rayvis – Otome Reviews

Disclaimer: I will tolerate a lot of mediocre writing in the name of Rayvis, my #1 MidCin bae. That said, here’s an attempt at an objective review!

Version 1: Celebrate with Rayvis

In this version of Rayvis’ birthday, the story begins with MC observing Rayvis as he talks with the night watch. Giles is a total sweetheart and has arranged for MC to get two days off in a row so that the lovebirds can celebrate together properly. Aww. On the day of his birthday, the two of them are appropriately cute: MC feeds Rayvis, and he kisses sauce off her mouth. MC then unsubtly leads Rayvis to a surprise party that she arranged, featuring his night watch buddies! She also gets him a cravat pin, which tbh I thought was hilarious. Pleased with his surprise, the following day, Rayvis arranges a surprise of his own for MC: he gives MC a pretty dress and whisks her away to enjoy the garden in one of the Harneit residences. It becomes patently clear that this is obviously just a ploy to get into MC’s ~~pants~~ petticoats (“It’s my birthday, and that’s why I’m doing what I want to… I’m going to spoil you tonight. Think you’re ready for that?”). But then again, it’s Rayvis, so I’m sure the MC doesn’t mind. 😉

Overall, I thought this version of Rayvis’ event was…pleasant. Kind of like a bowl of oatmeal on a cold Sunday morning: nice, but not super memorable! (Also, poorly written)

Personal enjoyment: 5/10

Version 2: Celebrate with Everyone

In the AU version of events, Rayvis is visiting Wysteria on his birthday. Sadly, he’s not there to see MC; instead, he’s performing at a multi-country concert, alongside Louis, of all people. Why the man can’t do both, I’ll never know. In any case, on the day of his birthday, MC visits R’s room, where we learn that HE PLAYS THE FREAKING VIOLIN. You know, just in case the guy couldn’t get any more perfect. Anyways, he then teaches MC how to hold a violin in a very…tactile…manner (“Hold the bow with your right hand and then put your left hand like this”). Swoon. In any case, after the concert (during which Rayvis performs flawlessly, obviously), Rayvis is on a busy diplomatic schedule, but thanks to Robert and Nico’s intervention, Byron ends up giving him the evening off so that he can spend some quality time with MC! The story ends on a wholesome note with MC gifting him a music box, and him playing her a piece on his violin that he used to only perform in front of his parents.

So while the premise was cute, I had this same issue here that I had with version 1 of Rayvis’ birthday event. To be specific, the writing is atrocious at times (“I’m so surprised. Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” “This is a lovely song.” “I like it too.”). It’s unfortunate that the Premium routes feature Rayvis’ perspective, because his inner monologue sounds exactly like MC’s, i.e. happy and surprised by the other person’s actions. Ah, well. Can’t say no to a generous free event! The truth is, I enjoyed this version quite a bit more than the other one (#violinkink?), so if you somehow haven’t started the event yet, pick this version! 🙂

Personal enjoyment: 7/10. Violin.

“If you’re still feeling self-conscious around me, I guess I’ll have to make you feel so good that you’ll forget everything but me.”

MidCin describes Rayvis as a man who “does everything flawlessly.” And yanno what? The game would not be wrong.

Rayvis Harneit, bias wrecker extraordinaire, is the archduke of Stein, one of Wysteria’s neighboring countries. When our lovely MC (and newly minted princess of Wysteria) meets Rayvis, he’s a little cold, a little stern, but his caring nature immediately shines through. He and MC strike up a deal to help each other out: he’ll help MC forge an alliance with Stein, if MC helps him find Robert, a guy who works at the palace. But much as Rayvis tries to adopt a calculating and detached air, that’s just not who he is.

In fact, Rayvis comes across as really kindhearted. He’s constantly helping the MC out. In his spare time, he organizes a voluntary “night watch” guard to keep the district of Stein that he rules safe. And even his motives for wanting MC to tell him where Robert is are touching, and provide him (and Robert) with one hell of a backstory. And after he and MC admit their feelings for each other? Ohh boy. He’s funny. He’s teasing. He doesn’t hide his affection for MC at all. And, the game makes it clear that he is absolutely incredible in bed, to boot!

I could go on and on about Rayvis’ personality. It’s just so damn attractive. I adore his quiet, unflappable nature and intellectual interests (chess). Cybird really created one hell of a character with this one.

And as for the plot? The pacing and romantic development was great, but tbh the problems that MC faces and the way they resolve all seem pretty unrealistic. In this route, Wysteria and Stein are both facing issues from a power-hungry third country, and the way MC and Rayvis choose to deal with this (tl;dr three-way alliance) is…idealistic and naive, to say the least. Also, at the end of the Honey route, Rayvis ends up co-ruling Wysteria alongside MC while long distance managing his district in Stein as well. In a world without email/instant communication, I just can’t see that setup working well at all, in the long term (actually, I can’t see how that’d work out even with electronic amenities…).

But flaws in plot aside, I just can’t get over how freaking amazing Rayvis is. Rayvis truly is Baevis. 😉

Choice quotes:

“You’re dreadful at trying to convince me to stay.”

“Sometimes you seem so innocent and naive, and then with a few casual words you’re able to lay my heart bare.”

Personality: 10/10. Rayvis does everything flawlessly.

Appearance: 9/10. His default expressions are maddeningly attractive, but his CG’s are a little wonky, to be honest!

MC: 5/10. There wasn’t anything especially wrong with MC. She just wasn’t very interesting – the perfect blank slate, I guess? I prefer MC’s with a little more personality, though.

Plot/Payoff: 6/10. I loved the romantic buildup and the backstory, but the latter part of Rayvis’ route was a little weak, plot wise.

Personal enjoyment: 6.5/10. I value a good plot in these otome games a lot more than I thought I would, to be honest. But Rayvis’ sheer amazingness brings up the score!

Masterlist

Tag: rayvis

Midnight Cinderella: Rayvis’ Birthday Event Review [SPOILERS]

Midnight Cinderella: Rayvis Honey Route Review [SPOILERS]