It’s not such a big ask for a review code to work, but I’d left it a little too long to go back and ask for another code, so I did something a little bit different and bought the game to review. It was only £3, so if it was a stinker – I’ve spent worse. However, And Roger already has some accolades attached to it, and judging by the artwork, I was willing to take that risk.
TearyHand Studio’s game, published by Kodansha, starts like a mini version of One Night Stand. Don’t read into it. Not quite awake, you head to the bathroom to brush your teeth, and unlike most visual novels, this is a QTE-like experience where… you can brush your teeth! YES! Anyhoo, these subtle motor mechanics make you feel part of the game and pave the way to the underlying narrative. Now that my breath is fresh, who’s this fella offering me a pill? Morpheus, he ain’t.
Without giving much away, it’s very, very unsettling, but doesn’t go down the path you might imagine. Nevertheless, it’s going to trigger some people to begin with. The best way I can describe it is One Night Stand with Lydia, with some 1-2 Switch mechanics, also. Nah, I’m just adding that there to put emphasis on things to do with your thumbs while you watch it, as And Roger is mostly an interactive animation. That might put some off, but that is reflected in the duration and also the price.
For me? The concept is great, and to be fair, this isn’t really a visual novel. That’s lazy categorising. You more or less have a say in every literal movement. No Tekken-like back steps and combos – a simple button press should suffice. Honestly, it makes you feel like a part of the tale without it being overcomplicated, and boy, do you forget everything apart from the experience. The artwork is beautiful, and the music hits the right heartstrings when required. My only reservation is the sound effects when the characters speak. That was mildly off-putting.
Besides that, And Roger is lovely – a real emotional rollercoaster that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout, attempting to put all those years doing Media/Film Studies, or watching countless shows on Netflix and second guess where it’s going. You might be right with your assumptions, but it doesn’t matter. And Roger takes you along for the ride throughout and doesn’t let go, and even when finished, you’re still there, thinking about it. It’s beautiful. Do what I did and buy it if you’re narrative-driven; just don’t expect to be doing cartwheels when you’re done.
