Game Review: 7 Days Of Rose (Xbox Series X)

From Cross Game Studios and Ratalaika Games comes 7 Days of Rose. A short visual novel experience with familiar romantic undertones, but with a darker story. One that would be more memorable if it wasn’t for the poor handling of the heavier tones and the unlikeable main character.

You know, the one you play as.

It’s a bit of a flaw with 7 Days of Rose overall. To have to step into the shoes of an obnoxious, insecure, ungrateful, horned-up teenage boy. Doesn’t it just sound like fun?

Players take on the role of Michael who has gone on holiday with his parents to a beach resort. He doesn’t want to go on holiday with his parents of course, but this might be the only area where players can relate to him. As his parents have seen this trip as an opportunity to rekindle their relationship and have another child. Something they are more than happy to tell Michael about. His natural discomfort about hearing his parent’s plans to bang and having to see them act like love-drunk teenagers is something we can all cringe along to.

Desperate to get away from their antics, Michael chooses to spend as much time alone as possible. Often, in his own head, where he regals the player with his ‘woe is me’ teenage attitude and feelings of irrelevancy.

Thankfully, this stops once he meets Rose, who he is instantly smitten with. They hit it off, but her behaviour keeps Michael on his toes. Something that is tied into her family background. Rose is filled with energy but also challenges Michael as she canters between aloof, whimsical, and manic behaviours.

Michael can’t quite believe that she seems to like him, and neither will you. As their relationship is both rushed and unconvincing. Considering how charming she seems to find him, it’s easy to believe that Rose may not actually exist and it’s just a symptom of Michael getting too much sun. Or having accidently heard his parents having sex.

This angle. The beautiful girl who falls for the perceived loser. It’s up for regular criticism in these types of games and 7 Days of Rose is every bit a culprit. Yet, it’s not the biggest negative of the game. That comes from how mental health is portrayed. This is the darker aspect of 7 Days of Rose’s quirky story and it poorly dealt with.

Of course, this is a visual novel and gameplay is extremely limited. Every so often players will get to respond with dialogue options, some of which are immensely awkward. However, they have little bearing on the story aside from some slightly different endings. All of which are based on what impression you left on Rose.

Visually, the game is very nice. The location designs and character illustrations are notably good to look at, and the music is inoffensive. Unlike many other games in this genre, 7 Days of Rose has a playtime of around two hours, so it doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Yet, those positives can in no way outweigh the enormous negatives that come from the poor story, the unconvincing relationship and the dislikeable main character. It’s not the worst game in this genre but it’s so far from the best.