Taking an ordinary tour of his sister’s workplace, Mitsuya Harunobu had expected the day to be friendly and amusing – not a desperate struggle for survival. The voice that echoed through his head was cold and malicious, “Only one with the strongest desire shall earn freedom.” In the passing of a single moment, the gleaming corporate tower was reborn into a sadistic infernal prison: an unknowably malevolent force had seized control of the building and corrupted nearly person within. Rape. Torture. Murder. These were now normality. Somehow unaffected by the supernatural entity, Harunobu resolved his sister would escape the incomprehensible nightmare unharmed – even if Harunobu would have to sacrifice himself in the process.

 
Gokuin no Sentou (獄淫の尖塔) is a survival horror eroge published by Black Cyc in 2011. It has no sequel, side story, or noteworthy doujinshi.

 

 
One particular Biblical quote sums my overall opinion of Gokuin no Sentou: “How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished!” There was once an era when Black Cyc could do no wrong in my eyes – a time when MinDeaD BlooD, Gore Screaming Show, and Gun-Katana were launched in rapid succession. It was a golden age so glorious, JastUSA negotiated to officially translate an unspecified number of titles into English. Alas like all great empires, this perfect position would not last forever. Internal policies within Black Cyc instigated undisclosed troubles, resulting in the walkout of several company employees, many who became freelance agents or established independent studios. North American discussions ended after attempts to modify the SYSTEM-NNN engine for English encountered deadlocks. As if that were not enough, the political landscape of Japan shifted to embrace conservative legislation to restrict erotic content across all entertainment media. Yet worst than any of these factors combined? The unbroken string of terrible releases from the studio’s current state. Ageha Extravaganza is a hollow cash cow unworthy of the series reputation, the core and fan disc for Cthulhu were painfully incomplete and rushed to market, Sayoko was another entry in the company’s weakest (though most enduring) franchise, and Inunaki proved itself as pure failure in digital form… which sequentially brings us to the aforementioned Gokuin no Sentou.

 

 
After several mind numbing play through, it slowly became obvious that Gokuin no Sentou desperately wanted to duplicate the thematic overtones of Kansen from SPEED. For those unfamiliar with that franchise (shame on you), Kansen is the eroge equivalent to Dawn of the Dead, with a pandemic virus that transforms people into zombie rapists instead of the traditional cannibalistic versions. It’s actually better than it sounds. Cutting straight to the point: Gokuin no Sentou attempts to mirror the survival horror element that helps Kansen standout from the competition. Yet in this particular case, the disease outbreak is substituted with a Satanic orgy ritual, which greatly falls short of leaving a lasting impression. Rather than functioning as a fundamental backdrop, the demonic compelled lust serves as an empty excuse for turning building occupants insane. Outside of simplistic references to Mesopotamian and Christian mythology, with a little Lovecraft thrown in, the scenario writer made no effort to explore the cause and effect for these atrocities. Without genuine purpose or propelling depth, the cast members are dropped into nothing more than a needlessly mindless sexfest. Considering how much potential was mishandled – the character designs are visually pleasing and their persona concepts are entertaining – this is inexcusable.

 

 
Gokuin no Sentou has many significant shortfalls, but easiest to identify are those highlighting the haphazard pacing of the plot. This can largely be attributed to the brief playtime of the overall product: something within the window of six to eight hours. Departing from the usual course of classic Black Cyc releases, this title avoids extrapolation of character backgrounds and relationship development. Indeed it is difficult, remaining within the context of story material presented, to actually prove romantic feelings between Harunobu and the heroines ultimately exist. It is doubtful this was intentional by the developers, for most endings at least, but showcases how elements were substandard depicted. Yet another negative departure from the norm, is how incredibly useless women are presented. To be certain, damsels in distress and meat dolls are always expected, but veterans will recall powerful female leads like Tokiwara Himena (Gun-Katana), Yuka (Gore Screaming Show), and Yuka Sakaki (MinDeaD BlooD): ladies who show weakness and require rescue in certain routes, but clearly can hold their own against the worst possible threats. Gokuin no Sentou lacks someone of such caliber in the lineup. One can only assume Mitsuki was supposed to fill that role, but referencing the aforementioned poor plot depictions, such standing was not properly awarded.

