Having now played
Nier Automata and gone on a Drakengard deep dive, it's not a stretch to draw comparisons between Nier/ Drakengard and Rance, as well as the peculiarities of Taro Yoko and TADA. Something about cruel gods. Although, points to Taro, Drakengard's lore has a rambly, chaotic and weird quality that feels almost mythological or biblical. But, points to TADA, he kept AliceSoft small and indie so that Rance is Drakengard but uncensored.
Also I just noticed that
TADA's bio on alicesoft's wiki has been completely rewritten. Wow.
Also played
Death Stranding so I can claim to have played a Kojima game now.