True Colours A Date With Deception

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True Colours – A Date With Deception is a single-player visual novel narrative game from developer Borealis and EastAsisaSoft. Is this a cute visual novel about the pursuit of happiness? Or will you become entangled in a web of lies and deceit?

Will you seek redemption?

True Colours – A Date With Deception was originally released for PC in quarter 4 of last year. However, it can now be brought on all major platforms for approximately £10. Due to the nature of the game, I will try my best not to spoil anything. But please be warned that there will be some light spoilers.

Gameplay

With True Colours – A Date With Deception being a visual novel, this means that there is minimal gameplay. It is simple in the fact you continuously press the x button to progress through the game. Occasionally, you will have to pick an option. However, this is very minimal movement of the analogue stick. The story itself is where we focus. I hope you have your reading glasses on, as there is a lot to get through!

The story begins with the introduction of a gender-neutral protagonist, whose work is spreadsheets, spreadsheets, and more spreadsheets. Three new hires join the office, and it is the player’s choice on how you want to navigate these new relationships. Go on dates to get to know your coworkers. You never know, you might discover their innermost secrets that they could be hiding, or even potentially you.

This shows the character Malik riding a bicycle in the countryside. To the bottom of the picture there is writing describing what is happening in the scene. — This scene’s trophy is appropriately titled “Swiggity Swooty – Check Out That Booty!

It begins pretty slow and mundane where you feel like you are in control of an everyday person who does not have anything particularly remarkable about them. Although I knew from watching the trailer of this game that there was more than just a cute romantic visual novel, I, however, was still not expecting the gut-punching twist. You can choose to embrace it, or you can choose to seek redemption. This is dependent on the choices that you make when given the decision.

One thing I loved about the romance options, is the variety of personalities. Brianna is the bubbly character, who is serious about her work, but harbours a secret. Malik is a fun, relaxed and bi-sexual character, who has a disturbing past. Finally, there is Ash, who represents a non-binary character who is a massive nerd but has experienced sadness in their past.

The developer has crafted a story which deals with real-life issues. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing those issues, and how to overcome them. It feels that often these issues are dismissed, and this game highlights that we should help rather than be ignorant.

Graphics & Audio

True Colours – A Date With Deception is a graphically gorgeous game. Of course, with a visual novel game, the graphics alongside the story is the most important part. And, this style does not disappoint. I felt that the characters are crafted personally, and highlight their different personalities. The backgrounds are well-drawn and coloured, and I thought the styling fitted well with the storyline. The CGs themselves are the best part of focusing on how well-drawn the novel is. Although some are disturbing due to the nature of the storyline twist. They showcase the talent used for these drawings.

This picture shows the character of Brianna, who is sat down on her knees petting a small dog. To the bottom of the screen is writing which is Brianna speaking about her love for the dog shelter. — An adorable puppy! Oh and Brianna…

The music helps to build the atmosphere of the story. It uses specific tracks to highlight the mood of the storyline at that point in the game. I also think it is used well to represent the sudden mood change, to the point I jumped on the first change. Although, it does not take much for me to jump. You would know if you saw that stream over on the Thumb Culture Twitch channel.

Longevity

There are 12 different endings that you can experience in True Colours – A Date With Deception. The game has 12 endings that the player can experience, with both “good” and “bad” endings. However, there is a clear majority in terms of the type of ending category. I am not one to spoil though.

This picture shows the character of Ash. In the background is a theatre with writing to the bottom of the screen stating "Ash is full of surprises". — Sweet Ash

Depending on which ending you choose, your playthrough time will differ. Some endings offer more in terms of a story than others. I approximate that the majority of storylines take between 10-15 minutes each. That means, even though there are 12 endings, you could still be finished with the game within 2 hours. The game in that sense is not very long and does not offer much replayability. Once you’ve experienced the 12 endings, I do not think it’s a game that a person would turn back to.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think that there are many positives to take from True Colours – A Date With Deception. Which I have highlighted throughout this review. The main issue which I have with the game is the lack of playability. Once you have experienced the 12 different endings, there is nothing to entice you to continue playing the game. However, I think that most people who have an understanding of this genre of game know this, and it isn’t an issue.

Therefore, it is with all of this in mind, that I will be awarding True Colours – A Date With Deception a silver Thumb Culture award.