The Crimson Maid
Developer GrimTalin, Darkania Works
A marriage between first person exploration and visual novel, blessed with a sprinkle of puzzle gameplay. Immerse yourself in a period drama that intertwines romance with murder mystery, as a young cleric who must resist or give in to the charms of a strikingly beautiful maid. From the Steam store page
79 reactions from 3 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon) · newest Sep 28, 2026 · last updated Oct 8, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
65 positive · 9 negative
95% range 78–93%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 65 | 9 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 0 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
5 newer reactions are still waiting for a label.
What people are saying
Summary pending — the reactions are listed below.
Reactions
60 of 79 · most liked firstI've been waiting for this game since the announcement. It is more of a walking simulator with VN elements. It started a bit rocky, the writing wasn't the best, the characters acted like they were teenagers, but after the 8th chapter, things started to get better. You play as Marius, a priest in training who left his family on bad terms. Upon receiving a letter from his mother about the sudden illness of his father, Marius had to return home, even when he knew how his family still hated him for…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Finished my first playthrough of this delightful game and found it even more exciting, than expected. Not only we have a more dark romance here, by a twist in an event, we learn more about our father's past, which will influence our next steps or not, that is upon us, to decide. According to the dev, there are four endings, I achieved one, and I think, it could be the best - for me, as I wanted to reach a happy ending. When you like mysteries and romance, a good story, puzzles ... it is…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →graphics aren't perfect but they complemented by an intriguing storyline and plenty of interactions with objects. Interestingly, game doesn't let you relax... there's no sense of coziness. I love exploring a lot, so I'm happy with it, but some people might find it boring!! romance storyline is boring, and the events unfold in a strange way. But that doesn't spoil the experience at all I just choose to overlook it. I keep exploring and looking around... this house is so huge, and there are so…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A sexy, strange gothic romance that deserves a bigger sequel I really enjoyed The Crimson Maid for what it was. It felt less like a traditional game and more like an interactive gothic romance novel, which worked surprisingly well for me. The writing was easily the strongest part. There were enough twists, red herrings and strange character moments that I genuinely could not predict where the story was going, and it was clear that uncertainty was intentional. The game keeps you questioning…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I want to recomend this game but my hang up is the conversations between characters. It feels like AI slop and if that is human writing then man it needs work
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →☑ Recommended ☐ Not recommended ☐ Irina made me choose this option ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ STORY ☐ What story? ☐ Background decoration ☐ Serviceable ☑ Intriguing family drama ☐ Changed my entire worldview ATMOSPHERE ☐ Bright and cheerful ☐ Mostly harmless ☐ Mildly unsettling ☑ Beautiful mansion full of terrible vibes ☐ I am never entering an old house again CHARACTERS ☐ Forgettable ☐ Normal, trustworthy people ☐ Slightly suspicious ☑ Everyone is hiding something ☑ The maid is…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game is beautiful no doubt. But Irinas character seems dull and very much written by someone who has no idea how to create psychological depth of a character. In fact, talking to her almost felt like an introduction to a p%rn game.. Im sorry but wth? I REALLY WANTED to like this but I just cant recommend it. Please work on character depths and meaningful dialogues.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →In a time when so many games focus on endless action and recycled mechanics, The Crimson Maid reminded me why I fell in love with story-driven games in the first place. What immediately caught my attention was the main character, who gave me serious Colin Firth vibes, elegant, charismatic, and perfectly suited to the game's atmosphere. It might sound like a small detail, but it added a lot to the overall experience for me. What I appreciated most is that this game has something genuine to…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I’m absolutely in love with this game. It feels like a breath of fresh air in a market oversaturated with generic shooters and corridor horror games. First of all, let’s talk about the visuals. The environment, decorations, mansion, and countless tiny details all look stunning and perfectly fit the game’s theme. As you can probably tell from my playtime, I spent quite a while with this game, and its visual design is one of the main reasons why. I wanted to stop and examine almost every…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Certainly more than I could expect from a visual novel like this. Some controversial elements in writing did not eventually spoil the overall Dark Fantasy story, with its