Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Masq delivers an innovative approach to interactive fiction by presenting its narrative entirely as a seamless comic book. Across five fluid episodes, the player’s choices determine whether the fashion empire rises or collapses amid love affairs, betrayals, and even murder. Rather than traditional fail states, the game adapts to your decisions, creating numerous branching paths and endings that encourage repeat playthroughs to uncover every twist.

The interface is refreshingly minimalist: static and lightly animated panels in black-and-white punctuated by occasional bursts of color, with dialogue options appearing at the bottom of the screen. Before you begin, Masq measures your reading speed to ensure text pacing matches your comfort level, and you can adjust this on the fly. The lack of timers means you’re free to savor dramatic reveals or hurriedly test new choices.

That said, Masq does introduce a resource-based mechanic in the form of “lives.” You start each campaign with 15 lives; entering episode five consumes one life, and running out of lives locks your account until the next refill. Early departures (for example, abrupt story endings in episodes one through four) don’t deduct lives, so experimenting with risky paths can be done without penalty. This system adds quiet tension to each decision—especially when your remaining lives dwindle.

Because Masq is web-based, it requires an active internet connection and registration. The game will occasionally push surveys and ads, and it collects usage data to inform future titles. You’ll even need to activate episode three by email, which can feel like a throwback to old-school serials. While some may find this intrusive, hardcore story junkies will appreciate the serialized drip feed of new episodes.

Graphics

True to its “interactive comic” moniker, Masq relies on stark black-and-white art that channels classic pulp fiction magazines. Heavy inks and bold linework accentuate the emotions of every scandalous rendezvous, heated confrontation, or surprise twist. Whenever color does appear—often as a single red gown, a splash of blood, or a glowing neon sign—it commands your attention and heightens dramatic beats.

Each panel is carefully composed to deliver maximum impact. Facial expressions are exaggerated just enough to feel cinematic, while subtle motion effects (a flicker of a flame, the twitch of an eye) give life to what would otherwise be static pages. Though there’s no voice acting or ambient soundtrack, the pacing of panels and occasional animated sequences provide a surprisingly immersive rhythm that keeps you hooked.

On the downside, players craving lush, full-motion graphics or 3D environments may feel shortchanged. Masq’s beauty lies in its restraint: by eschewing high-end visuals and sound design, it focuses your attention on storytelling and choice. For fans of noir comics, graphic novels, or minimalistic art, the aesthetic will feel fresh and evocative rather than under-produced.

Story

At the heart of Masq is a juicy soap-opera narrative dripping with fashion world glitz and pulp-fiction grit. You play a fashion-firm owner on the verge of launching a new collection—aptly named MASQ—while juggling a marriage to elementary school teacher Susan and a swirl of colorful associates. There’s Thelma (your industrious employee), Carlos (Thelma’s husband and your old friend in need of help), Peter (the avant-garde designer), Williams (the school superintendent with shady motives) and Rogers (the banker who holds your financial fate).

Tensions ratchet up when the sexy yet hauntingly familiar Nikki arrives at the office, reigniting old flames and igniting new rivalries. Do you secure a loan from the bank, accept Williams’s secretive offer, or perhaps manipulate both for maximum leverage? Each choice unravels different strands of love, betrayal, or outright violence, with dialogue and actions often leading to unexpected—and sometimes deadly—consequences.

Developer Noah Falstein (best known for his pioneering work at LucasArts) served as an advisor, and his influence shows in the game’s tight narrative pacing and playful subversion of genre tropes. Although you can complete all five episodes in about an hour, the branching structure means no two paths feel the same. Whether you’re navigating office affairs, thwarting murderous plots, or forging unlikely alliances, Masq’s episodic drama consistently delivers enough cliffhangers to keep you coming back.

Overall Experience

Masq stands out as a short but sweet experiment in combining comic-book art with choose-your-own-adventure mechanics. Its minimalist presentation and lack of sound may initially feel surprising, but the game quickly demonstrates that strong art direction and smart writing can more than carry the experience. The high replayability ensures that even a one-hour playtime yields multiple hours of divergent storylines.

Caveats include the online-only requirement, the somewhat restrictive life system, and intermittent ads and data-collection prompts. Mature players should also be aware of explicit content—strong language, nudity and violence are woven throughout, so it’s best suited for ages 17 and up. The need to register and activate certain episodes via email may feel cumbersome to casual gamers, but it does enhance the sense of unfolding serial drama.

For anyone intrigued by narrative experimentation, pulp-style visuals, or the indulgent melodrama of a soap-opera thriller, Masq offers a unique ride. Its episodic, choice-driven framework and artful black-and-white design make it a compelling pick for players who value story and character above all else. Strap in for scandal, fashion, and intrigue—in Masq, every decision can make or break your empire.