Shengshu Waidian: Platina Pian

Shengshu Waidian: Platina Pian Logo

Description

Shengshu Waidian: Platina Pian is a 2003 Chinese compilation release of the visual novel ‘Apocripha/0: Platina Disc’, including the fan disc ‘Happiness Cage’. Set in a conflict-riven underworld kingdom, the game follows twin princes Platina and Alex, born from the dying King of Hell’s eyes, who are forced into a lethal rivalry to claim the throne. Their struggle unfolds amid political machinations and supernatural threats, with narrative branches determining their fates. The title blends boy’s love elements with fantasy political drama.

Shengshu Waidian: Platina Pian: Review

A Forgotten Gem of Early 2000s Boys’ Love Storytelling

Introduction

In the shadow of blockbuster franchises like Final Fantasy X-2 and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, a lesser-known but narratively ambitious title quietly debuted in 2003: Shengshu Waidian: Platina Pian (圣书外典 普拉提纳篇). A Chinese-localized adaptation of the Japanese visual novel Apocripha/0: Platina Disk (including the fan disc Happiness Cage), this game blends gothic fantasy, political intrigue, and pioneering boys’ love (BL) themes. While overlooked in Western circles, it remains a cult classic for its rich storytelling and subversive approach to RPG conventions. This review examines how Platina Pian carved a niche in an era dominated by action-oriented titles and laid groundwork for narrative-driven games.

Development History & Context

Studio Vision & Industry Landscape

Developed by Stack Co., Ltd. and published in Japan in 2001, Apocripha/0 emerged during a surge in Japanese visual novels exploring mature themes. By 2003, SunTendy Interactive Multimedia Co., Ltd. localized it for Chinese audiences, leveraging rising PC gaming popularity in Asia. The game’s release coincided with Final Fantasy X-2 and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, yet it deliberately targeted a niche audience through its BL elements and tactical storytelling.

Technological Constraints

As a 3-CD Windows title using the SS-ADV3 engine, Platina Pian prioritized narrative over graphical fidelity. While 2003 saw advancements in 3D rendering (Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time), this game relied on 2D sprite art and text-heavy interfaces—common for visual novels but minimalist compared to contemporaries. Its multilinear story structure pushed the limits of early-2000s file storage, necessitating multiple discs for branching paths and voiced dialogue.

Cultural Crossroads

Platina Pian’s localization reflected China’s burgeoning game market, where consoles were banned but PC gaming thrived. By repackaging a Japanese BL title with Simplified Chinese text and voice acting, SunTendy tapped into underground fandoms while navigating censorship barriers—a precursor to today’s danmei (Chinese BL) media boom.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot & Characters

Set in the kingdom of Naraku (Hell), the story revolves around twin princes Platina and Alex, born from the dying King’s eyes. Forced into a brutal succession war, players choose a protagonist—Platina (voiced by Suzuki Chihiro), a silver-haired strategist, or Alex (voiced by Takagi Motoki), a golden-haired warrior—each offering distinct storylines.

  • Platina’s Route: Explores themes of intellectual isolation and moral ambiguity. Accompanied by his stoic guardian Sapphirus (Seki Tomokazu), Platina grapples with his “cursed” existence and manipulative courtiers.
  • Alex’s Route: Focuses on charismatic leadership and hidden vulnerabilities, with Alex aided by the rebellious Jade (Morikawa Toshiyuki).

The Happiness Cage fan disc expands lore through side stories, deepening relationships between knights like Carrol (Hoshi Souichirou) and Ruby (Ishikawa Hideo).

Themes & Subtext
  • Fate vs. Free Will: The twins’ conflict mirrors existential questions about destiny—are they pawns of their father’s design or architects of their futures?
  • Queer Allegory: BL undertones (e.g., Sapphirus/Platina’s protective bond) subtly challenge heteronormative RPG tropes, predating mainstream acceptance of LGBTQ+ narratives.
  • Political Machinations: The Abyss’ warring factions reflect real-world power struggles, with dialogue choices impacting alliances and endings.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Loop & Combat

Unlike traditional RPGs, Platina Pian uses a hybrid visual novel/tactical system:
– Text-Based Choices: Dialogue decisions alter relationship meters and unlock endings (e.g., romantic, tragic, or neutral).
– Symbolic Combat: Battles are resolved through narrative descriptions rather than direct control, emphasizing psychological tension over action.
– UI/UX: The minimalist interface prioritizes readability, with save slots crucial for navigating 20+ endings across both discs.

Innovations & Flaws
  • Branching Paths: Multiple protagonists and endings offered rare replayability for 2003, though inconsistent pacing sometimes undermined emotional payoff.
  • Localization Issues: SunTendy’s translation occasionally flattened nuanced Japanese dialogue, though voice acting (retained from the original) elevated key scenes.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Visual Aesthetic

Artist Yuuki Azusa merges gothic elegance with shōjo-influenced character designs. Platina’s silver-and-blue palette contrasts Alex’s warm golds, reinforcing their duality. Backgrounds depict Naraku as a decaying, Baroque-inspired realm—a fitting metaphor for the kingdom’s moral rot.

Soundscape
  • Soundtrack: Composer Peak A Soul+ blends haunting choral arrangements with melancholic piano leitmotifs. The OP Chikai no Esperos (performed by Kawai Eri) underscores the tragedy of the twins’ bond.
  • Voice Acting: Japanese seiyū deliver nuanced performances, with Suzuki Chihiro’s Platina balancing fragility and steeliness.

Reception & Legacy

Initial Impact

Platina Pian garnered little Western attention in 2003 but became a cult hit in Asian BL communities. Critics praised its narrative depth but critiqued its niche appeal and dated visuals. Commercial success was modest, with sales overshadowed by Saya no Uta and Disgaea.

Long-Term Influence
  • BL Genre Pioneer: It paved the way for localized BL titles like Hakuōki and Dramatical Murder.
  • Narrative Design: Its multilinear structure inspired later visual novels (Steins;Gate) and RPGs (Fire Emblem: Three Houses).
  • Cultural Bridge: Demonstrated China’s potential as a localization hub, presaging titles like Genshin Impact.

Conclusion

Shengshu Waidian: Platina Pian is a paradoxical masterpiece—technically restrained yet emotionally expansive. Its willingness to explore queer narratives and political intrigue in a gothic-fantasy framework remains bold even by modern standards. While its gameplay lacks the polish of 2003 giants like Knights of the Old Republic, its story of brotherhood, betrayal, and redemption resonates as a testament to visual novels’ power. For historians and BL enthusiasts alike, Platina Pian is an essential artifact of early-2000s gaming—a forgotten bridge between cultures and genres.

Final Verdict: A flawed but visionary title that deserves recognition for its narrative ambition and subversive heart. ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Scroll to Top