Unavowed

I wasn't convinced by the trailers or the new art style...and yet, i thoroughly enjoyed Unavowed. The plot is very original and well written. The characters are all likeable and leave a lasting impression. This game will not be quickly forgotten like some others. If you like point'n'click games, this is probably the best one from the last decade, so go play it asap.

“Unavowed” is a modern urban fantasy game. By that I mean it’s set in our modern world, but magic, magical beings and supernatural forces exist in it. You play as a member of an order that takes care of supernatural crimes and protects people from supernatural monsters. The first thing that is nice about the game, and I think pretty unusual for an adventure game, is that it offers different character origins – you can either be a cop, an actor or an actor. Another good thing about the game is the story itself. Without spoiling too much I’ll say that it offers some nice choice and consequence that I also didn’t expect in an adventure game, as well as some interesting takes on classic fantasy tropes. There is also a couple of scenarios that I think make for a good food for thought. It’s worth noting that the game is fully voiceated and the voiceacting itself is by no means bad. I think it adds a lot of life and personality to the game’s cast of characters and is definitely an advantage it has over “silent” adventure games. So what about the negatives? There’s mainly one thing, in my opinion. As an adventure game, “Unavowed” is really easy, even for newcomers to the genre, like myself. I seldom felt real satisfaction after progressing, just because what to do was pretty obvious most of the time. As a result, I think the game might be too easy for people who are used to play adventure games. But I think even if you treat it as a RPG-lite kind of game, it’s still possibly worth checking out just for the story, the characters and the choices. If you’re interested in checking the game out, you can see my blind playthrough for a bit to check how it plays – or if you’re interested in someone tackling it for the first time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkuQ-rA4oEQ&list=PLp4TpsJ7HUWWbXQGxOA2-D3Wh75MMgxE1&ab_channel=LittleDwarf

If wished for an RPG (in sense of playing a role, traveling with interesting companions and experiencing a story) without fighting hundreds of orcs, which is also an Adventure game without obtuse puzzles, but focusing on, you know, having and adveture, the Unavowed is right for you. The presentation (music, VA, pixel graphics and very nicely done portraits), the light puzzle gameplay and the urban fantasy story are all very well done and made me interested in what else this studio has in store. I deduct one star for some of the graphics, which could do with little more polish (like when characters go far away from screen and dont scale well) and the game ending desicion could be better telegraphedSPOLER WARNING>

Unavowed balance itself nicely between crisp well written dialogue, gorgeous rich art, and a deeply respectful design. Respectful of what? Respectful of your time. Unavowed manages to hit a careful target of satisfying puzzles with just enough difficulty to provide satisfaction without hair pulling or internet lookups. Even better, the story is told in chapter-like segments so you never get overwhelmed with options, clues, and missed pixels. It also lacks the "walking back and forth slowly" of too many adventure games (double click on transitions). True, the game is a little "easy." This hardly bothered me. The charecterizations and dialogue mesh so well with the artwork that I just had a great time being there. If you like a well written vignettes, good pixel art, and/or easier adventure games you'll be well served here. Sure, there's more to it. A great premise, delicious murder-mystery setup, and magic. I'd love to spend more time in this world and see the characters again. I must have some more Wadjet games I've forgotten to play somewhere...

Point and click detective game, set in a Dresden files-like urban fantasy setting. Very light on puzzles, focused on dialog, pretty graphics, very good music, newbie friendly. The outcome is basically a Bioware or Shadowrun game without combat and walking back and forth. UNDECIDED - puzzles are too easy. This makes the game approachable/newbie friendly, but veterans will be disappointed - to hear party banter, you have to stay at the location, even if you are finished there - standard urban fantasy setting, no innovations. This makes it easily approachable, and everyone feels at home from the get go - companions are hit and miss. Some are fun to have around, but unfortunately there are some Bioware-style whiners PRO - pretty graphics - music is awesome - the NY scenes were crafted with love. I think the devs are either locals, or love the city - full voiceover, most are good. (there are a few bad ones) - asking companions to do something feels better than to have a detective special ability which is common in these games (ie. strength boost as cyborg) - companion interactions add a lot to this genre - can be played in short bursts. One case is usually half an hour. - most puzzles can be solved in multiple ways, take the companions you like the most - extras, like cops and locals are memorable. I have seen similar only in VtM: Bloodlines CONTRA - the plot doesn't hold any surprises - the antagonist and her actions are quite low key. Especially since she is a corrupter/knowledge demon - in a few (really, not many) cases the writing is lazy. Dialog options which would make the most sense, and which would make everyone survive are simply not there. For plot reasons :( - puzzles can only be solved in a pre-set order. Ie. you find a doll, but you cannot pick it up until a ghost doesn't tell you lost her doll - there is no pause/rewind option in cutscenes - it is very-very disheartening to find a journal detailing the big bad's plan