Changeling Charade

*I played this game in the Heart's Choice omnibus app* Every now and then there's a game that challenges me as a reviewer. Not because I don't know my own mind or I can't think of anything interesting to say, or because it's so bad the review threatens to descend into pure mockery. I'm talking about the kind of game that makes me want to shout from the rooftops and squee like a fangirl about how good it is and how everyone should play it, aspirations of critical professionalism be damned. I'm talking about games like Ruth Vincent's Changeling Charade. So, in the interests of balance, let me begin by saying that there are a few typos that slipped by copyedit, and the (otherwise perfect) ending I got felt a bit too rushed. Now let me tell you what an unstinting joy this game is. In Changeling Charade, you're a young female fairy living in the city of New Victoria, a charming expy of Victorian London. (The river Thyme flows through the middle, there's a deplorable prison called Old Gate, and the realm is presided over by a short, stout queen.) You promised your parents on their deathbed that you would take care of your younger sisters, but under the oppressive laws that forbid Su…

Reviewing (mostly) every game (or DLC) in my library, part 531: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ (7/10) Hmm. I have mixed feelings about [i]Changeling Charade[/i]. The demo was enough to give me hope! The premise hooked me instantly—you are a young female fairy, or a "changeling," posing as a highborn lady getting ready for her debut in a Victorian London-esque society. When I say posing, I really mean it; you have the power to copy someone's whole appearance. The only catch is that (1) magic is outlawed, (2) your contract to pose as the young lady is for life, and (3) you will have four possible suitors vying for your hand. So maybe there's more than one catch after all. You are also introduced to three out of four possible suitors: (1) a genderlocked male earl who is the epitome of a charming, gallant prince; (2) a gender-selectable flirtatious, scandalous noble with a pet fox; and (3) a gender-selectable reserved, passionate tutor. The writing is quite descriptive, with paragraphs lingering on setting, clothes, feelings without being too dense. And yet, I find myself disappointed by the end. There are two major issues I have: the romances—while loving—lack any spark and a political plot is…

Kit Larkin! Hands down! (It's my character's choice so shhh!) Why bother choosing some fine, rich suitors? When you can have a scandal with an artist or perhaps another fairy of your liking? Why bother overthrowing the Act and actually getting the "bad guy" caught when you can have your engagement/love making scenes? Guess what? Those questions are actually how the other people played the game. Really. Because the "hardest" Achievements? Are those where you make things better for the Supernaturals or get the "bad guy" caught. Lmao. It was clearly obvious what everyone was here for. Do I know how to get those Achievements? PFFT! Of course not! Will I figure it out? No. Why bother? I'd rather live in small, beach side cottage FAR, FAR away from that society with my love interest. I *almost* got one of the rare Achievements... But I mistakenly put my trust into these insipid aristocrats and stupid games. So no. Those are the only endings. Go play your pretend games on your own time. I AM FREE FROM YOUR SHEET! Ah anyway... Game is fine... Reading is fine... Supernatural versus rich people and romance... Just read the summary on your own and make a judgemen…

Highly recommended. Although perhaps a shade on the short sight, this story has a wonderful concept and is exquisitely written. The main underlying plot line is interesting, and the characters are varied and have some real depth. The romance scenes are genuinely beautiful, and I've loved it enough to play it through again and again. I look forward to more from this author.

[i]Changeling Charade[/i] is a text adventure, similar to the old Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books. However, while the old game books relied mostly on the gimmick of being able to choose different paths, in this case the writing quality is good enough to rival traditional novels. The story is set in the city of New Victoria, which is a pseudo-Victorian era London where magic exists, but is illegal. Your character is a fairy who is hired to impersonate a wealthy young lady while she runs off with her unsuitable lover. I enjoyed this game as the set-up gives you immediate high stakes to play for. The setting has just enough detail to be evocative, but is simple enough that it doesn't require a glossary just to understand the basics that a character from this world would understand. This game is billed as a romance, and there are four options for potential suitors to pursue. However, you can also become involved in politics, intrigue, and revolution which allows for more varied gameplay experiences. This review is based on a single play through, but the story looks to have sufficient depth to sustain multiple play throughs. I am likely to play this again sometime and would re…

This story was interesting, but a bit rushed in the end. And several times there were mistakes and the storylines got mixed up from choices I did not make. But overall, it was romantic and sweet.