wonderful twists and profound, dulcet literary language. In a way that only downside of it was the lack of more, and the lack of options in dialogs. So if you're into storytelling games, and you liked the steam page at first glance, you will like the game as well. It was one of my most sudden purchases (I was horny), and I…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A very beautifully crafted game. The world is vibrant and elegant. I found the story intriguing and enjoyable. I wasn't sure I would. There are some interesting twists and choices(for different endings). I love how there is so much in the world to examine and explore. A lot was put into the details. I haven't gone back and tried any other endings. Just the one. I definitely missed a few things during my playthrough. My only complaint is how there are not a lot of choices in dialogue options. It…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The Crimson Maid GrimTalin, Darkania Works. Steam disclosure -y
unlabelledView post →Amazing but short. For a moment I truly felt free, I felt alive. I wish there was more, but alas it ended and the freedom is gone.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A very engaging story. There is a lot of foreshadowing in the story so there are many turns you will see coming miles ahead, but it still has some surprises in store for you that will keep you on your toes! You can see that the game was built on a budget, all the character models are very static. I do however like the look of the environments. One bugbear that really caught me in the story: since when would it be a surprise that a wealthy, noble family in that era had a maid to help with…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I thoroughly enjoyed this game. It is much more linear period drama than mystery, in the sense that the choices you make decide which of the four endings you get, but little else. You are not given clues to solve the mystery yourself. You can work out parts of what is going on, but the big reveal is also a reveal of a supernatural element only hinted at previously in the game. I quite enjoyed it because the twist was a total surprise to me. The puzzle element exists on two levels. There are…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →nice romanian game
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It’s not scary or intriguing, but it’s definitely not boring! + Lots of mysteries ----- I loveeeeeee that. Notes here and there, talking to the residents and staff! Wow! ++ I really enjoyed the aesthetic of this mansion- But the plot unfolds too slowly ^-^ I’d like a more dynamic storyline This might be one of the games I’ve been waiting for the most personally
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It was a good game! Also, the ending made me feel a bit sad and emotional to be honest. I first thought that this was going to be a murder story, but it actually turned out to be an impossible love story with a supernatural element. To be honest, this is the type of game that I might never play again; because it doesn't have much replay value. But I'm glad to say that I enjoyed it while it lasted. That being said, there is something that I would like to mention here about Darkania main games…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Beautiful, charming and mysterious - just like the real heroine of this twisted story! Paying this game feels like reading a short late Victorian/early Edwardian novel. Its music, gorgeous detailed interiors, and atmosphere transport you straight to the early 1900s. And just like not every novel has to be a masterpiece, there are smaller stories that still deserve your attention and ones that completely hook you for an evening and leave you wanting more. (That's why I bought their other game…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Trying out a new game today called ‘The Crimson Maid’ come join me to solve some puzzles! Then later we hope over to either Guild Wars 2 or Palworld! Twitch.tv/jojoy
unlabelledView post →Its basically a point and click with limited scope – the focus is on story (which is all about unfolding the mystery), light puzzles, and finding secrets. It's a rather short game which you can complete it in an evening or two. There aren't that many choices, but there's enough to replay parts of it, at least. The story definitely kept me intrigued and was compact enough to never get boring.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The hardest part is not falling in love with this game, because it punishes you for it with such a sudden twist... Brrrrrr. Creepy.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I like the atmosphere and the pacing. + I can play on epic graphics with my 1070
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I was very excited for this game, and I’m really disappointed by my lack of interest. I assumed there would be verbal dialogue, but it’s only verbal in between acts. During actual conversations you have to read it all. I found myself zoning out and skipping a lot of it. I also feel like the way the FMC talks feels very unrealistic. She comes off immediately promiscuous, like literally immediately, and I don’t like the energy or vibe of it at all. Graphics are beautiful, though. I also…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Has a good story and feels like a classic but modern game. I love the vibe, loads of puzzles to keep you entertained
