Case No.1: Rose Academy

About Case No.1: Rose Academy

Case No.1: Rose Academy is a detective visual novel set in an elite girls’ school where a student’s death hides darker truths. Developed by KK STUDIO and released on March 1 2026, it blends mystery with relationship-building on PC and Mac. You play as a rookie agent navigating interrogation rooms, dormitories, and secret hideouts to uncover clues while balancing romantic entanglements. The story prioritizes branching dialogue choices over combat, with outcomes shaped by your decisions. Think of it as a murder mystery dating sim with a focus on dialogue over action. Best for players who enjoy figuring out layered narratives and bittersweet love stories.

Gameplay

You spend most sessions reading dialogue, selecting responses during interrogations, and sifting through evidence like hidden letters or security footage. Each suspect’s interview has timed minigames to detect lies, with success rates tied to your investigation progress. The school’s map shifts based on your alliances, some rooms unlock only after building trust with specific characters. Side quests let you join clubs or send gifts to build relationships, which can either aid your investigation or derail it. Pacing slows during romance arcs, but the core mystery keeps the story moving. Controls are basic, mouse clicks to navigate menus, but the branching paths ensure replays feel distinct.

What Players Think

Critic score averages 72% with praise for its writing and character designs, though 42% of players finish the main story. User ratings are higher at 85%, with 75% reporting “happy” moods and 25% “conflicted.” Average playtime is 12.5 hours, but 30% of players log 20+ hours due to multiple endings. One review called it “a tangled web of secrets and charm,” while another griped about “slow pacing in romance routes.” Completion rates drop by 15% in the final act, suggesting some find the climax unsatisfying. Over 1 million hours have been logged on PC, with 30 achievements available.

PlayPile's Take

Rose Academy works best for fans of cerebral visual novels with moral gray areas. Priced at $29.99, it offers 10-15 hours of core gameplay plus 5+ hours per additional romance route. The 30 achievements add replay value, but the story’s twists may feel contrived to some. Skip if you prefer fast-paced mysteries or dislike relationship systems. For $30, it’s a solid pick for cozy evenings and those who don’t mind a bittersweet ending.

Storyline

In this detective visual novel, you play as a young agent sent to an elite girls' academy to investigate the suspicious death of a top student. Interrogate suspects, collect evidence, and build romantic relationships — will you uncover the truth or fall for someone's charm?