What an entertaining and absurd point-and-click adventure. This game will keep you smiling and giggling throughout. The dialogue is clever, and the chemistry between the main characters is spot-on. It reminded me of the old animated shows I used to watch on Cartoon Network—full of bizarre scenarios and exaggerated humour. Even though I’m not familiar with other Sam & Max media, the game still evoked a nostalgic feeling. Some puzzles were genuinely challenging, as is typical in the genre. The alligator and golf puzzle, for example, gave me a tough time, as did the final puzzle of the game. But the difficulty never detracted from the fun. If other Sam & Max games maintain this level of wackiness and sharp writing, I’ll be sure to play them eventually.
The Dig is, in my opinion, a high point for science fiction in the history of point-and-click games. Not that I’ve played many others, but I base this claim purely on the quality of this one. The grandeur of the story is matched by an incredible soundtrack and remarkable dialogue throughout. It draws you in and piques your curiosity, enveloping you in a shroud of mystery that makes you lose track of time and space. The puzzles only add to that mystery, but what I enjoyed about them is that even if you struggle for what feels like hours, once you understand the logic, the solution is within reach. It also helps that your options are limited, which sometimes forces you to think creatively. The art is decent, but the cutscenes elevate the visual experience. At times, it feels like watching a movie, which makes sense, given that the game was originally envisioned as a film. I highly recommend playing The Dig; it’s a captivating experience. While it can be frustrating at times, that frustration feels appropriate, given the scale and mystery of the story being told.
After watching all the films, it felt only fitting to explore the games featuring the legendary archaeologist. While the experience was enjoyable overall, some aspects, particularly the controls, felt awkward at times. Certain mechanics, especially those outside of the typical point-and-click format, weren’t clearly explained. I lost a fight simply because the combat system hadn’t been properly introduced. It’s a demanding game. A few tips before starting: draw, write down, or take a photo of anything that seems even remotely interesting, and above all, never leave an object behind. Seriously, don’t. Backtracking to find a missed item can be a chore, especially with how large some of the maps are. The art is solid, though the occasional 3D elements can feel a bit out of place. Still, they lend the world a distinctive charm. The dialogue is witty and often amusing, and Sophia is a fantastic companion—her banter with Indy is a highlight. At the time of writing this review, I’ve only completed one of the "three unique challenging paths", but I plan to return and explore the other two someday.
In the sequel to the first game, you now play as Zanthia, one of the Mystics of Kyrandia. Playing as an alchemist has its perks, introducing new gameplay elements while you attempt to save Kyrandia from disappearing. The new mechanic, potion-making, adds an enjoyable twist. Just like in the previous game, if you want to make things easier for yourself, it's wise to jot down recipes and puzzle solutions. The writing has become more humorous, adding significantly more character to the game. Zanthia is delightful to play—her remarks and lines consistently bring a smile to your face. The zany locations you visit are brimming with life, and there’s a clear leap in quality from the first game. The pixel art is fantastic, and every location you explore has a distinctive style that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. The difficulty has ramped up a bit compared to the first game, but thankfully, your inventory space has expanded, and the puzzles never feel punishing. Even when a solution takes time to uncover in classic point-and-click fashion, it doesn’t feel like wasted effort. Although there are moments, especially the final puzzle, when you may feel the urge to punch the screen, all you need is to breathe, relax, and let logic guide you. All in all, it’s a great sequel that stirs things up and refreshes the formula of the first game. The Hand of Fate offers an exciting story that draws you in and surprises you along the way.
In the first instalment of The Legend of Kyrandia, you play as Brandon, who sets out to save the kingdom from the evil jester Malcolm. It's a magical journey that puts your brain to the test in one of the genre-defining point-and-click adventures. I suggest keeping a pen and paper nearby, or having an exceptional visual memory, as many scenes appear quite similar, and mapping your progress will help immensely. Most of the puzzles are logical, but a few require trial and error, and taking notes on what you've already attempted can save you a lot of frustration. As you journey through Kyrandia, you unlock new powers to aid in defeating Malcolm by interacting with various objects. Watching your amulet absorb colours from these magical items is immensely satisfying and expands your gameplay options. Limited inventory space adds a layer of challenge, forcing you to choose carefully what to carry, as some objects become obsolete. There are also many ways to meet an untimely end, which is why I frequently save my game; better safe than starting over. The comedy is delightful, making the experience even more enjoyable, and the voice acting consistently impresses. You’ll come to care about what happens to Kyrandia and meet a cast of memorable characters. Darm and his dragon form a humorous duo that’s hard to leave behind once you’ve fulfilled Darm’s request. For an early ’90s game, the pixel art is impressive, though it’s clear some shortcuts were taken. Many areas, especially the forests, look very similar, and more than once, I felt as though I’d looped back to the starting point. Again, mapping your path proves extremely helpful. The music is whimsical and perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere. It never feels repetitive or grating. And the soundtrack is available to stream. I highly recommend this game to anyone taking their first steps into point-and-click adventures or those looking to revisit the classics and experience what laid the foundation for the genre.
