Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Project Fashion delivers a rich dual-structure gameplay experience by combining a narrative-driven adventure mode with an open-ended Free Mode. In Adventure Mode, you step into the shoes of Carol, a dedicated fashion student determined to uncover the mystery threatening her school’s grand year-end celebration. Your journey unfolds through classic point-and-click mechanics, where exploring richly detailed environments and gathering key items drives each investigation forward.

The heart of the adventure lies in its puzzle design and character interactions. Every object in your inventory can spark dialogue or reveal hidden clues, encouraging careful observation and creative thinking. Conversations with classmates and faculty members not only deepen the story but often unlock new areas or design challenges, making each play session feel rewarding and purposeful.

Adding an educational twist, weekly seminars and exams punctuate the investigation, testing your grasp of design fundamentals. From color theory quizzes to pattern drafting workshops, you must earn top grades to advance. Balancing detective work with academic obligations creates a dynamic pacing that keeps the gameplay loop fresh and engaging.

Switching to Free Mode transforms the experience into a sandbox of creative expression. Here, all seminars are immediately accessible, allowing you to dive straight into dressmaking, jewelry crafting, hairstyle design, and makeup artistry. The intuitive interface and robust toolset put complete control in your hands, perfect for players who want to experiment without the pressure of exams or narrative constraints.

Graphics

Visually, Project Fashion strikes a delightful balance between stylized charm and modern polish. Character models are expressive, with distinct silhouettes and fashionable outfits that reflect each NPC’s personality. Subtle animations—like the sway of a skirt or the adjust­ment of a hat—breathe life into everyday interactions on campus corridors and fashion ateliers.

The environments are a highlight, ranging from sunlit design studios strewn with mannequins and fabric samples to moody backstage areas lit by spotlights. Each location feels intentionally crafted, blending practical workspaces with cinematic flair. Texture work on fabrics and accessories stands out, allowing you to appreciate the intricate details when you zoom in to arrange buttons or pin pleats.

User interface elements are clean and intuitive, with tool palettes and color wheels designed for quick access. Creative tools in Free Mode feel responsive and precise, whether you’re sketching a dress silhouette or fine-tuning a model’s eye shadow. The game also scales well across different resolutions, maintaining crisp lines and vibrant hues even on larger displays.

Performance is consistently smooth, with minimal loading times between scenes and stable frame rates during more elaborate catwalk simulations. Occasional visual effects—such as spotlight glints on sequins or soft-focus backgrounds during cutscenes—add an extra layer of cinematic polish without detracting from gameplay clarity.

Story

At its core, Project Fashion weaves a compelling mystery around Carol’s final year at a prestigious design school. What begins as routine preparations for the end-of-year showcase quickly escalates into a series of unexplained mishaps—missing sketches, sabotaged dress forms, and cryptic notes. As Carol, you must sift through rumors and rivalries to uncover who—or what—is behind these strange events.

Character development is one of the game’s strengths. Carol’s peers each bring distinct motivations and backstories, from the overambitious class president to the reclusive tailoring prodigy. Dialogue choices give you the freedom to build rapport or rivalry, subtly influencing how some NPCs assist (or impede) your investigation. Moments of humor and heartfelt camaraderie punctuate the darker mystery beats, striking a balanced tone.

The pacing of the narrative is well-tuned, alternating between suspenseful exploration, hands-on design challenges, and reflective moments in Carol’s dorm room. Story-driven seminars—such as a surprise guest lecture by a famous designer—feel organic and help elaborate the school’s lore. The sense of urgency ramps up naturally as the finale approaches, making each discovery feel consequential.

While the central mystery is engaging, the game also excels at smaller, character-centric side stories. Optional mini-arcs—like helping a friend overcome stage fright before a runway debut—add emotional depth and encourage replaying key scenes with different choices. These subplots enrich the world and make Carol’s final year feel truly memorable.

Overall Experience

Project Fashion offers a uniquely satisfying blend of mystery-solving and creative design that will appeal to both adventure gamers and aspiring fashionistas. Its dual-mode structure ensures that you’re never stuck in one style of play: you can follow Carol’s detective journey or dive into unrestricted design sessions whenever inspiration strikes. This flexibility makes the game accessible to a wide range of players.

The educational elements—seminars, exams, and design workshops—add real depth without feeling like tedious busywork. They reinforce core gameplay mechanics and reward skill development, so passing a pattern drafting test really feels like an achievement. Free Mode then provides an open playground to apply those lessons, letting creativity flourish without the pressure of deadlines.

Replayability is high thanks to multiple dialogue paths, collectible fashion pieces, and endless design combinations. Players can revisit Adventure Mode to explore different investigation routes or focus on crafting a dream collection in Free Mode. The ability to save and share your custom designs further extends the game’s lifespan, fostering a community-driven creative spark.

Overall, Project Fashion stands out as a polished, heartfelt adventure that celebrates creativity and storytelling. Its engaging mechanics, stylish presentation, and well-paced narrative combine to deliver an experience that’s both fun and inspiring. Whether you’re solving campus mysteries or designing the next couture sensation, this game offers a runway-ready journey you won’t soon forget.

Retro Replay Score

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