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I have mixed feelings about the game, on one hand I had a lot of fun with it and it was worth my time, the Puzzles are simple, yet entertaining. The Mysteries are intriguing and rewarding to unravel. The characters feel very real and down to Earth, and I appreciate the conflicts they have, a lot of them are annoying and frustrating, but in a good way, the writers didn't hold back. But there is one glaring exception, one that portrays a harmful view of what a healthy relationship should be…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Interesting storyline but quick gameplay.... Wish there were more chapters or a new story to keep going!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The demo for The Crimson Maid caught my eye during one of the NextFests a year or two ago, and it has been sitting in my wishlist for a while. I tried GrimTalin's previous game, Last Days of Lazarus, while I waited, and quite enjoyed it. The Crimson Maid is a similar kind of game - first-person, historical setting, narrative-heavy and full of visually stunning environments, but it has a more intimate focus that I think plays to the devs' strengths. I also think the role-playing elements (in…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is a hidden gem for sure. There were things I expected, and certain things I would've NEVER expected. If you know, you know. But it's a good mystery thriller with a loving romance story. I do think the game is a bit slow to start, but makes a big leap halfway through that keeps it's pace towards the end. There was one puzzle that took me a while, but overall the puzzles are pretty easy. The worldbuilding is good and there's plenty of detail in the game despite it being in a pretty…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Just started on my journey but I'm already intrigued. The fact that this is a game made by a super small studio is mind-blowing. The visuals are jaw-droppingly good, the story is intriguing, and the game is dripping with atmosphere. Can't wait to explore the mansion some more and see what kind of darkness lurks beneath the gorgoeus, lush environments. Great game!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Overall the game looks great and the puzzles are pretty interesting too. First person view is done really well, but the facial expressions on the main character and other characters kind of ruin the moment whenever they show up. That's really the only thing that stands out.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The murder at the mansion had everyone on edge, but Irina was still just too gorgeous ;)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →MIND BLOWN COMPLETELY! Now this is how you make a great amazing incredible game!! 10/10 Stars.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →where is Full Audio conversations!! it’s only verbal in between acts🤯 Not recommend for me👎
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good game, it has drama, mystery, romance. The ambiance is great, and the art and music make the game something beautiful. I was not expecting the twist at the end. 8/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Hi there, this game is beautifully made and has a wonderful but easy going storyline, the puzzles are quite easy in some parts, however it can a bit glitchy but other than that I highly recommend it , you want to play gothic style romance murder mystery game. And it has a cosy feel to it .
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game looks and feels amazing and is an absolute treat to play. The story is intelligent and well written, the characters well rounded, complex and believable. One of the best games that I have played in a long time. Diolch yn fawr Wales Interactive.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If it's not fun why bother?
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Thoroughly enjoyed the twisted family drama and especially the charming and detailed interior design of the house! Recommended if you are don't have much time to game but still want some investigative choice-making.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Is this a novella? Is this a point-and-click? Or maybe a detective story? Dude, it seems like it's all in one. The intrigue is what holds this one together until the very end. Beautiful animation and detailed characters, complex personalities emerge in the subtle dialogue between the lines. Various clues in the form of postcards, letters, and notes make it clear just how complex everything is. Unusual mechanics. I admit, the blood transfusion scene made me feel nauseous. It was an unusual…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really like the graphics and the story, can't wait to find out more!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Thankyou for this great story, It was the fact that this game was developed by my fellow Romanians that drove me to play it. In the end I have no regrets, loved the story and the work put into it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fantastic game, wasn't expecting it to be that good, I loved the setting/era so thats what made me try it, but it was great!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Going live on #Twitch at 8pm UK time (just under 90 mins from now) with another day of #videogame demos. At least 3 of the following 5 (time permitting). - Kristala - Tides of Tomorrow - Revenge on Gold Diggers - The Crimson Maid - Truxton Extreme #gaming #gamingsky www.twitch.tv/henryhiggins...
