Baroque (video game)

Lore & Background

Baroque is set in a post-apocalyptic world where an experiment to understand the Absolute God caused devastating climate change, with surviving humans becoming physically twisted by manifestations of guilt. The protagonist, guided by the Archangel, navigates the randomly-generated floors of the Neuro Tower to find the Absolute God and fix the world. Deaths in the dungeon advance the narrative, and the original game uses a first-person perspective, while the remake includes a third-person camera and adjustable difficulty levels.

The game was conceived by Kazunari Yonemitsu, who was involved in multiple aspects of its design and created the narrative. Originally in production for the PC-9800 series, Yonemitsu's wish for 3D graphics resulted in it shifting to the Saturn. Its dark tone, a reaction to Yonemitsu's previous work, was influenced by European cinema and film noir. The gameplay drew inspiration from Torneko no Daibōken: Fushigi no Dungeon. The music was composed by Masaharu Iwata, who blended ambient noise and sound samples into the tracks.

The remake featured new staff and several changes, including redone character designs from Kenjiro Suzuki and replacement music by in-house composer Shigeki Hayashi. The game saw generally mixed reviews from critics.

Reader's Guide

Baroque holds significance as a cult roguelike RPG that blends dungeon-crawling with a narrative driven by player death. Its dark, European cinema-influenced tone and post-apocalyptic setting set it apart from many contemporary RPGs. The game's core mechanic—where dying progresses the story rather than ending it—was innovative for its time. The original version's first-person perspective and tank controls contrast with the remake's third-person, action-based approach, offering distinct experiences. Baroque was supported with supplementary products, including a visual novel based on a promotional novella. Its legacy includes multiple ports and a remake, indicating sustained interest. The game's mixed critical reception reflects its niche appeal, but its unique design and atmospheric storytelling have earned it a dedicated following.

Did You Know?

• The game was originally in production for the PC-9800 series before shifting to the Sega Saturn due to the designer's wish for 3D graphics.
• The music for the original version was composed by Masaharu Iwata, who blended ambient noise and sound samples into the tracks.
• The remake features redone character designs by Kenjiro Suzuki and replacement music by Shigeki Hayashi.
• Baroque was supported with several supplementary products, including a visual novel based on a promotional novella.