2015 · Rhythm · Visual novel

ROOT∞REXX

PlayStation exclusive

Root Rexx, stylized as ROOT∞REXX, is an otome visual novel video game developed by Otomate, exclusively released for the PlayStation Vita by Idea Factory on January 22, 2015 in Japan. The game follows Mochizuki Kazune, a teenage girl who meets members of the fictional boy band Rexx.

Released: 2015
Platforms: PlayStation Vita
Genres: Rhythm Visual novel
Developers: —
Publishers: —
Perspective: Text
Themes: Drama Romance
Country: Japan
Age ratings: CERO C

About

Root Rexx, stylized as ROOT∞REXX, is an otome visual novel video game developed by Otomate, exclusively released for the PlayStation Vita by Idea Factory on January 22, 2015, in Japan. The game follows Mochizuki Kazune, a teenage girl who meets members of the fictional boy band Rexx.

›Story

The rock band "REXX's" debut single was an explosive hit.

Not allowed to show their faces in public and do live shows, the band members are represented by mascots of themselves in promotional videos. Even so, they grew popular through word-of-mouth, and eventually garnered attention from all over the world.

However, without ever releasing a second single, they announced that they would go on an indefinite hiatus. A reason was never provided for this and caused a lot of confusion. Despite this, their debut single still sold well, and they gained more and more fans each day. Before they knew it, industry insiders started to call them the "legendary" band.

About a year later, the protagonist (Mochizuki Kazune), becomes fascinated by REXX's music. She finds a demo CD of at the school she transferred to. To her surprise, the demo CD contained an unreleased and unannounced REXX song! On top of that, there she meets five high school students who introduced themselves as REXX band members.

Kazune declares, "In order to revive REXX, I'll do anything!" upon hearing that the five guys no longer intend to perform.

As the past entangles and causes discord, will REXX be sucessfully revived?

Keywords

female protagonist
otome
rhythm game
musical themes
nameable protagonist

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

As a visual novel, players read text to advance the main story, occasionally making decisions on how to progress which ultimately effect the plot's outcome. Like other Otomate produced visual novels, players' story selections influence which of the six band members the main character will romance.

The game also features an optional music rhythm game, with playable tracks being unlocked with different endings achieved during the main story. This side game plays in a manner similar to other touch screen based music video games. Music notes will gradually approach one of several circles located on the same side of the screen, with the player tapping the note once it overlaps with the locked circle. To successfully perform each action one must tap it as the falling timed circle converges on each main circle, or swipe in a direction indicated by an arrow over the note.

Reception

Being a Japanese exclusive, Root Rexx was not reviewed by major international publications. Domestically, Famitsu's four reviewers awarded the game scores of 8, 8, 7, and 6 out of ten, for a collective total of 28/40. Generally, the reviewers enjoyed the overall story but took some issue with certain aspects of the story paths, which they felt could appear as forced.

According to Media Create, Root Rexx was the 21st best selling game for the week of January 19–25, 2015. Famitsu data for the same period reports that the game was the 17th best selling title. Ultimately, the game was not one of the 30 best selling games in Japan for the month of January.