Disney Twisted Wonderlandis finally coming out in English, and despite the franchise’s huge popularity in Japan, it’s pretty unknown in the West, with many wondering what’s the gameplay like.
Pretty much all of my otaku acquaintances from Japan are intoTwisted Wonderland. And I’d definitely be deep into that swamp myself if time permitted.
Now thatTwst, as it’s nicknamed, is finally getting an English release, here’s a quick intro to the game, different from the details you can readon its official site. Here, we’ll be focusing on the game’s genre and what you should expect gameplay wise.
What’s the gameplay genre ofDisneyTwisted Wonderland?
IsTwisted Wonderlandan Otome game?
When we say Otome games, you’re thinking of games like theAngeliqueseries by Koei Tecmo, or games from Idea Factory likeHakuouki. As in, visual novels with various choices and routes, with a female protagonist and where you can romance several characters.
Twisted Wonderlandisn’t an Otome game like that. First off, it’s a sociage / gacha game. In other words, it’s free to play, and new content story elements and Events are continually being added.
IsTwisted Wonderlanda dating simulator or raising simulator?
By dating simulator, we’re talking about games like the recently releasedJack JeaneorTokimeki Memorial 4 Girl’s Side. As in games where you can romance other characters. But to do so, you’ll need to manage the protagonist’s schedule and parameters. Such as being good at studying or being good at sports. And inviting the characters to date, confessing your feelings, etc.
Twisted Wonderlandactually isn’t like that either, it’s neither a dating simulator nor a raising simulator. So what’s the game’s genre at the end of the day?
Twisted Wonderlandis an Adventure game
Twisted Wonderlandis a “Narrative Adventure JRPG”. “Adventure” games in Japan or “ADV” is what’s commonly called outside Japan “visual novels”. Adventure games are text adventures. Sometimes you’ll be able to move your character either through a menu or directly on a map. Taking various decisions and investigating items or locations. Good examples are theAce Attorneyseries or13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.
Meanwhile, you have another category of Adventure games, which are similar to the globally accepted conception of visual novels in the west. Where all of the gameplay is mainly only dialogues, with choices that sometimes don’t matter. AndTwisted Wonderlandis exactly that.
While there are turn-based RPG elements and rhythm game elements inTwisted Wonderland, it’ll be incredibly misleading to say it’s an RPG or a rhythm game.You will spend most of your time reading.And listening to the characters speaking, as the main story is fully voiced.
Twisted Wonderlandgameplay is akin to a visual novel
Do not get your hopes up for it if you don’t like reading. The game’s main appeal is to focus on your favorite characters and read through their stories and interactions.
Disney Twisted Wonderland is out now! (January 21 update)
The game was finally released,check out our guideand start playing now!Twisted Wonderlandalso has an anime adaptation in the works. Disney confirmed a worldwide release too but there’s no official date yet. Tell us what you think of the game so far in the comments!
