Another PS2 Classic May Be Coming Our Way for New Gen Consoles

Ever since the release of Resident Evil 2 Remake in 2019, companies have not been shy about capitalizing on the success of their past games either. From remasters to just plain upscale re-releases. It’s a good way to make quick money. And with the success of these remakes from franchises like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, many developers have followed suit.

Even more obscure cult classics like Fatal Frame have been given HD remasters because of this ongoing, and seemingly undying trend. A lot of the excitement for these games is nostalgia, and for others it’s the opportunity to experience something different they may not have been to had developers not been inspired to look back on some of their older properties.

Recently, a new rumor has surfaced regarding a very controversial game that existed only in the PS2 era of gaming. On January 28th, the Bloober Team X account put up a post stating, “some things never leave the walls… they only learn to wait.” What proceeded that was an emoji of a rose and a sentence for fans to possibly decode. Along with that is a link that leads to a website with a countdown which also centers a rose. The date it’s counting down to? Valentine’s Day. A day centered around the gifting of love and roses.

Link to the website: https://remosdneulserorehsoovamceyerd.com/

The biggest theory surrounding this teaser, is a possibly remake or remaster of the ever controversial Rule of Rose. Released on the PS2 in 2006, it was met with tons of critisms regarding the games topics on pedophelia and the sexualization of children. This led to the game being banned in parts of Europe and falling into the cracks of video gaming. The game hasn’t been touched since then, but that all may change come February 14th.

Rule of Rose follows a young woman by the name of Jennifer, who goes back to the orphanage she grew up in only to be in constant fear and confusion as strange creatures of the night jump her during her stay. The other orphans don't make things easier as they have a complete lack of respect for her, and belittle her every chance they get. Jennifer is seen as very frail and sensitive, barely saying a word to anyone throughout the game. The game resembles that of Silent Hill, as Jennifer finds miscellaneous objects to defend herself and clumsily swings them when she does. That is paired with a gameplay mechanic similar Haunting Grounds, as she has a doggie companion by the name of Brown, who seeks out various items for Jennifer when commanded to.

Bloober Team is responsible for games such as The Medium and Layers of Fear, as well as the highly praised Silent Hill 2 remake and Silent Hill F. They seem to have a knack for developing high thrill survival horror games that center around topics that many may shy away from. Which means Rule of Rose would be right up their alley.

One of the promotional posters for Rule of Rose

For me, personally, I am very excited to see if this rumor is true. Since I own a copy of Rule of Rose and loved the aesthetic and style of the game, I’m intrigued to see what Bloober team could do with it with modern technology. Not only that, but nothing makes me more anxious in a video game than being vulnerable and Jennifer is as vulnerable as they can get. I’m especially interested to see how much creepier the team can make the enemies of Rule of Rose.

I will be tuning in to see what they have in store for us come this Valentine’s Day.