 

 
The actual gameplay in Gokuin no Sentou is unimaginative but justifiable. When the player is required to make a choice, dependant on the situation, one of two selection screens is presented. Most common is a map of the corporate skyscraper our protagonists are trapped within, of which five floors are immediately accessible. Selecting floors unlocks events that lead into the typical “make a response” window eroge are renowned for. In certain moments the response window is actually timed (approximately four seconds), forcing the player to make snap decisions before reading all available options. Failure to select one before the timer finishes results in a predetermined choice (rarely the correct answer). Those having played Sakura Taisen should be familiar with this system. The skyscraper plan is only utilized in the first half of Gokuin no Sentou: once an amount of exploration has been completed, everything drops into autopilot for the route locked into. Being so short, there is repetition when attempting to unlock all the possible endings. Without a spoiling walkthru, trial and error is required to determine workable floor combinations. Theoretically the system is sound, but emanates a thrown together feeling. For a building that’s supposed to invoke the Tower of Babel, being limited to five floors does not set the proper mood. The timer factor is interesting, but immediately loses impact once a person reloads or takes screenshot. Nor does it happen enough times to become worthwhile.

 

 
At least in regard to aural subsistence, Gokuin no Sentou delivers the merchandise. Though the soundtrack is somewhat of a diametric experience, seven of the nineteen songs are commendable. The vocal intro theme, I pray, is particularly noteworthy and fitting; its somber instrumental arrangement, Twilight Time, also achieves perfection. Heavy metal riffs in Violent Attack, Speed of Dangerous, and Dark Nightmare make a nostalgic return to DenKare. On the visual aspect, female character designs are highly attractive and appropriately match persona traits. Paper doll quantity is minimalist and usually too small. There are various “close up shots” presented from time to time, but remain rule exceptions. Somewhat unsurprising for this genre, the overall color scheme is devoted to dull tones of black, brown, dark reds, and deep blues. The selection generally works, but generates subconscious distain for boring backgrounds. Eighty-three sex scenes complete the presentation package, most of the retouched frame variety: girl with her clothes on, same picture but with her shirt torn off, same picture but with her bra cast aside – so forth and so on. The longest scene uses thirty such illustrations. The overboard use of retouching seriously degrades the technique, insulting your attention span and becoming obvious with the cost cutting laziness. Acting quality generally depends on the voice actress: Mitsuki is highly believable in all situations, but Kanami doesn’t portray torture very well.

 

 
Gokuin no Sentou is a disappointing failure that embodies everything wrong in the new Black Cyc. Gone are the days of epic quality releases. This title is neither rushed or incomplete; this title is wholly insufficient of entirety. The music is nice and the characters are pleasing. From there everything tapers off into an abyss. For all the moe qualities that can be squeezed from them, the heroines waddle in a single dimension scenario of seething disenchantment. Gokuin no Sentou scrapes the bottom of an empty barrel, fundamentally failing to mimic the success of second rate cesspit eroge. An individual does not explore the title to experience literary enjoyment or character bonding, they do so for the bestial gratification of sexual ruination. By no means is that a problem: dozens of titles enjoy extreme success in that vein. The problem is Black Cyc‘s reduction into a company promoting such releases. Once synonymous with memorable award winning titles, we now are force fed rejects with pretty pictures and nice noise to deceive the eyes and ears from revulsion our patience is forced to endure. Gokuin no Sentou sucks – not because it is a terrible game, but for the simple reason of paying over one hundred dollars for a premium (using the word loosely) product. This is not a first class title. Not even a second class title. Behold a third class in all its glory! Behold and weep for the future: Black Cyc is dead.

 

 
— Central Characters —

 

