Childhood can be murder: "Rule of Rose" for the Playstion 2

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I remember growing up, and how mean other kids can be. But the kids in the new Playstation 2 game Rule of Rose kick things up a notch. In 1930s London, young orphan Jennifer stumbles into the midst of the "The Red Crayon Aristocrats"; a group of evil children who force her to join there society. Along the way she rescues a dog named "Brown", who helps her sniff out items needed for the children's macabre scavenger hunts. To save her own life, Jennifer is compelled to play along. As a fan of both the Resident Evil and Silent Hill series; I was drawn to the box in the store. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 5th installment of both Resident Evil and Silent Hill, and figured Rule of Rose would help me pass the time. The first thing I noticed were the mushy, unresponsive controls. Jennifer hits, well like a girl, and not a tough girl either. A lot of people have been complaining online about the controls. I would like to point out in ROR, and Jennifer's defense; that your character in this game is not a secret agent, super hero, or magical creature. She's just a 19 year old girl from the 1930s, with a very weak right cross. I don't know whether Punchline, the game's developer, had that in mind; or whether the controls are simply crappy. I have to say I have enjoyed playing this game, but then I love survival horror games. This game is not scary, so much as creepy. There is something unsettling about children doing adults things. This game has caused quite a lot of controversy, and I can see why. There are lots of violent acts depicted, and hints of lesbianism and sadomasocism. Rule of Rose earns her M rating for sure. I don't agree with the Italian, Australian, and UK governments banning the game though. And I am relieved that Atlus, the game's US publisher, decided to go ahead and release it; despite the bad press from politicians that clearly did not bother to play the game before banning it. I can only recommend this game for hardcore survival horror fans. Otherwise save your money, and replay one of your old games. If however, you are into oddball games, don't mind the frustrating fighting controls, the often tedious fetch puzzles, and the twisted, edgy themes-- knock yourself out.