unlabelledView post →Great game. I hope they make more of this.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The story is rather dull, I was hoping for more of a mystery thriller than I got. It is a glorified visual novel at this point where you pick things up and just automatically use them. (Please note that I do love visual novels but I expected more of this game from the description). The interactive story element feels... very linear. It feels like you cannot make a poor choice on your first try unless you try purposefully. Unlike other games that are narrative driven such as Until Dawn or even…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I wasn't expecting much from this game but man was it good, The story was pretty good, Multiple endings you choose. It's a must play in my eyes.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →a delightful title with lots of twists and mysteries. with some puzzles speckled in it to keep you going. nothing complicated but enough without getting too frustrated. characters are well written and the dialog can be between amusing, horrific and awe inspiring. the romance is certainly at the forefront and depending on your choices, can be between heartbreaking to adorable. visually the game is absolutely stunning that at times i just stood there and admired the scenery. especially the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →First time trying a game of this genre, and it's very relaxing! The puzzles I've done so far were simple and enjoyable and the story is interesting to follow. I'd say one of the strongest suits of the game is the environment, it's beautifully crafted. Great job devs!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Okay, that's a bold decision! 5 stars for courage
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game was fine and felt fun but its definetly a play maybe 3 times type of game. the story is short and the choices are kinda bare I feel like if it had more of a slow burn and like 5 or 6 more hours of gameplay showing them getting to know eachother or his family more it would have been better. The graphics were good and I recommend playing if you want a chill game that has some cute moments and you can finish in a sitting.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →very impressed with the story and game play. i will be playing this ago the scenery is so enjoyable to look at. i would love to see if more is to come. makes me want to actually read the book if there was one or find more like it. 10 out of 10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Pretty good. Took me about 5.5 hours. Not a horror game. More of a dramatic 3d visual novel with some puzzles toward the end.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I am leaving this review to give it a solid thumbs up. The thumbnails and presentation at a glance appeared to be 'slopware', but upon further investigation and playing it for myself, giving it a chance, what I found was actually pretty darn good. It told a story, it kept me intrigued and the narrative was easy to understand/follow. I think the devs are onto something here and with some more work on the models and even the gameplay itself (more interactions with the world and puzzles, less…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's entertaining. The dialogue's a little odd. There's a puzzle that made no sense at all. But otherwise, I enjoyed it. For the price, I'd definitely take a shot.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →After some internal struggle, I decided to give it a try anyway, despite the steep price tag (-_-) The story isn't bad, but it lacks something truly intriguing Sometimes I could guess what was coming next Overall, if you take out the romance subplo it's actually pretty good By the way, you probably already figured out who the traitor is, haven't you?!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →What we have here is a classic example of the detective genre. Although it does include elements of a visual novel and puzzles, the drama and even a romance subplot are particularly prominent. I’m not sure, but it seems like the developer is trying to tug at the players’ heartstrings (perhaps without even meaning to), and there’s a certain <25th frame> effect here. Visual style is beautiful—there’s no denying that. *The Crimson Maid* isn’t just about exploration; it’s not merely a detective…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Updated: Defo worth it's price and I would safely pay even if it would have been doubled. Even though the story is inconsistent at some times (especially mid to end game) I still enjoyed the game a lot. I'm glad that indie devs still put out non co-op budget slop games to the market!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really weird and the character motivations don't always make sense, but I enjoyed it. The puzzles are a bit simple but I still had fun playing so overall I recommend
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I am trying to like this game, I usually don't like these types of games but i wanted to give it a try, its just one puzzle so far that I have had problems with, that I finally figured out, but i got so frustrated with it, I tried to get a refund but apparently I went over the 2 hour limit when my playtime clearly said 90 minutes so that was not correct and also i didn't realize that i bought it almost a month ago, so I guess I'm stuck with it and at a lost of $14
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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