Trusty Bell - Chopin's Dream

Trusty Bell: Chopin's Dream, known in Western markets as Eternal Sonata, was released in 2007 as a role-playing game developed by tri-Crescendo. The concept explores the final hours of the life of Frédéric Chopin, who is imagined to be dreaming on his deathbed of a fantastical world reflecting his compositions and life experiences. The narrative structure is deeply intertwined with musical history, as the game presents a world where magic is fueled by music, and it incorporates performances of Chopin's actual piano works as central motifs.

The artistic direction of the project, including the supplemental materials and supplemental illustrations by Kuroi Mimei, aimed to evoke a whimsical, dreamlike aesthetic that contrasted with the melancholic reality of the protagonist's illness. This design choice was intended to mirror the light and shadow present in Romantic-era piano literature. Upon release, the title received praise for its unique concept and visual presentation, though it was noted by critics for its linear progression compared to other entries in the genre at the time.