Games “for girls” have come a long way since Barbie pink floppy disks roamed the land. Now that women are the largest demographic of gamers, perhaps we won’t have to fight the stereotypes much longer. Still, I’m grateful for the girly games made in the era of Games Are For Boys; in a way, it was a little sign that we weren’t forgotten. Even now, I believe there’s a place for deliberately feminine games, regardless of the gender of the player. Sometimes fanciness can be fun too.
As a big fan of the princess maker (and princess-killer) game Long Live the Queen, I’m glad I finally got my hands on the developer’s latest feminine high-stakes choose-your-own-adventure, Black Closet. Billing itself as “schoolgirl noir”, you play as the head of the student council at a prestigious all-girls school, working to uphold the sky-high reputation of the elites. Of course, troublemakers abound, so you use your roster of minions to settle problems before they get out of hand. Also, you get to eat cucumber sandwiches and tea.
Plus, there’s a traitor in your group who deliberately sabotaging your efforts-- messing up investigations, bringing you sucky items-- so it’s worth your while to find out who the double-crosser is, and quickly.
Black Closet has more of an RPG vibe, with dice rolls and everything. I had to fail a few times before figuring out exactly how the system works, but pretty soon I was deploying my team strategically. Like Long Live the Queen, there are many ways you can fail spectacularly, so I’d recommend just going along for the ride even if you mess up. There’s a lot to do and see in this game, so I fully anticipate playing it through a few times.
Did I mention that there’s romance? I’ve got to seduce all of the ladies!
Did I mention that there’s romance? I’ve got to seduce all of the ladies!
Black Closet is easily the best all-girls school mystery strategy game I have ever played. Hopefully my love life will improve on the next playthrough, since it seems I’m about as awkward in the game as high-school me was. I think that counts as bonus points for “realism”.
Sneaking into your room to gather evidence,
The Dungeon Dame
The Dungeon Dame