Root Rexx
A visual novel romance with a rhythm game side mode.
ROOT∞REXX is an otome visual novel video game developed by Otomate and released exclusively for the PlayStation Vita by Idea Factory in Japan on January 22, 2015. The story follows Mochizuki Kazune, a teenage girl who encounters members of the fictional boy band Rexx. The game is notable for combining a romance visual novel with an optional rhythm game mode.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Otomate
- Publisher
- Idea Factory
- Platforms
- PlayStation Vita
- Released
- January 22, 2015 (JP)
- Genre
- Visual novel, music rhythm
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
As a visual novel, players advance the main story by reading text and occasionally making decisions that affect the plot's outcome. Story selections influence which of the six band members the main character will romance, following the pattern of other Otomate visual novels. The game also includes an optional music rhythm game, with playable tracks unlocked by achieving different endings in the main story. This side game uses touch screen controls: music notes approach circles on the screen, and the player taps each note when it overlaps with the circle. Some notes require a swipe in a direction indicated by an arrow, and occasionally the player must tap the Vita's back touchscreen. Timing follows the rhythm of the music, and successfully hitting notes builds a combo. Because the rhythm game relies entirely on the Vita's dual touch screens, it is not compatible with the PlayStation TV. Completing a music track unlocks side stories that function as visual novels similar to the main story.
Release
Originally planned for a winter 2014 release, the game launched on January 22, 2015. It was released physically in standard and limited editions, the latter including a book and CD, as well as via digital download. Related merchandise under the Root Rexx brand followed: an official soundtrack on February 4, 2015, a fan booklet that same month, a novel in July, and a manga titled Root Rexx Honey Melody in December. Two drama CDs were released simultaneously on February 24, 2016.
Reception
Root Rexx never left Japan, so it escaped the attention of major international critics. At home, Famitsu’s four reviewers gave it scores of 8, 8, 7, and 6 out of ten, totaling 28/40. They liked the main story but felt some narrative paths seemed forced. In its launch week (January 19–25, 2015), Media Create ranked it the 21st best-selling game, while Famitsu’s data placed it 17th. It failed to crack the top 30 best-selling games in Japan for January.
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