's humiliation for almost no apparent reason other than that the person being humiliated is lower on a list (the kind of list that young girls often make to rank the people around them). Such humiliation - as seen early on - involves rats on the end of a stick being shoved in someone's face, and at one point the rat is dead and rotting, covered in maggots. The psychology of this game really gets to you, and it's very surreal, and can easily be compared to Silent Hill (of course its not as great as Silent Hill, nor as psychologically frightening, but it is, in many ways, similar). I would say this is more unsettling than horrifying, but sometimes that's all a game with this kind of slow, yet brilliant pacing needs. However, the one single thing that stops this great game from being even greater is the freaking battle controls. Everything in the game is perfectly manageable all until you get to an actual fight. The girl you play as, Jennifer, is so very afraid of everything around her, which I love as a concept, but the fact that she's afraid to even defend herself and fights with little feeble attempts is extremely aggravating. At first I thought it was because I was using short range weapons like knives and her fists, but then I discovered the steel pipe. I was so excited when I found this weapon because I thought this meant that she would swing it around more widely, but instead she still does those simply wimpy jabs whilst covering her eyes in fear. This is the most challenging part, because even if you are the most skilled hardcore gamer you will have difficulty. Also she gets knocked down really easily, and though the labrador, Brown, that aides you along the way is great help in fights, it is only so much help as even though it looks like you're hitting an enemy, and you see your steel pipe or knife going through the enemy, it will act as though you missed it. I give this a 9/10 because it is a brilliant and outstanding example of style and story, plus it has the greatest "GAME OVER" screen in existence, as it acts as the end of a story, in a most twisted and devious way - "...And they all lived happily ever after."… Expand
  4. Jownatan
    Jul 11, 2020
    10
    The game is amazing, just like a good horror game makes you uncomfortable, scared, disgusted and scared. The only bad thing is the combat, however, the game has some moments when it is necessary to fight something. This game is revolutionary for the year that was released, very bad that at the same time there were people so dumb that they couldn't understand what the game wanted to goThe game is amazing, just like a good horror game makes you uncomfortable, scared, disgusted and scared. The only bad thing is the combat, however, the game has some moments when it is necessary to fight something. This game is revolutionary for the year that was released, very bad that at the same time there were people so dumb that they couldn't understand what the game wanted to go through. People who took the game out of context, making false news in the newspapers and in the media at the time. The critics of that time were also idiots. And with all said, I hope that one day they will make a ramake of this game, I wish that I would be responsible for the work, I really wish.… Expand
  5. Vlax12
    May 7, 2020
    9
    Non posso dare 10 a questo gioco solamente perché ha dei limiti tecnici evidenti. Ma dal punto di vista artistico, e come esperienza di gioco in generale, si tratta di una dei miei giochi preferiti di sempre.
  6. SnakeC.
    Sep 26, 2006
    9
    A worthy adventure.
  7. LeonardA.
    May 5, 2007
    5
    Nice images, repetitive soundtracks, and boooooring gameplay!
  8. PaulA.
    Jun 14, 2007
    9
    Great story its a masterpiece but unfortunately it goes really down by those controls and the stupid gameplay... But its still GREAT !!
  9. BambiRue
    Apr 20, 2020
    9
    A horror game not for the faint of heart.

    A mysterious game with beautiful imagery that you really can't forget. While the plot is so confusing you may have to play it more than once to get it, it is still a great game. The game play is fine with hard battles to stress how helpless your main character is in this world, but may become annoying to many players. Instead of focusing on    A horror game not for the faint of heart.

    A mysterious game with beautiful imagery that you really can't forget. While the plot is so confusing you may have to play it more than once to get it, it is still a great game. The game play is fine with hard battles to stress how helpless your main character is in this world, but may become annoying to many players.

    Instead of focusing on death or common supernatural monsters like demons and zombies, this game focuses on more realistic fears such as humiliation, the cruelty that children can have to other children, having to hurt innocent things, and other more grounded fears (though there is monster elements). The game also uses the unreliable storyteller, where much of the visuals and story are purely symbolic in the way a dream is, giving the game a feel like Alice in Wonderland where Alice was bullied by other girls until it changed her Wonderland into a nightmare.

