The Crown of Leaves
The Crown of Leaves is a hybrid of non-kinetic visual novel and point-n-click adventure, that will tell you a story about mysticism, riddles, constellations, anthro, beasts and ghosts! Three chapters are planned for release; The first chapter has already been released – and it's here. Roui, a resilient city dandy, a half-educated jeweler and the author of scientific magic articles, dealt with a colossal failure and had to return to his homeland: Latori. Science isn't a thing here, and local shoddy mystical beliefs are really irritating and dejecting to Roui. He dreams to return to his old life… But how can it be possible if you have no money? One day, a prosperous local baron commissioned him for a bracelet, a gift for his lovely bride. Roui, in need of the extra coin, graciously accepted the order… But not long afterward he faced a new problem – the Mad Rook, a legendary and mysterious spirit, began to meddle in the lives of the locals, including Roui's. This spirit, an entity that plays tricks on mortals once a year, is possessed with strange magic and a dark sense of humor. Despite all the strangeness of the story, everyone can find something parallel to their everyday life and see themselves in one of the characters. This story will capture you and won't let you go until the very end.
Game Discussion
Steam User 9
Beautiful and highly stylized game with in-depth lore...but I often found myself asking "What is happening?" and if you find yourself doing the same, rest assured you simply missed something which another play-through or choice or side quest should be able to answer. The replay value of this game is high and the payoff is worth the time you invest
Steam User 9
It is SO BEAUTIFULL,
Please, buy this game.
Support the devs, so they can continue the art of making this game and history
Steam User 6
Jeez, that was awesome. To be honest, I didn't expect very much from TCOL in the first place.
But the art style really spoke to me and common - what can go wrong at that price?
Well and then the game pulled me into it more and more. The story, the art style, the music, the characters. Everything fits so well! Especially the story was way more detailled and deeper than expected. You can really tell the amount of love that was spend on every detail, which is really refreshing in a world that gets spammed with AI slop more and more.
It really made me a bit sad when the story ended. Dear developers, I need the third chapter!
Absolute recommendation.
Steam User 5
A lovely visual novel full of admirable characters, and environments, along with the soundtrack! The world building encapsulated me. I Would definitely recommend this game if you're into tales of folk lore, and the adventure genre.
But be warned the most saddening part of this game is the lack of a 3rd chapter. Chapter 2 ends hinting towards a 3rd chapter, and the in the chapter select does have a third selection option locked. I would say there's much potential with how the 2nd chapter set up a good possibility for a 3rd chapter. Playing the first two chapters, and coming to the conclusion that a 3rd may never get published is unfortunate, and that's possibly the only negative I'd give to this product.
Steam User 2
Crown of Leaves has a great, dynamic story that is well-grounded and while fast-paced, felt seamless. I loved the game. The art is beautiful and the mechanics made for an easy narrative experience. If you enjoy narrative games, this is an excellent choice. Would recommend 100%. I hope the creators make more chapters.
Steam User 2
The Crown of Leaves is an ambitious visual novel and point-and-click adventure hybrid developed by the Russian indie studio Lingrimm, combining richly illustrated fantasy art, a deep narrative, and immersive world-building. Released on Steam in episodic format, the game stands out not only for its visual style, but also for the depth of its lore and the complexity of its characters. From the moment it begins, the game invites players into a world that feels both alien and familiar—a realm of ancient magic, mystical beasts, folklore, and interpersonal drama—all conveyed through painterly 2D visuals and expressive writing. It’s a tale where magic is real but rarely flashy, and where myth seeps into daily life in quiet, unsettling ways.
Set in the fictional land of Shang-La, the story follows Roui, a former jewel thief turned academic, who returns to his hometown with the hope of starting over. After an unsuccessful attempt to start a new life as a craftsman and writer, he finds himself embroiled in a supernatural mystery involving local folklore, a cursed crown, and the enigmatic entity known as the Rukh. The game's story quickly reveals itself to be far more than a simple fantasy mystery—Roui's journey is a personal one, filled with themes of redemption, guilt, social alienation, and the cost of digging into forbidden knowledge. The way the narrative gradually peels back its layers creates a palpable sense of suspense and emotional weight that deepens as the story unfolds.
What elevates The Crown of Leaves is its commitment to immersive world-building. Shang-La is a world rich with cultural texture—customs, languages, social hierarchies, and species. The setting is not your typical elves-and-orcs fantasy; it’s a unique blend of Slavic folklore, steampunk, and psychological horror. You don’t just observe the world—you read its books, decode its alphabets, interact with its superstitions, and navigate its complex social dynamics. Even seemingly small details—like clothing styles or background architecture—reflect broader lore. The narrative is packed with world-specific terminology, but the developers thoughtfully provide a glossary that players can consult to deepen their understanding. This results in a game that rewards attentive reading and immersion rather than hand-holding or instant gratification.
