Dragonsphere

I am no adventure expert, but I played around 15 adventure games so far, mostly ones from 1990s and early 2000s, but I wasn't prepared for this one, even though I had the patience solved the infamous "sprite" puzzle without help. The first problem is that in this game around 10 object are simply collectibles and they weren't supposed to be used at all(which wasn't mentioned in game or manual). The other one is that you can go anywhere whenever you want. So at one point, before the main story twist, I ended up with over 20 objects and got stuck in 5 different places, with no hint what puzzle I should focus on to progress. Unfortunately I had to use a walkthrough and the puzzle I had to solve then was IMO illogical, you have to physically grab an item that you witness two times is not really a physical object. Also at least two times you have to use a special object when you have several of those "collectibles" which could have been used instead, misleading you. There are also some VERY challenging and tricky puzzles, where you really have to think outside the box and remember and carefully analyze what you read or have been told before. One other flaw is that often you have a choice to talk about different topics, but after you finish, you can't ask them about the other. You have to save the game before a conversation and reload and start over or else you may miss some important info. The story starts good and the twist in the middle caught me of guard, even though there were several hints before it happened. You learn about the backstory, characters, even the history and culture by examining various objects in the game. Unfortunately the reason why everything was happening ended up being completely unoriginal. The graphics are pretty good and various animations are very well made. The music in game was great, but voice acting was pretty bad. Overall a good game, but very challenging, if not unfair.

I'm a big fan of adventure games, I've been playing them since my dad got a copy of Zork for his Kaypro. I enjoyed playing this game, but there's not a whole lot to make it stand out from the alternatives other than price. There were several points at which you just try everything, since the logical next step is unclear. One or two happens in lots of adventure games, but this was worse than most, and lacked the quality of storytelling needed to make up for it (See Gabriel Knight for a story that makes up for a couple of Guide Dang its) If you're new to adventure games, may I recommend one of the Lucas Arts or Sierra games to try? Of the ones available on GoG, King's Quest 4/5/6 and Gabriel Knight would be my selection.

Charming adventure, solid story and good puzzles. Unlike a lot of older point and click games I don't believe you can lock yourself out of winning by missing an item etc which is a massive plus. Highly recommend.

ReportFraud.ftc.gov I have submitted a report to the Federal Trade Commission - detailing the fraudulent bait and switch sales tactics of Atari on the GOG storefront. This practice is considered unethical and is illegal in many jurisdictions due to its deceptive nature. This is concerning Atari and their developer, Digital Eclipse's year-long delayed release of the DLC for 'Atari 50'. Atari purposefully withheld this DLC - for a entire year - from the GOG storefront, under the pretence of 'technical difficulties'. Atari and Digital Eclipse did this, knowing GOG users / owners of the base game 'Atari 50', would double dip on Steam. Timeline of Atari 50 DLC GOG release: - Sept 25 - Digital Eclipse stated on their YouTube trailer video for DLC1 that “something went wrong” [with the GOG DLC failing to release, along with the main platforms] and that they were trying to “fix" it. - Oct 4 - Atari' stated response to a GOG customer, posted on the ‘Atari 50' forum, claimed their “team” were “actively working on the issue” and were trying to “resolve” it. - Nov 09 - Atari, on X - "We are currently working on bringing the DLC to GOG. If we are able to, it will be available early 2025" - Jan 23 - Digital Eclipse / Atari's 'cancellation' of the DLC on Discord - "The studio's proprietary development tools don't allow for this content to be efficiently re-platformed to the VCS and GOG platforms". - April - Atari’s email response: “... Unfortunately, we won’t be able to provide a Steam key, as your purchase was made through GOG…” The DLC has now appeared on the GOG store - completely unannounced - conveniently, in time for the Namco Legendary Pack. GOG users' purchases: 2x base games of 'Atari 50' + 4x DLC (Steam + GOG). ------------------------------ GOG user posts on the ‘Atari 50’ forums: Sept 27 - “Well, I got tired of waiting. So, I got a cheap key for Steam and got the DLC there.” Oct 01 - “following this post.. waiting for it as well.. that $4 key for steam is enticing” Oct - “Any news? Just bought Atari50 on Gog and didn't realize that it wasn't the full game but can't find where the DLCs are. Very tempted to attempt a gog refund.” Nov 5 - "Doesn’t look too good. On the Atari and Digital Eclipse websites it doesn’t mention Atari 50 available on GOG at all. I wonder if it’s some kind of business shenanigans going on." Nov 7: “Tomorrow is it. If they don't have the DLC Updates here, looks like I'm re-buying the game from Steam come next month” Nov 08 - “Looks like I'm uninstalling my Gog purchase of it and buying it from Steam instead” Nov 08 - “At this point, as soon as I see a copy that includes both DLC on either TPB or 1337x, I'm going to just obtain it there, and save money on the DLC guilt free.” Nov 09 - Atari, on X - "We are currently working on bringing the DLC to GOG. If we are able to, it will be available early 2025" Nov 09 - “How long ago did you buy it? I just sent a request to support to either explain why the DCL is not available yet and tell me when it will be or refund the game so I can go repurchase on Steam.” Nov 09 - “Still I'd say pirating is better then buying the game and dlcs on steam or another drmed storefront as if one does it'd kinda reward the bad behavior of the devs/publishers in general” Nov 20 - “I just uninstalled it and am getting the Steam version after I get paid next week. I'm aware I'll be paying full price, plus more for the DLC, but it's worth it” Jan 22 - "They said we'd get it early this year if they can. I'm not sure if that means if they can ever or if they can "early." Who knows?" Feb 17 - “I gave up and got a cheap Steam key. I'm done with GoG unless it's an old game Steam doesn't have.” Sept 08 - "I find it hilarious that the development tools SUDDENLY allow them to push out DLCs... I wonder how many months of complaints hit the Atari offices..." Sept 08 - "And to think I had bought it again on Steam just a month ago..."

Except the fairies. And if you've played it, you know what I mean. This is a fantastic game with a great story, fun characters and fun puzzles. Except the fairies. When you get there, just keep clicking until you get through. Honest to god.