“Hey, if the world were to break once, what would you do?” — There is a game shrouded in a grotesque atmosphere that feels like it would begin with such a question. Its name is BAROQUE YA. This isn't just a nostalgic package. It is a dense gaming experience swirling with delusion, madness, and salvation, containing four works that inherit the blood of the dark fantasy “BAROQUE,” which continues to be talked about across eras. If you seek “meaning” and “weight” in a game, this is definitely something you should experience.

The first one to mention is the action RPG “BAROQUE,” the root of everything. The setting is a world collapsed by an unprecedented disaster called the “Blaze.” People cling to delusions called “baroques” and live while turning away from reality. Amidst this, the amnesiac protagonist challenges a dungeon called the Neuro Tower while facing his own sins. This game is characterized by a structure that shows a different face every time you play and a depth of worldview that cannot be fully explained in words. Furthermore, since it includes the “BAROQUE-REPORT-” and precious materials originally distributed on paper, which fans will love, it even holds value as an archive.

If you want to know the beginning of the story, go to “BAROQUE SYNDROME.” This is a prehistoric work depicting the era before the “Blaze,” and its genre is a multi-branching visual novel. The protagonist, Kitsune, provides delusions to distorted people as a “Baroque Merchant” to give them healing. The darkness and madness held by each individual, and how those delusions become their salvation—your heart will tighten with every page you read. Before you know it, you as the player are also being questioned: “What is a delusion?” It is an extremely unique work that possesses literary depth despite being a game.

Next is “BAROQUE SHOOTING,” which is a vertical scrolling shooter—an unexpected genre for this series. The battles taking place within that decadent worldview offer more than just defeating enemies. Beyond the system of collecting “Idea Sephiroth” dropped by defeated enemies to compete for scores, the presence of the characters is incredibly strong. The sensation of symbolic beings like gods and angels appearing as enemies makes it feel as if you are flying through a religious painting. In Gallery Mode, you can enjoy successive “Blaze Commemorative Wallpapers,” providing outstanding visual satisfaction.

Finally, I want to introduce “BAROQUE Become a Meta-Being.” To be honest, if you underestimate this title, you'll be in for a surprise. After all, the protagonist is the minor enemy “Grue.” A being you would usually defeat easily has unexpectedly become the star to challenge a jumping action game. Despite the simple goal of using jumps and left/right movement to see how far you can advance through the Neuro Tower, it has high affinity with the worldview and features many characters from the original work, surely tickling the hearts of fans. Along with light controls, it is a unique title that brings a new perspective to the series' world.

Although the four titles are in completely different genres, they share the common themes of “distortion” and “healing.” The sight of people unable to accept reality as it is, and the will to try to overcome it—BAROQUE YA throws questions at the player. Do you realize your own delusions? This game doesn't end just by playing. If you are seeking an experience that leaves something deep within your heart, please step into this strange and beautiful world.