Secret Crossing: Story Game Review
Genre
Title: Secret Crossing: Story Game
Developer: Storytaco.inc
Age Rating: 18+ ?
Published: 2023
Platform: iOS, Android
Language: English, Korean
Rating: 6.7/10
Secret Crossing: Story Game is a spicy flower-themed otome game. MC takes care of four Menslakes she magically germinates to life in a science lab. Tasked to visit the Menslakes to nurture and study them, budding with blooming affection along the way. The MC gives them all nicknames: Ceri, Heli, Eve, and Dya.
Features
Similar to Mr Love: Queens Choice (MLQC) game, this otome game also features a Gacha card system to up skill cards in order to progress in the main storyline. However, in addition, the LI’s (Love Interests) have their own individual story within the ‘Date’ function which players are able to view 5 episodes per day for free with the ticketing system. Extras such as the individual character storyline selection in Secret Crossing: Story Game is the main contrast between MLQC, which allows players to pursue a specific character route in depth.
The ‘Research’ function of the game can be used to collect items and coins to level up character cards. ‘Hearts’ are used to play the research section. Hearts will replenish up to a maximum of 150 over time.
Visit feature
Players can also visit the characters to increase ‘charm’. This is limited to 5 times per day for each LI. Login bonuses are also included, giving players a chance to gain gems. Special items can be bought with gems to increase charm rate of the LI’s which is useful for the Research gameplay against other players.
Overall, the gameplay in Secret Crossing may seem slightly overwhelming at first if you’re not familiar with this type of gacha game with many features. However, there are tips in the beginning and you’ll get used to the functions. It’s nice to see individual storylines of the characters and extras. I’d give the functionality features and gameplay a rating of 6/10.
Art
The character design is great and their outfit suits the spicy theme. I like Heli’s hairstyle style the green and red, long hair suits his plant features. Character expressions are quite good too. I found it funny how the text box is placed closer to the centre of the screen to cover the character mid section in the background from certain scenes (when we first meet them all). Snippets of images in some scenes to show the LI and MC interacting is quite nice too. Overall I’d give the art 7/10
Sound
The BGM is quite nice in the main interface. The music changes depending on the mood of the scene within the story. The characters are also voiced by Korean voice actors (VA) which is a bonus. The addition of VA’s in Secret Crossing enhances the character’s personality and emphasis to their expressions. I would advise wearing headphones for this game! Overall I’d rate the sound as 8/10.
Characters
Heliamphora
Heliamphora Neblinae, aka Heli. He is a carnivorous plant that prefers shade. Hot-headed carnivore who does what he wants, however he does warm up to the MC. He can be aggressive like his plant attributes but we also get to see him warm up to MC as the story progresses. He can be like a big dog at times and loves meat. On the other hand, he doesn’t get along with the other Menslakes very well and lacks social skills. This could be rooted in how he has never seen another of his species; as they are extinct. However, he does grow to have a soft spot for the MC as his affection blooms.
Cereus
Echino Cereus, aka Ceri. He is a gentle giant that enjoys pain. Ceri and Ivy look out for MC and support her when dealing with trouble. Clashing with Heli at times and ending up in a fistfight the two Menslakes don’t get along well. He has great hearing and tells MC to call if she ever needs help, which comes in handy when she’s in trouble. Ceri has a nice smile and loves to soak up the sunlight like a cactus. So far I’m on chapter 4 of the main story and hope to see more of Ceri’s story.
Ivy
Sugarvine Ivy, aka Eve. She is the female LI and part of the main story too, which is a first for me, to see a woman romantic interest in a Korean otome game. Breaking up fights between Ceri and Heli with her vines and supporting the MC. She has a calm, patient and caring personality. Also has a bit of a jealous streak and loves clinging to the MC at every opportunity she gets. Ivy also loves watching TV and learning about the world MC is from.
Diphylleia
Diphylleia Grayi, aka Dya. The weakest physically, but the smartest intellectually out of the four Menslakes. Dya is physically weak based on his species type. However, when he is drenched with water a poisonous like gas releases from his body. This affects everyone around him and subsequently, leads him to have a fever. Dya loves reading books. He can appear to be timid sometimes. However, he is very level-headed and the smartest out of the four LI’s. I would like to see more of his story.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this otome game has a lot of good content features besides the main story and is generous with claiming gems. Featuring character stories and extra stories which can be unlocked for the individual characters. I like how there are many opportunities to gain gems through watching ads and activities if you wish- without ads being forced on your screen in the middle of the gameplay- like in some other games. It can take a while to level up your cards which slows down the story gameplay, which is the only downside to these types of games.
This game is spicy as the Menslakes spend time with their germinator in order to bloom. There is a good balance of interaction between all the characters collectively too. From their day-to-day interactions with the MC and supporting her as a team, it’s interesting to see them start to get along with each other. I like how the MC is strong and doesn’t submissively go with the flow but does her best to support them while standing her ground.
Overall, I’d rate this gameplay a 6/10. If you like gacha card games like Mr Love: Queens Choice or spicy visual novels I would recommend trying out this game. Hope you enjoyed this review. I would love to know your thoughts on this game. Please comment below and let me know^^