Gameplay in The Crown of Leaves mixes traditional point-and-click exploration with dialogue trees, environmental puzzles, and journal-based deduction mechanics. Much of the gameplay is narrative-driven, meaning choices matter—at least in terms of character relationships and information gathering. Players collect clues, solve puzzles using logic and observation, and interact with a wide cast of characters, each with their own agendas and personality quirks. While the game does not offer frequent action or fast-paced sequences, it keeps the player engaged through atmospheric tension and evolving narrative complexity. Some of the puzzles can be obscure, occasionally relying too heavily on knowing the game’s internal lore or spotting small visual cues, but for the most part, they fit organically into the setting and story.
The art direction is perhaps the game’s most immediately striking quality. Every frame looks hand-painted, with bold color palettes, expressive character designs, and layered, detail-rich backgrounds. The aesthetic is cohesive and original—an artistic identity that feels distinctly its own, rather than borrowing from genre conventions. Characters are anthropomorphic, but the game avoids common fantasy or furry tropes; instead, it uses its character designs to reflect cultural identities and emotional states. The animation is limited but well-utilized—subtle expressions and gestures give dialogue scenes a sense of intimacy and presence. It's clear that a great deal of care went into crafting each visual element to reinforce mood and narrative tone.
Sound design and music also play a significant role in shaping the atmosphere. The soundtrack, composed by multi-genre artist Anna “Roya” Plavinskaya, is ethereal, haunting, and deeply fitting for the game’s otherworldly tone. It blends ambient textures with folk-inspired melodies that enhance both the mystical and melancholic aspects of the story. Voice acting is minimal, used more for stylistic effect than full performances, but the written dialogue is strong enough to carry emotional weight. Characters speak in distinct voices, with believable emotional arcs, and the writing leans into nuance rather than melodrama.
One of the most notable aspects of the game is its emotional depth. Roui is not a typical fantasy hero—he’s vulnerable, flawed, and introspective. His relationships are complicated, particularly with his former lover, his estranged family, and the people who doubt his sincerity. The game tackles themes of identity, mental health, belief, and social prejudice with surprising sensitivity. Rather than relying on overused fantasy tropes or action-heavy conflict, the story focuses on inner battles—struggles with fear, regret, and the search for purpose. This emotional authenticity is what makes the game’s quieter moments land with more impact than any chase scene or battle could.
However, the game is not without its drawbacks. The pacing can be uneven, especially early in the first episode, where exposition is heavy and the game demands patience from the player. Some of the puzzle mechanics might feel vague without careful note-taking or revisiting prior dialogue. Additionally, since the game is episodic, players who finish the first episode may feel frustrated by the wait for the full story to unfold. At times, the game’s ambition outpaces its technical execution—some interface elements are clunky, and occasional bugs or translation oddities can pull players out of the immersion. Still, these are relatively minor issues in the context of what the game achieves artistically and narratively.
In conclusion, The Crown of Leaves is a rare kind of indie visual novel—one that combines thoughtful storytelling, a distinct visual identity, and immersive lore to create a world that feels genuinely alive. It is a slow-burn mystery that rewards patience, curiosity, and emotional engagement. Though it may not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for fast-paced gameplay or straightforward narratives, for fans of atmospheric, story-rich experiences with a deep cultural backdrop, this game is a gem worth discovering. It’s a testament to how interactive fiction, when crafted with care and vision, can transport players to worlds far beyond the conventional fantasy map.
Rating: 9/10
Steam User 1
This game is good, really good. And you SHOULD play it!
Here's why though:
The art in this game is absolutely stunning! Character designs, backgrounds, animations are all well made and just a delight to look at. The characters themselves are well-written too. Each character’s personality is unique and complex, exactly what you hope for in games of this type. They are memorable, distinct, and feel like they truly belong in this setting.
Which brings me to the best part of the game, at least in my opinion - setting and worldbuilding! I’ve always gravitated towards themes of mysticism and folklore, and this game captures them oh so perfectly. All those little details, like local customs, jargon, superstitions, and mythical creatures give off a certain charm and appeal to it, painting a picture of this marvelous and interesting to explore world. All of which is accompanied with fitting music, which adds on further to the experience.
The story is pretty solid as well. There’s always a bit of mystery about what’s going on, keeping you engaged and trying to piece things together as the plot unfolds.
Of course, I wouldn’t say this game is for everyone. Some aspects of pacing and story might feel a bit confusing for some. However, even if you’re not the biggest fan of point and click adventures, this game is definitely worth your time and money. I’m sure that everyone can find something interesting here.
So yeah, go play it now and support the devs. You’re going to have a great time. Can’t wait for the third chapter!