    I truly hope this game doesn't get forgotten.    … Expand
  10. Aldrich
    Dec 19, 2011
    10
    I have never played this game before but I watched a walkthrough on Youtube through one sitting and what I saw was a game with storyline too cruel- yet too beautiful- to go untold, and it massive use of symbolism and the perspective of a child in the cruel situation/life is what made me give it a 10/10
  11. antenneone
    Aug 3, 2018
    3
    Una buena idea, buena historia para una jugabilidad desastrosa. Y en los videojuegos eso es lo mas importante. Hay survival horror buenísimos en ps2 como para perder el tiempo con este juego, por muy cotizado que esté y por mucho gusto que les de a los coleccionistas tenerlo entre sus manos. El juego es malo y no hay más.
  12. Siddarta7
    Jun 25, 2020
    5
    Gameplay is utter garbage, the story might get you involved enough to finish it.
  13. ValerieS
    Apr 12, 2008
    8
    Beautiful images, amazing story, creepy children, and a dog are the real shine of this game. Very enjoyable until you have to fight. Much like a Silent Hill battle system, but much clunkier(it is possible). .Not really scary but the backtracking can get a bit tedious and the dog dosn't always lead you to the right spot. But unraveling the story chapter by chapter in a fairy tale Beautiful images, amazing story, creepy children, and a dog are the real shine of this game. Very enjoyable until you have to fight. Much like a Silent Hill battle system, but much clunkier(it is possible). .Not really scary but the backtracking can get a bit tedious and the dog dosn't always lead you to the right spot. But unraveling the story chapter by chapter in a fairy tale essence is worth at least one playthrough… Expand
  14. AnthonyS.
    Aug 22, 2007
    9
    A beautiful, twisted horror game. Parts are slow and searching gets repetitive, but the story makes it well worth it.
  15. Pfil
    Jul 16, 2006
    7
    Finally, a scary horror game! Ignoring some controller issues and especially difficult boss battles, Rule of Rose is friggin' creepy and interesting.
  16. Stealthgear
    Jun 23, 2015
    4
    This game isn't very scary when compared to any other PS2 horror series. The story starts off slow enough that you may not want to get into it. The graphics and animation are nothing special except for some filter overlays. Not recommended even though its hard to find.
  17. Carlitoxic
    Jul 4, 2014
    5
    Aunque tiene un diseño artístico sublime, una música fabulosa y una historia truculenta e interesante, el apartado jugable es tan horrible como aburrido. Esta producción funciona más como película que como juego. Al que tratas de superar, con paciencia y tedio, para ver por donde va la interesante y bella trama.
  18. heychrisfox
    Oct 26, 2012
    8
    Games that bring controversy with their releases are always intriguing releases, and Rule of Rose is no different. An independently developed game, published by Atlas in North America, Rule of Rose follows the story of Jennifer, a skittish young girl who - through a strange series of circumstances - finds herself in the 1930s English countryside, chasing a boy down a dirt road. ThisGames that bring controversy with their releases are always intriguing releases, and Rule of Rose is no different. An independently developed game, published by Atlas in North America, Rule of Rose follows the story of Jennifer, a skittish young girl who - through a strange series of circumstances - finds herself in the 1930s English countryside, chasing a boy down a dirt road. This chase leads her to The Rose Garden Orphanage. But things take a turn for the bizarre: when she encounters a grave at the manor, she gets a horrible feeling, digging it up to reveal a coffin. She is then surprised from behind by some of the children, who push her into the coffin, and bury her alive.

    When she awakens, Jennifer finds herself in what appears to be a zeppelin. She is in the custody and care of a group of children, mostly girls, who call themselves The Aristocrat Club; they demand that you pay the club tribute in the form of monthly gifts of their choosing, the penalty for which not making your offering is death. Thus, Jeniffer begins to wander the zeppelin, searching for gifts, and experiencing what seem to be extremely disjointed scenarios involving her and the Aristocrat Club.

    Gameplay is your run-of-the-mill survival horror sort, wandering around with small, blunt, or generally ineffective weapons while little imp creatures chase you around. This makes running the most appropriate option in most situations, as Jennifer isn't the most competent battler you've ever encountered, haphazardly swinging her weapons around. The scenery (either the dark and seemingly abandoned orphanage or the metallic and eerie zeppelin) is exceptionally creepy, and the mood is set very well, with a great accompanying soundtrack. But navigating these environments can become cumbersome to traverse, as many of the corridors look identical, and it's easy to get turned around, especially when weaving between imps. Furthermore, certain chapters can be long with infrequent save points, meaning if you take an unlucky blow to the head from Billy the goat-headed ugly who wants to nom on your innards, you'll have to start from your last save, which can be time-consuming and just plain taxing.

