OBSCURA Will Haunt Your Heart

Written by Devil Darling, Writer, Otome Enthusiast, Horror Lover

Published on September 1, 2024

If you’re craving an otome game that delves into the shadows and challenges you with its blend of horror, mystery, and romance, then OBSCURA by Rotten Raccoons is a title you should definitely have on your radar. This game takes the genre to a new level with its mature themes, atmospheric world-building, and morally complex characters who are not always to be trusted. Let’s dive into things and see what OBSCURA has to offer.

Art and Visuals

OBSCURA captivates right from the start with its striking art style. The visuals are beautifully dark, perfectly capturing the eerie atmosphere of the game’s setting—a mysterious underworld marketplace hidden beneath a mountain. Each character is beautifully designed, with unique features that reflect their personalities and the shadowy world they inhabit. A great example of this is their masks. Each character wears one, and by their design alone, you get a good sense of the type of person they are.

Additionally, the use of light and shadow in the game’s artwork adds to the tension, making every scene feel charged with potential danger. The art team has done an excellent job of creating visuals that match the story they’re trying to tell.

The Story

In OBSCURA, you step into a world where survival is far from guaranteed, and trust is a scarce commodity. You enter the marketplace under the mountain, a place shrouded in mystery and filled with characters who all have their own hidden agendas. You are but one of the many desperate souls there.

The story is centered around your interactions with four intriguing love interests, each with their own complex backstories and motivations. As you delve deeper into the mysteries of the marketplace, you’ll find yourself facing moral dilemmas that force you to question not just the characters around you, but your own choices as well. The branching narrative ensures that every playthrough offers a unique experience, with multiple endings reflecting your chosen paths.

Characters

At the heart of OBSCURA’s story is its cast of richly developed characters. Each love interest is more than just a romantic option — they are fully realized individuals with their own secrets, desires, and moral gray areas. Your relationship with them will evolve based on your choices, making each interaction feel meaningful and impactful.

Whether it’s the charming adventurer Francesco, the enigmatic and aloof priest Cirrus, or the other mysterious figures you encounter, each character brings something unique to the story.

Features

All visual novels feature choices, it’s a given, but something I love to see in more horror-oriented otome games are timed choices. OBSCURA makes good use of them, adding a layer of urgency to your decisions, and making every moment feel critical. For players who prefer a more relaxed experience, the option to disable timed choices is available, allowing you to enjoy the story without the pressure of the clock.

The game also includes an original soundtrack that perfectly complements its dark and moody atmosphere. The music enhances the tension, drawing you further into the world of OBSCURA. Additionally, the game offers accessibility features such as dyslexic-friendly fonts, ensuring that all players can enjoy the experience.

Why You Should Play OBSCURA

If you’re looking for an otome game that goes beyond the typical romance, offering a dark and complex narrative filled with suspense, OBSCURA is the game for you. Whether you’re a fan of horror, mystery, or deep character-driven stories, OBSCURA promises a journey that will stay with you long after the final credits roll. You can learn more about the game and download the first chapter on Itch.io or Steam.