| Rule of Rose | |
|---|---|
 North American box art | |
| Developer(s) | Punchline[a] |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Director(s) | Shuji Ishikawa |
| Producer(s) | Noriyuki Boda |
| Writer(s) |
|
| Composer(s) | Yutaka Minobe |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Survival horror |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Rule of Rose[b] is a 2006 survival horror video game developed by Punchline and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. Set in England in 1930, the plot revolves around a nineteen-year-old woman named Jennifer, who becomes trapped in a world ruled by young girls who have established a class hierarchy called the Red Crayon Aristocrats. It was released by Atlus USA in North America and by 505 Games in Europe.
Development on Rule of Rose began after Punchline was asked by Sony Computer Entertainment to make a horror game. Punchline wanted to develop a "new type of horror game" with an emphasis on psychological horror. This decision led to the concept of childhood, specifically the "mysterious and misunderstood" nature of young girls. The team drew inspiration from the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales for the narrative, and the Silent Hill series for graphics and art style. The entire score was produced by studio musicians in order to bring a human element to the game's atmosphere.
Rule of Rose was the subject of a moral panic in Europe prior to its publication there, based on rumors of its alleged content. These rumors ranged from erotic themes to obscene brutality. Various European authorities condemned the game and called for its banning. The game was cancelled in the United Kingdom, despite the Video Standards Council calling the complaints "nonsense". Rule of Rose received mixed reviews from critics, with gameplay being criticized the most. The game has been compared to Silent Hill and Haunting Ground, due to the psychological horror elements and the presence of a canine companion for the main character.[2][3]
- ^ "JAPANスタジオ作品一覧 2007年～2006年" [List of Japan Studio works 2007–2006] (in Japanese). Sony Interactive Entertainment. 2021. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
- ^ Spencer (June 16, 2006). "Atlus explains Rule of Rose". Siliconera. Archived from the original on May 12, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2007.
- ^ Sheffield, Brandon (June 7, 2006). "Thank Heaven for Little Girls: Why Rule of Rose May Be 2006's Most Controversial Game". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
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