    But for all the game's faults, it is all brought together by its fabulous storyline. The Aristocrat Club is anything but, making Jennifer suffer through verbal degradation and hazing rituals. And with the surreal environment of the zeppelin, with seemingly no adults taking care of the children, the kids rule in a Lord of the Flies styled dominion. Each chapter of the story is prefaced with a hand-drawn childrens' book that provides an off-kilter summary of the coming chapter. The entire story comes across as a haunting and visceral 9-year old's worst nightmare, and while the story may seem very disjointed and confusing, it gives you enough plot points to keep you hungry to see how it all comes together. And while it seems like this resolution may never come, a calming denouement after the climax of the plot offers all the answers to the questions that were brought about. If anything, this very rare - and at times, controversial - and unique release may not be the best game you've ever played, but certainly one of the most intriguing, and worth your time.    … Expand
  19. Basem101
    Aug 24, 2013
    6
    rule of rose isn't good and it is not bad the only good thing about this game that will keep you playing it is the story other than that it is horrible controls are bad game play repetitive and really difficult boss fights
  20. jcarl663
    Jan 20, 2016
    7
    Story is great. Really great.
    The ambiance and world building is great.
    The game play is not so great. Controls are clunky and combat is basically pointless to try. Boss fights are a slog.
    I don't remember the puzzles too much (which is telling on its own) but I don't recall them being particularly deep or clever.
  21. GuilhermeAug
    Apr 1, 2015
    10
    It is a complicated game with a complicated plot and story itself, so you have to pay attention when you play this game for you have - in your opinion - a satisfactory ending and understand the story, because, as i said before it's complicated to understand but it does not affect in the mysterious and dark atmosphere of the game. A surreal world, that you believe it's real... Insanity,It is a complicated game with a complicated plot and story itself, so you have to pay attention when you play this game for you have - in your opinion - a satisfactory ending and understand the story, because, as i said before it's complicated to understand but it does not affect in the mysterious and dark atmosphere of the game. A surreal world, that you believe it's real... Insanity, cruelty, torture, that is what make a game interesting, the use of real things on a unreal thing, and this game is a good example of this.… Expand
  22. SolidSnake1231
    Jan 6, 2018
    8
    So where to be begin with this one well for one is extremely expensive they should re-release this already. For the actual game the combat mechanics are not good the best thing to do is to run from combat when you can and only fight when you have to.The biggest thing this game has going for it is the subject matter and the story the setting is downright unsettling.This reminds me of lordSo where to be begin with this one well for one is extremely expensive they should re-release this already. For the actual game the combat mechanics are not good the best thing to do is to run from combat when you can and only fight when you have to.The biggest thing this game has going for it is the subject matter and the story the setting is downright unsettling.This reminds me of lord of the flies meet Silent Hill, the atmosphere is nerve wrecking and creepy as hell.I feel more games should try and tackle dark, mature subjects like this to be taken more series as an art form.… Expand
  23. DuskDungeon
    Jan 8, 2016
    9
    A different story told in a very beautiful way.

    What it might lack in its combat system polish, it vigorously manifests in its story, atmosphere and horrifyingly charming characters. A whole interesting new mechanic that you might either love or hate that involves using a very loyal friend to search for clues and items. As the story unravels you will be more invested in this dark    A different story told in a very beautiful way.

    What it might lack in its combat system polish, it vigorously manifests in its story, atmosphere and horrifyingly charming characters. A whole interesting new mechanic that you might either love or hate that involves using a very loyal friend to search for clues and items.

    As the story unravels you will be more invested in this dark experience, its a must play if you love our beloved survival horror genre.    … Expand
  24. Moge4579
    Nov 11, 2017
    9
    Lo bueno
    Historia extraordinaria!
    personajes muy buenos
    banda sonora super genial! de lo mejorcito que e escuchado
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Lo malo
    Peronaje Principal es Estupida
    Sistema de Combate muy Torpe
    Demora Mucho para avanzar con la historia principal
    Lo
  25. DiogoOliveira
    Dec 13, 2019
    8
    Uma trama Sinistra com jogabilidade difícil de lidar
    Rule of Rose e simplesmente um jogo que foge de todos os padrões de jogos lançado de sua época, com uma trama sinistra, sua historia rege muito bem o lado do bem e do mal, com uma narrativa extremamente interessante esse game se torno um dos meus Jogos favoritos do Playstation 2.
    Mas como nem tudo são flores, Rule of Rose tem um lado    Uma trama Sinistra com jogabilidade difícil de lidar
    Rule of Rose e simplesmente um jogo que foge de todos os padrões de jogos lançado de sua época, com uma trama sinistra, sua historia rege muito bem o lado do bem e do mal, com uma narrativa extremamente interessante esse game se torno um dos meus Jogos favoritos do Playstation 2.

