Review
Everything changed the day after Tachikawa Kazuya died in an auto accident… or rather, he should have died. It was at the moment he was straddling between life and death, when Kazuya sealed a pact with a powerful demonic entity. He would be granted unimaginable strength, more than enough to cheat the Grim Reaper of its prize, with enough remaining to make his darkest fantazise come true. Yet the price would be “sharing” his mind and soul with the evil deal maker. Faced with the inevitable fate of oblivion, Kazuya accepted: and the Heavens lamented in sorrow.

Crusade is an adult oriented horror submission series published by Tacchi in late 2004. This article, for the sake of maintaining a respectable environment, will not display adult material.

Peerless voice acting, impressive cinematic illustrations, engaging heroines, and thorough exploration of the human psyche. So why isn’t Crusade on the top of every eroge review list? Because its from Tacchi, a master of sexual brutality and the utter humiliation of women. In the same vein as the Ogata Seishirou Saga (indeed, there are many hints that it takes place in the exact same setting), Crusade follows the tale of a man who attains the abilities of an ancient Demon Prince, and sets upon the path of sexual gratification and utterly breaking the souls of a series of women who will serve as the keys to even greater power and glory. Those who have reason to hate titles that follow this particularly dark genre will have even more examples to loath and resent it - but for indivduals who apprechiate the niche: well come back to Nirvana. There’s no such thing as compassion or leniency: just pure, unadulterated cruelty.

Veterans of the Mayonaka series will immediately note that the protagonist of Crusade does not face as deadly a roster of powerful women. Rest assured that they are no less defiant and resisting. Unlike Seishirou, who gathers individuals with spiritual gifts, Kazuya grants his acolytes with power; but only a fool would give a resistant individual deadly might. Thus only after he has completely broken their will to his, does a respective candidate receive their infernal gifts. With the sorcery and imagination that only a demon could provide, each prisoner is subjected to devious and morally devastating techniques that all but guarantee their eventual loyalty and damnation. Once again Tacchi proves they are the kings of creativity, never repeating the same situation twice, nor having anything grow tiresome. Kazuya can even be argued as more ruthless than his dark peer: where as Seishirou grants a small measure of mercy to those who become truly loyal, Kazuya enjoys surprising his subordinates with random acts of violence just because he can. So the question arises: is Crusade better than Mayonaka? Yes and no. Mayonaka is better because its longer; the story has more time to develop, and thus the characters become that much more impressive. However as a standalone title, Crusade holds a slight edge, for it combines all the successful elements of every studio title that proceeded it. Nonetheless, for gamers able to experience both series, the feeling that they’re somehow connected makes everything even more grand.

If there was a true negative to Crusade - aside from the moral implications - it would be the sheer lack of difficulty. Granted any title from the studio shares this trait, but I literally selected the first choice to every option offered to me and got the “true” harem ending. However, there is a hidden end that’s requires a bit of shrewed play to achieve, and for a Tacchi conclusion its rather unique. I won’t reveal the secret, but those who’ve enjoyed the company’s products will find it especially entertaining and refreshing.

Cast of Characters

Tachikawa Kazuya A highly respected instructor, Kazuya is one of the rare male lecturers in an all girls academy. While he has always maintained a professional relationship with his students, there has always been a twinge of unhappiness that he is surrounded by so many beautiful women. This state of affairs quickly changes following his terrible accident.	Cecil Adjani Cecil is a recent foreign exchange student from France. She is something of a perfectionist, and refuses to accept or give anything less than her best. Due to her childhood experience in a Catholic orphanage, Cecil is very knowledgeable in many religious affairs, and can perform the spiritual services of a fully ordained nun.
Asou Yumiko The daughter of strict Christian parents, Yumiko is presently a third year school student. While she presents herself as an uplifting and cheerful individual, deep in her heart, Yumiko resents her cloistered and oppressed upbringing. She’d like nothing more than to be rid of her current lifestyle.	Kamishou Nagi Boasting a perfect grade point average, outstanding athletic performance, and calm demeanor, Nagi is the perfect example of the model student. She is respected by her instructors and worshiped by her peers, with a bright and promising future that’s all but ensured to happen: and Nagi knows it.
Kawakita Misuzu With a brother serving a harsh prison sentence, and his father a failed pharmaceutical owner, Misuzu is a journalist who thinks Kazuya has something to hide. She is an aggressive and direct individual, who acts more masculine than anything else. Looking for a scoop, Mizusu stalks Kazuya.	Takayanagi Kuzuha Kuzuha is the youngest shrine maiden of a temple located within walking distance of the academy where Kazuya teaches. While she is not enrolled in the institution, her rather unusual nature causes him to have repeated encounters with her. In some ways, Kuzuha is unhappy with her duties.

Screenshots

Personal Rating
Story: There’s no real story per se. You basically just earn a girl’s trust, betray that trust, break her mind and body, then transform her into a ruthless murdering love slave. Fun if you’re into the morbid and dark stuff. 3 of 10

Characters: Get this: no loli cast member. That has got to be a first. That fact aside, the heroines are incredibly easy to like, and witnessing how far they’re betrayed is quite a ride. 7 of 10

Graphics: With an eye pleasing menu, and well drawn character models, this is the height of graphical achievement for the studio. The color selection is among the brightest they’ve ever used; a subliminal contrast to the dark events that transpire with it. 7 of 10

Sound: There’s no question that the soundtrack is barely passable; but its equally as obvious that no one can match Tacchi in having voice actors giving it their all in a performance. When they scream, its like the real thing. You definitely don’t want the sound system on for neighbors to hear, or they’ll call the cops on you. It’s that good (or terrible, if your against it). 9 of 10

Overall: Very Good. Quite frankly, there are few companies that can match Tacchi in this particular genre. You’re literally looking at one of the best available. Grab it if you’re into the niche, but avoid it like the plague if you’re not. 6.5 of 10

Special Ordering Information

狂性奴（クルセイド）
	Developer: Tacchi Media Format: 1 CD-ROM Price: 9240 yen Release Date: 12 November 2004 Stock Number: 4532316000406 Himeya Shop

Demo Media
狂性奴（クルセイド） Game Demo

Play Guide & Save Data (SPOILER WARNING)
狂性奴（クルセイド） Play Guide

狂性奴（クルセイド） Save Data