	Mitsuya Harunobu   Height: 177 cm   Parents lost to a fatal traffic accident, Harunobu tries to relieve his sister’s burden. Still enrolled in high school and therefore ineligible for fulltime employment, he faithfully takes the role of a housekeeper who eases the breadwinner’s daily return from work. Though Harunobu has little interest and time for athletic activities, he possesses a natural aptitude for physical challenges.
	Mitsuya Kanami   Height: 162 cm Measurements: 85 – 58 – 85   Harunobu’s older sister. Highly intelligent, sociable and attractive, Kanami has found little time for a serious relationship. She is committed to employment, often working long unrewarding hours into the night, to ensure her brother has a roof to sleep under and food to eat. Kanami can be overprotective of Harunobu at times, but thoroughly places his wellbeing before her own.
	Koshino Kozue   Height: 160 cm Measurements: 82 – 57 – 81   Working part-time as an amusement attendant, Kozue trudged through high school with poor academic performance. Unable to pass college entrance exams, her life has generally spiraled into an idle dead stop. Kozue often dreams about finding a sugar daddy to take care of her, and is quite the genius at gourmet cooking thanks to her mother’s culinary experience.
	Mineoka Mitsuki   Height: 155 cm Measurements: 73 – 56 – 74   Mitsuki is good friends with Kozue, as both work frequently at the same amusement firm. Though few people in the modern world actually believe in fortunetelling mysticism, Mitsuki’s impeccable judge of character and insightful intuition results in surprisingly accurate prophecies. Has quite the mischievous streak for such an openly demure person.
	Horikura Yukino   Height: 161 cm Measurements: 92 – 60 – 88   Yukino occupies the multimillion penthouse mansion atop the skyscraper. Though married to an incredibly wealthy technologist, she has grown disenfranchised with his repeated infidelity and rejection of her sexual advances. Spoiled by monetary riches, Yukino is the iconic example of an arrogant, domineering, and egotistical woman. Spends most of her free time purchasing designer merchandise.
	Koumoto Machi   Height: 162 cm Measurements: 77 – 56 – 80   Currently six months unemployed, Machi once worked for a prestigious corporation. As if hated by fortune, Machi’s misery was further compounded by the sudden departure of her boyfriend and the gradual reduction of unemployment compensation. The emotional shock of these events has all but devastated the woman’s frail mindset and self esteem.
	Takanawa Ayame   Height: 165 cm Measurements: 84 – 57 – 81   Ayame is an old classmate of Harunobu. Unable to cope with the trauma of her parent’s divorce and remarriages, Ayame dropped out of school to find refuge with a violent street gang. She had always been envious of the familial harmony Harunobu enjoyed, and became sadden by the tragedy they suffered.
	Iwahara Junta   Height: 180 cm   Leader of the street gang Ayame joined. A violently savage man with little respect for women and even less regard for anyone opposing his wishes. Junta maintains several Yakuza contacts, trafficking narcotics and illegal merchandise for the criminal syndicate. Though lacking redeemable humane traits, he is proficient at immoral profiteering and gang warfare.
	Inose Takahisa   Height: 184 cm   Junta’s scheming second in command. Takahisa dreams of overthrowing his superior and taking direct control of the gang, but lacks the bravery and charisma to successfully achieve it. He secretly lusts after Ayame, but cannot act upon these feels so long as Junta favors her. Frustrated by these denials, Takahisa merely sulks in the shadows waiting for his opportunity.

 

 
— Scored Summary —

 
Scenario: 3 out of 10. An uncreative effort that enjoys the presence of interesting characters, but fails to delivery anything noteworthy. Satanic forces transform an office tower into a male dominated rape arena, the hero doesn’t exhibit any signs of insanity, and he eventually becomes a hero to three innocent women. An obnoxious total of bad ends and two formal credit endings: one for the light and another for darkness. Both are rather unfulfilling as conclusions.

 
Visual: 10 out of 20. Solid character designs. Backgrounds are dull and boring, but owing to the mute color selection than lack of artistic talent. Hundreds of CG illustrations, the majority well done, yet only a tenth are different images. The majority are slight alterations of each other. Menu and interface graphics meet basic expectations.

 
Audio: 14 out of 20. Some of the soundtrack is epic material. The remainder is… the exact opposite of epic. Voice work generally adequate in most respects, with certain characters better acted than others. I pray serves as a great vocal opening.

 
Erotica: 27 out of 50. Being nothing more than a glorified sexfest means lots and lots of the plus eighteen material. Over eighty events to unlock, but scene repetition and artwork recycling ruins everything. Numerically the bear minimum criteria is achieved, but competing sexfest do a much better job at the offerings: imaginatively and in quality.

 
Mechanics: 0 point neutrality. The typical “choose your response” menu system that most eroge share.

 
Final Score: 54 out of 100. Gokuin no Sentou is a massive disappointment, whether or not held to the standards of Black Cyc‘s more glorious time. Relatively speaking: one of the worst titles produced by the studio. Had it been packaged for 5800 yen or less, maybe a measure of mercy could be applied, but in no shape or form is this title worth 9800 yen. Not recommended. Simply out of the fucking question.

1. Baldo Says:
   June 8th, 2011 at 1:05 pm

   I’m partial to Kansen-like sexfests, it’s likely I will get this game if Black Cyc puts it on DLsite for 5800 yen…