    Mas como nem tudo são flores, Rule of Rose tem um lado amargo, lado esse que afasta a grande parte dos jogadores que entra no seu universo sombrio. a jogabilidade em combate e extremamente desbalanceada, favorecendo quase cem por cento o inimigo, o combate sempre e visto como um desafio chato e difícil, qualquer vacilo o seu fim e eminente, sem variedade de armas, o combate se torna quase um parto. Rule of Rose segue os passos da sua inspiração, INSPIRADO em Silent Hill ele tinha um dever dificil de seguir, conseguiu quase por completo, sua jogabilidade em combate fez com que o titulo amargasse uma recepção morna.    … Expand
  26. LiamMayfair
    Apr 13, 2021
    9
    Incredibly haunting and thought-provoking game. The story, sound/OST, character development and the way the core themes of the game are explored would give it a solid 10/10, but the janky combat mechanics blemished the whole experience enough for me to give it a 9/10 instead.
  27. Miniqiqi
    Mar 8, 2019
    7
    Very unique story for a horror game. The art were also good at its time, at least not inferior to demento, clock tower and resident evil in the ps2 era. It also definitely stands out in terms of characterization, which is pretty lackluster in most ps2 games.

    What makes this game sub par is its game-play. If the navigation and combat are less frustrating this game can be one of the best    Very unique story for a horror game. The art were also good at its time, at least not inferior to demento, clock tower and resident evil in the ps2 era. It also definitely stands out in terms of characterization, which is pretty lackluster in most ps2 games.

    What makes this game sub par is its game-play. If the navigation and combat are less frustrating this game can be one of the best horror game.    … Expand
  28. Razzee
    May 25, 2019
    7
    Very intriguing storytelling, but both combat and item search systems are totally broken. It's very hard or impossible at times to defeat so many enemies. Backtracking is a routine, and 5 seconds worth of loading time separating you from the room next door also sum up to the frustration, thanks to having to use the dog to find every damn item. Aware of the poor combat mechanics in advanceVery intriguing storytelling, but both combat and item search systems are totally broken. It's very hard or impossible at times to defeat so many enemies. Backtracking is a routine, and 5 seconds worth of loading time separating you from the room next door also sum up to the frustration, thanks to having to use the dog to find every damn item. Aware of the poor combat mechanics in advance I went for the Rusty Sword to make my experience a bit less frustrating and I recommend anyone reading this to do so. From my understanding, the story is quite simple but how it is told is so convoluted and bizarre. One of the adults in the game is depicted as a pedophile, though it is not true... They did it so people would pay more attention to the game? No wonder it was banned everywhere. It's worth playing at least once, if you can overlook the broken combat and item search systems, but I didn't and still wouldn't pay what people are asking for an original copy nowadays. If you love Rule of Rose and want to show appreciation for their work, the only logic method to support the long gone Punchline in the current time is to buy their only other game, Chulip, digitally available as a PS2 Classic for the PS3. Supporting the studio founded by the director of RoR, Onion Games, is an option too. Buying an overpriced DVD that will inevitably rot away won't be of any help to them. Spend wisely. Taking everything good about RoR into account, I'm giving it a score of 7 because I refuse to believe that budget was a problem for the developers, since it was commissioned and published by Sony as an exclusive for their console. It deserved more love, and I honestly want to know what went wrong along the way for the game to be launched in such a unplayable state.… Expand
  29. Solaris123
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    Best psychological story with Silent hill of era survival horror ever made. This is real horror in your head.
  30. Alexander838
    Feb 28, 2021
    10
    10/10 *********************************************************************
  31. sgsef
    Mar 11, 2021
    10
    wonderfull game Remarkably strange, interesting, and creepy story! The attack controls aren't the best in the world but that's hardly a reason to put down the game. It's not meant to be about action, even if there are some intense fights every once in a while. Amazing!
  32. Guilherme03
    Mar 16, 2021
    9
    Rule of Rose é quase uma obra-prima, uma bela trilha sonora, um jeito criativo de narrar o conto da personagem Jennifer ao decorrer da campanha e é um jogo que mexe com meu psicológico. O problema é que todo jogo sempre tem algum defeito, pois, nada nesse mundo é perfeito, as polêmicas só pioravam a reputação dele principalmente na Europa, o jogo teve algumas alegações falsas, porémRule of Rose é quase uma obra-prima, uma bela trilha sonora, um jeito criativo de narrar o conto da personagem Jennifer ao decorrer da campanha e é um jogo que mexe com meu psicológico. O problema é que todo jogo sempre tem algum defeito, pois, nada nesse mundo é perfeito, as polêmicas só pioravam a reputação dele principalmente na Europa, o jogo teve algumas alegações falsas, porém algumas são reais como focar em temas pesados, mas lembre-se que este jogo não é para menores de 18 anos e outra coisa que estraga são alguns bugs, mas só isso! Jogue, garanto que não vai se arrepender, já zerei muitas vezes no PS2!… Expand
  33. dorohedorofan90
    Jan 16, 2022
    7
    Rule of Rose es un vehículo para contar una historia. Si buscas unas mecánicas jugables decentes no es tu juego, movimientos en tanque y unos controles que no responden como uno quisiera. Rule of Rose se adelanto a "The Last of Us II" en el tiempo por ser polémico y tratar temas como la pederastia, el abuso, o las relaciones tóxicas, o amor entre dos mujeres. Es una historia triste yRule of Rose es un vehículo para contar una historia. Si buscas unas mecánicas jugables decentes no es tu juego, movimientos en tanque y unos controles que no responden como uno quisiera. Rule of Rose se adelanto a "The Last of Us II" en el tiempo por ser polémico y tratar temas como la pederastia, el abuso, o las relaciones tóxicas, o amor entre dos mujeres. Es una historia triste y desagradable, donde todo se ve bajo la óptica de los niños. Estos representan la maldad pura. Pues no hay nada más puro que un niño. Bajo esta premisa Jeniffer, ira a un orfanato, donde la trama se ira hilando a través de situaciones en las que veremos como es sometida de manera sumisa a tratos vejatorios, bajo una manipulación constante de una secta llamada "El Club de los Aristócratas". Conforme la trama avance, la protagonista ira desbloqueando recuerdos de su subconsciente, mientras somos testigos de tramas secundarias de otros personajes en los cuales se nos contaran sus desgracias y miserias de manera sutil. Para este trayecto con control de tanque y movimientos ortopédicos contaremos con la ayuda de "Brown", que será nuestro perro guía y será un recurso de orientación constante, además de jugar un papel importante en la trama.

