...but the weakest out of the old Infinity Engine bunch. Some tedious chapters and a different edition (3rd) from all the others but nevertheless quite worthwile to play. I can vividly remember how thrilled I was during my very first playthrough many years ago but consecutive playthroughs were not as thrilling compared to the rest (first instalment, Baldur's, Torment). Five star system does not give enough room to make that distinction though, ergo 5 stars.
...but becomes tedious after a while. Really enjoyed several hours into the game, some of the most memorable puzzles were the ones relating to nature and environment. After a while I simply lost interest. If you are looking for a superb puzzle game experience I would like to draw your attention to The Talos Principle.
Sadly, I thought this game would be more like how Lovecraft reads rather than how Arkham Horror board game plays. Thankfully it's short, otherwise I would have been tempted not to finish it. I was initially drawn in because of the art style, if you are a die hard fan of the setting then check it out. Otherwise, investigate before you commit.
It breaks my heart that this game does not enjoy the recognition it deserves, a lot of people are put of by the apparent lack of polish as was I on my first couple of unfinished playthroughs but thankfully deep down I knew it was going to be something quite special and I kept going back to it to experience it in full. Steampunk genre sadly does not have nearly enough representatives in video games and this one has to be one of the leading examples. Possibly the main thing that put me off was the apparent skew of power between magic and technology - I despised the fact that I might need to play as a magick user only to make the game not as torturous but it was never ment to be. I simply had to play as a technologist and I'm happy to report that the game makes you want to be more involved into becoming propper, it does not do it in an artificial way. It seems an easy path to simply choose healing spells, magick potions and magick items but in my estimation it's a lot more rewarding going the tech route; for every magickal conundrum there is a tech answer. So fret not my technologist comrades and be on your way to explore the depths of Arcanum!
Ever! It surpasses the original game in my estimation but alas, I cannot give it 6 stars. The story develops through the repeating perspectives of several characters trying to escape the base and you as a player are learning the layout and the different means of escape as well as different complementarities of the characters discovering who needs to go in what order and assist whom in what subtle ways. Incredibly well done and I would be hesitant to trust all the poor reviews as it seems to me not many of those have really delved deeper into the experience than a mere cursory glance.
...and then the real fun starts! I was amazed by the level desing, gameplay mechanics and enemies (especially mimics) that this game presents and just had incredible fun playing through the game. And then I started the Mooncrush DLC and I realised that just as I thought it can't get any better...it does.
Much like the predecessor, this instalment is equally as good at garnering incredible atmoshpere and tension and in one respect it even raises the stakes: the gas mask can become dirty from time to time from mud or gore and needs to be wiped down to clear vision and this addition makes me incredibly happy. It makes that extra step into making you feel like you are really there. If you appreciate immersive games, you mustn't ever disregard the Metro franchise.
This game goes a long way into making you feel like you are really there, with gas masks that can crack obscuring vision and needing to be replaced by other more pristine ones along the way, a flashlight that needs to be recharged sporadically or a lighter firing ablaze all the ancient cobwebs infesting all the corridors of the Metro. All the shortcoming can easily be forgiven as far as I'm concerned, drowned out by the incredibe atmosphere and tension cultivated by constantly worrying about ammo, air filters and ambushes.
The third and last instalment goes back to revisiting some cult locations of the first game and the signature klicking of the Geiger counter is your constant companion along the way. An incredibly 'alive' game and very worthwile to play, much for the same strenghts as the previous instalments.
...after the first instalment, and that is this games greatest asset. Far from being a bad game, it was in my estimation the weakest of the three. Still very worthwile to play.
