For a long time, I couldn’t understand why this game is about love. How is killing someone shows your devotion to them? How is eldritch horror haunting you in a small cabin in the middle of the woods the one person you can actually find solace with? But now, after seeing a version of the true ending, I can say…

This game is indeed about love.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3059020324


I don't usually write reviews after playing a game for less than two-four hours, but this one is an exception (plus, I have experience with the demo and Black Tabby's other gem of a game called Scarlet Hollow).

It's a masterpiece in the genre, plain and simple. Words fail me to describe how good everything is, from voice acting to writing to visuals to the idea itself. I LOVE games that play with my mind, that make me question everything, that actually force me to think. Maybe my love for philosophy is at play here, too, but Slay the Princess scratches just all the right spots in my cerebral matter. I’ve opened just one full ending so far and it has already blown my mind not to mention that the game closed itself after one of my choices and then recognized when I returned. How cool is that?!

If you are here for some light reading, close the game right away and look for something else. Slay the Princess wants to challenge your very understanding of reality and morals, and it does it beautifully. You ask questions, you get answers, but only your own mind can find interpretation for them, each one unique and precious. Whether it is violence that guides you or idealism, there is always a path to the truth. Would you want to see it, though? If you love her, you will.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3059275764

I have already mentioned that the visual and sound elements of this visual novel are just superb, but you cannot even imagine how magical they are. Each picture, each tune, whether broken, calming or terrifying, sets the scene for different Princesses and Heroes. They intertwine into threads that make the universe itself.

The choices matter, they really do. Even the smallest attempt at exploration can change your path completely, sometimes even locking you out of some. Most extra questions are just for flavor, of course, but you never know which one is not and it is fascinating.

I should also warn you that Slay the Princess is a very dark and heavy story. Do not expect a happy ending with a beautiful bride and all bad guys slain – you are not here for this. You are here to discover who you are and what you are ready to sacrifice on your way to freedom. There is also gore, blood, unsettling images and many other things that can make you feel uncomfortable. The game is a psychological horror, remember?

What else can I say? I think you can already understand how much I adore this little gem in all its haunting beauty. However, there is one thing, one spoonful of salt in the honey: the game’s length. For me, 4-5 hours for one playthrough are quite good. Perfect, even, as the game is rather heavy on the brain. However, some people will say that it is too short, not enough for the asking price. The important thing to remember, though, is the absolutely incredible replayability that this visual novel offers. Just check out the achievements – there are almost 100 of them, each a different choice, ending or death. To explore them all, even if the variations of the grand final are limited, will take your lots and lots of time, trust me.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3059272080


There are no wrong choices, no wrong paths – just the infinity. But also love, despair, fear, evil and good, horror, beauty. The Princess must be slain, but only you choose if you want to. After all, what is the end of the world in the grand scheme of things, right?

If you’re looking for a truly marvelous, one-of-a-kind game, Slay the Princess is a must-buy. It will lull you with its soft embrace and calm tunes and then smack across the face when you least expect it. If you have already played Scarlet Hollow, you know how good the writing can be. If you have not, then go and buy this brilliant title too. But do return to the Princess after it.
She is waiting for you…