    No destriparé la trama, porque creo que Rule of Rose merece al menos jugarlo una vez en la vida. Con precios desorbitados por los especuladores, y miles de teorías que desgranan su mensaje y significado, Rule of Rose se ha convertido en un juego de culto del cual aun se debate y que en su día genero rechazo por parte de los medios. Un juego incomprendido que quizás adaptado a una novela, tv, u otro tipo de formato podría haber tenido un impacto cultural de mayor rango, pero que no fue así en su día.    … Expand
  34. Senjiro
    Aug 15, 2022
    7
    every things in this game regarding the story, characters, and atmosphere is AMAZING, but the gameplay is so rough, it definitely needed a lot of work, but it was a good horror experience.
  35. FiiLii
    May 31, 2023
    10
    O game é simplesmente incrível. O terror psicológico esta presente de uma forma perfeita. Univo defeitk mesmo é só ter saido para ps2 e ainda não ter ganhado um remake.
  36. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    The atmosphere of this game, all it's secrets, the scandalous plot.... it marked me forever. I can only compare it to Fear and Hunger. It's true: the gameplay basically sucks. If you keep playing it it's because of the plot and the atmosphere. Pretty unique, i keep listening to the OST to this day. From my perspective, It is as good as Silent Hill 2.
    BTW, theres a YT chanell, abandoned    The atmosphere of this game, all it's secrets, the scandalous plot.... it marked me forever. I can only compare it to Fear and Hunger. It's true: the gameplay basically sucks. If you keep playing it it's because of the plot and the atmosphere. Pretty unique, i keep listening to the OST to this day. From my perspective, It is as good as Silent Hill 2.
    BTW, theres a YT chanell, abandoned many years ago, called RuleOfRoseMysteries, that is as legendary as the game itself. If you like the game, i would recommend you to check it out.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
16
#16 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 44
  3. Negative: 7 out of 44
  1. PSM2 Magazine UK
    58
    Worryingly disturbing, but just as worryingly patchy to play. A masterpiece of oddness that makes for a malnourished and sluggish video game. [JPN Import; June 2006, p.62]
  2. NTSC-uk
    50
    While not the best example of the genre, "Silent Hill" and "Haunting Ground" fans would certainly find the story appealing and the gorgeous cut-scenes instil the chilling atmosphere that every horror game needs. It’s just a shame that the gameplay is what ultimately lets Rule of Rose down.
    Read full review
  3. AceGamez
    90
    Action junkies looking for the next Resident Evil might find the pace a little slow, and the core gameplay doesn't do anything wildly different, but this is still a wonderful psychological thriller that will draw you in with its bizarrely compelling narrative, atmospheric presentation and thoughtful story-based gameplay.
See all critic reviews »