'Silver Palace,' another next-generation open-world RPG, has released a new PV ahead of its second test. While a trailer was already unveiled during the tester recruitment phase last June, that video focused more on signaling the upcoming second test by showcasing action from the perspective of the male detective, rather than revealing new information.

The latest PV, released as a follow-up to that teaser, highlights significant improvements made since the first test. The game's vision—aiming to balance open-world exploration, mystery adventure, and action RPG elements—is becoming increasingly concrete. We intend to analyze this 2-minute-and-50-second PV to infer what kind of experience the second test will offer.

From Interrogations to Autopsies: A More Robust Mystery Experience

The biggest differentiator between 'Silver Palace' and other open-world RPGs is its commitment to being a full-fledged mystery adventure where the protagonist is a detective. The main story of the previous CBT followed a detective who returned to Sylvania to investigate the death of a reporter who had been persistently tailing them. Players responded positively to the authentic mystery elements, such as finding clues, entering a 'mental world' to reconstruct crime scenes, and logically piecing together evidence.

In this upcoming test, the game seems set to deepen the immersion of its mystery adventure by shifting from a solo detective focus to a dynamic where various experts play their parts. We see Inspector Rex—who was notoriously rude and obstructive during the last CBT—appearing in a playable capacity, and another female character in uniform interrogating a suspicious man. Previously, the player was limited in where they could search for clues due to the wary atmosphere created by police other than Inspector Lore; now, it appears we will be able to delve much deeper into investigations.

Furthermore, the inclusion of 'autopsies'—a staple of the mystery genre—is notable. While the forensic specialist Perso appeared early on, the game previously focused only on combat. This PV shows them performing an autopsy with tools like forceps. While the game likely won't show autopsies in graphic detail, it is exciting to see it adopt these quintessential mystery elements. Beyond interrogations and autopsies, the game also details the process of sneaking around to photograph targets and gather clues, moving beyond simple summaries to show the actual investigative process. It will be interesting to see how far these details go in successfully realizing an immersive mystery story.

A Unique Worldview Reinterpreting Classical Beauty

Following its mystery adventure roots, another defining feature of 'Silver Palace' is its distinct Victorian-style world. The antique buildings and well-maintained roads possess an elegance reminiscent of cities on postcards that you impulsively buy while traveling in Europe. The natural integration of time and weather changes makes it feel as though you are truly walking through that vintage city.

The sight of Pegasus flying overhead, along with massive airships and creatures of similar scale, feels like something out of a fairy tale. Given that the game already draws heavily from fairy tales like 'Cinderella' and features fantastical enemies like werewolves and candle-men, these elements feel right at home.

While the visuals are the most striking difference, the game also differentiates itself through details in music and other elements. The BGM, which incorporates or arranges familiar classical pieces—such as Handel's 'Alla Hornpipe' from Water Music, Vivaldi's 'Summer' from The Four Seasons, and the third movement of Beethoven's 'Tempest' Sonata—was already highly polished during the first test.

This PV was equally effective in building anticipation. The opening, which transitions from a piano arrangement of 'Habanera' from Bizet's 'Carmen' to 'Vieni, o guerriero vindice' from Verdi's 'Aida,' perfectly balanced classical beauty with familiarity. The subsequent BGM maintained that classical mood while adjusting the tempo to match the tension of daily life and combat.

The streetscapes, architecture, story structure, and character designs all align with this atmosphere. The provocative poses and dance of the 'Red Rose' character, set to music from 'Carmen'—the quintessential femme fatale opera—felt like a metaphor for the secrets and dangers she hides. In fact, the Red Rose has consistently appeared to the detective to drop hints about danger while seemingly enjoying the chaos. Her enigmatic monologue following the dance, combined with glimpses of the detective's daily life and combat, further deepened the immersion.

Of course, this isn't 100% historically accurate. Beyond the flying Pegasus, character designs also take liberties; in that era, women showing bare legs was considered scandalous. While the protagonist and new characters generally have short skirts, the game uses stockings to cover their legs, a clear compromise.

Beyond character design, there are many elements that capture the classic feel of the modern Western world. Driving classic cars through the city, riding buses and other public transport that were just beginning to appear at the time, or raising quick cash at a pawn shop—these are all elements that offer a glimpse into the atmosphere of that period.

The inclusion of mini-games is also impressive, particularly the choice of 'Bridge' alongside standard chess. While overshadowed by poker and other games today, Bridge was a staple among the upper class from the 16th-century 'Whist' until World War II. It is an essential game for any work set in that era and a frequent fixture in mystery novels, including Agatha Christie's 'Cards on the Table.'

Though it has faded in popularity due to the four-player requirement and is now mostly known as a game recommended by Bill Gates or Warren Buffett, it remains a classic. While the video doesn't explicitly name it 'Bridge,' the rules—four players divided into two teams, scoring based on the highest card played in a set suit, and the 'dummy' player—were all visible in those brief moments. If this game is truly playable in the next test, it will be a great opportunity to savor that classic flavor.

'Silver Palace': Adding Immersion with More Dynamic Direction and Perspectives'

While 'Silver Palace' has primarily garnered attention for its mystery elements and unique Victorian worldview, long-term success for a live-service open-world game ultimately depends on the impact of its combat and story direction. This PV delivers on that front as well, showcasing the parrying and skill combos seen in the first test.

The ultimate skill cutscenes are particularly notable, featuring flashier effects and more complex sequences. Previous trailers were more restrained, focusing effects only on the moment of impact. While that can be an aesthetic choice, the first trailer suffered from frame drops, suggesting optimization issues. The fact that some characters who disappeared after the first trailer have returned, alongside both restrained and flashy ultimate skills, suggests that optimization has likely improved significantly.

One might worry that the direction could be buried under flashy effects, but that concern seems unfounded. Just as the skill animations aren't cluttered with excessive effects, the story direction relies on character placement, composition, and camera angles to build immersion rather than relying solely on visual flair.

The use of first-person perspectives is particularly effective. The showcase video depicts the protagonist siblings facing various hardships, using first-person shots to heighten the tension. Examples include the brother aiming a revolver through a door crack to help his sister, the sister struggling in mid-air to save her falling brother, and being ambushed and dragged away by organization members in a back alley.

Beyond first-person scenes, the dramatic staging of various hardships—such as a companion being kidnapped or having to break a window to escape when force cannot be used—adds to the immersion. In most subculture open-world games, the protagonist is an overpowered figure; the fact that this 'detective' faces such vulnerable situations suggests a narrative that differs from the typical 'clash of titans' seen in other open-world titles.

Furthermore, while the detective siblings previously appeared separately, this PV shows them together, signaling an intent to finally deliver the core story of 'Silver Palace' to users. In games where you choose one gender, seeing the sibling dynamic naturally raises questions about what they have been through, why one is playable and the other a NPC, and what will happen to them next. The game is now ready to answer those questions.

'Silver Palace,' which captivated many with its surprise reveal last year, is once again drawing attention with a trailer that leaves us with much to ponder ahead of its second test. As the seeds of a next-generation open world are already visible, I look forward to seeing how these elements have been refined in the upcoming test.