Blackwell Epiphany

Dave Gilbert's 'Blackwell' games are some of my favourite of all time. While the fourth game, 'Blackwell Deception' left us with a cliffhanger, 'Blackwell Epiphany' -- the fifth and final game of the series -- delivers a strong, fitting conclusion to a fascinating and intriguing story arc. As with previous 'Blackwell' games, the writing is solid, the jazzy soundtrack is atmospheric and melancholic, the voice acting is top-notch, and the puzzles are fun and not too difficult. What particularly stands out compared to its peers is the beautiful graphics. Ben Chandler's pixel artwork is nostalgic, but also evokes modernity with his excellent use of lighting and shading. His version of New York City is perhaps the most beautiful of all 'Blackwell' games. 'Blackwell Epiphany' ties up most, if not all, loose ends from the previous 'Blackwell' game. It concludes the series in a satisfying way, though some will disagree with me. However, upon reflection, it'll be hard to argue that the story of Rosa and Joey should end in any other way. 'Blackwell Epiphany' is a game that packages up the best of its predecessors and leaves us yearning for more, though we know it is time for the series to end.

The story draws you in from beginning to end. Gilbert throws a lot of human tragedy your way but manages to bring it all down to earth through the dry wit of the main characters. Also, he doesn't shy away from controversial subjects. It is all the does happen, has happend, but should have never happened kind of stuff. While the story sometimes goes in different directions, Gilbert always manages to pull it all back together and find a satisfying conslusion. I'd probably read it if it were a book. But then, it's not. It's a game and the gameplay is damn refreshing. It demands a certain level of attention and observation unlike many contemporary adventure games. No typical trial-and-error item combination riddles? In Epiphany, item combination isn't even possible in the inventory. Also there's no need for the use-all-items-on-all-hot-spots-approach. Just pay attention and use the tools you're given. Look at everything and read every line of text the game offers and think logically. There have been many "Aha!"-moments, where I just had to applaud the wit of the developer. And then, there is the atmosphere - the music and the graphics. It all fits, well composed, and ranges from beautiful to "gets the job done". I can recommend the whole series to anybody who isn't easily scared off by beautifully drawn 2D-Art, some thinking and an emotionally engaging story. And do yourself a favour and start with the first if you're new to the series. And give this one a try if you finished the first four. More of the same plus the conclusion of the story.

Blackwell Epiphany is the final game in the Blackwell series of games, and it effectively realizes the entire series' full potential. It takes everything introduced in the previous four and makes it the biggest and best of the bunch. It ends on a bittersweet note, though it gives everything proper closure. The Blackwell series has never been about the gameplay or the puzzles. At its core, it's truly been about the characters. Rosa Blackwell, Joey Mallone, and the rest felt real and believable. The dialogue reflected this wonderfully, and it was their personalities intertwined with the narrative that made the games a true delight. Though, I personally can't shake the feeling that there could have been more done with these characters, perhaps more focus on their behavior outside of matters concerning the plot. But, with what it is, it's executed masterfully. The Blackwell series had me entirely engrossed in each and every installment with its genuine characters, interesting narrative, and shining quality and passion. It stands out as a definitive example of a modern point-and-click series definitely done right.

After playing Epiphany (and all of its predecessors before) I had to tell me this again and again. It's only a game and the characters are not real. The reason I had to do this was because the writing in the series is so spot on that it's easy to forget this fact. I really started feeling with the characters and loving the dialogues as much as I loved the story which was getting bigger and bigger. In the end everything fit together and I doubt that there was ever a better adventure series - at least I haven't played one better than this. The gameplay is a bit different from usual adventures. You don't have to combine that much items but you still will have to think logical to solve some of the puzzles. Most of the time you will have to combine and search for clues like a real detective. The puzzles are never unlocical and it's possible to solve them without a walkthrough (even though I used one a few times because I was too curious how the story will go on). The VO imo is absoluteley gorgeous - same goes for the soundtrack and the graphics (still low res but it was meant to be this way). This is the end of the Blackwell series and what an end this is. You think you know how this could end? Think again! But then again the end is absoluteley fitting to this series. But I have to admit I really cried a lot over this because at this moment I almost have forgotten that it's just a game and this is the greatest compliment a game can get. Buy this and buy all the predecessors as well if you are into adventure games and well written and likeable characters. Don't let the low res graphics distract you - these games (and especially this one) are pure gold. Thank you Dave Gilbert for this amazing ride and goodbye Joey and Rosa!

On par with the rest. Among the best point and click adventures out there.