First things first, if you buy this, buy also the second one, as the story directly continues there from where this one left off. Puzzle agent has certain charm to it in many forms, from art to characters and from humor to sound design and like the name suggests, this game is focused around puzzles, some easy and some mind bending. Puzzles rarely require any real world knowledge and are self contained brain teasers. Player is given an option to be given hints, but they are not forced on you and in some cases even the hints may not save you from thinking. Mechanically this game works as a basic point-and-click adventure centered around a small town filled with quirky people. I had no problems with UI or controls while playing and never got stuck because of stupid game design. Story wise the game is a light crime mystery, with comedic turns and nothing too serious happening(on the surface at least). If you enjoy poin-and-click games or laid back brain teasers, I recommend you to at least test this game out, though if you want to see the ending to the story, you are going to need to buy the sequel.
I'll start by saying the game is nice, not the best nor is it that complex, but it is nice. Game looks good, the character art is nice, though seems to lack some expressions. Backgrounds are tame and do not pop out too much, working well with the music and the atmosphere of the game. I got through the first run in few hours and besides few points(such as having one shot of romancing someone being a time of crisis where you are given the choices; comfort her or kiss her, Or the fact that you cannot initiate any interaction with anyone, causing you to wait for events to trigger), I had good time. The fact that I didn't know what was coming helped a lot in making this game gain its charm, though the writing is very basic. There will be no surprises in the story and the impact you have on things is minimal, though you don't know it first time playing. Gameplay loop is simple and can turn bit monotone near the end and there are not that many characters to interact with during each run. However, after the first run, game doesn't offer anything new besides the random cast of characters you'll meet and their short stories, which you can solve, though the stories are so generic that if you guess one story is going one way, it most likely is. Your previous characters, who are now your parents, spout the same dad jokes and give you the same "missions" as their parents gave them and due to the peak complexity of this game, which is reached in early highschool, there will not be any new twists and turns to spice up the gameplay. Time doesn't move in this city, even after centuries, same people populate the same shops and same teachers(looking the same they did 30 years ago) yell at most of your characters to run more laps, which takes me out of the experience. If you enjoy short stories where you act as an advisor to your friends, this game might be for you, but if you are looking for something with real substance, there are better choices to spend your money on.
I'll start out by saying that this game wasn't for me, but it had good qualities I could appreciate. Coffee talk is competently made game, which is clean looking and sounding, having good well made graphics. Game's main mechanics rely on you mixing three types of ingredients to create drinks for each serving and the game does few nice twists on simple game mechanics, but you might easily miss them if you just follow the orders you receive. Characters were well written and consistent to their world views, it's just a shame that I didn't like most of the cast, as their attitudes, problems and stories didn't really get their hooks on me. I could also sense some self projecting from the developers, especially when talking about game developing, racial politics, relationships and story writers. Going in blind, I thought would have had more input on the story, like a line or two to choose or path to take, but alas, only thing you do is listen and make beverages. So if anyone is looking for a interactive story, this is not for you. Also, since the game talks big about racial profiling and other things like that, I find lack of dwarves somewhat disappointing, they are mentioned and I think there might be one in the opening, but no dwarf characters are represented. Coffee talk takes few hours to finish and I did so in one sitting. Don't regret playing, but won't be playing again. But if you want to listen to first world problems and complaints masked as fantastical races, while relaxing at a café or if you like modern brightly coloured hairs, I think you should give it a try. Or at least try out the demo.
Dropsy is a deceptively simple and charming game. The main story is short and mechanics are one of the simplest in point-and-click genre, but that is not a bad thing. Due to the simple mechanics it's easy to get into and allows the Dropsy to work using only symbols without any "real" text. Pixel art of this game is gorgeous, giving each character varied range of visible emotions and fitting the story of clown going around helping people theme. Colours are warm and aside from the mirror(and even that is on purpose), this game was never hard to look at, nor was there any problems of finding items, which is problem in many point-and-click games. There is no way to die in Dropsy, nor can you softlock the game by making poor decisions, every consumable item has single purpose(except the two coins) and game encourages you to take your time and search around for answers, as it also uses time mechanics. Every time you change screens, time passes. Some people and locations are only available at certain times. But what sets Dropsy apart from most other games of the genre is the almost open world gameplay it has. You can choose to help whoever you want, with only few "story quests" you need to do in order to finish the game. World is not that large, but at first it might feel bit slow to traverse around the island, but you'll get to see the sights and each location is memorable. You'll unlock fast travelling at one point, which takes a load off from your feet, so you can more efficiently just stroll around the not so friendly neighborhood. Music of the game is also great and compliments the visuals well. Each track feels just right and for those who were wondering: Yes, there is a fart button. Dropsy might seem like a happy kids game from the screenshots, but from the start there are dark undertones, grim events and cruelty waiting the player. Still, I recommend anyone who plays point-and-click games or just wants to have fun time to play this.
Some people may be put off by the fact that Outlaws is an old game, with old graphics and old control scheme, this is one of the finest shooters of late 90s. Controls are responsive and the little things that might irk you will grow on within few levels, though it did take me few runs through the keyboard just to find a way to use a crowbar. Shooting might require some getting used to if you haven't played these types of games, but the feeling of mastering how to fire each gun is satisfying. If you are familiar with the games of this age, you'll have no problem with Outlaws. Graphics are excellent and the level of detail is beyond what I was prepared for. The cut scenes are well made and enjoyable, but not too long. Story of Outlaws is as basic as almost any other wild west shooters story: Something happens to your family. Go deal with the bad guys by working up the chain of command. It doesn't take that long to play through it and whenever that is a good or bad is up to you. For me, it's a good thing, since the game doesn't stay out its welcome. But what crowns this game for me is the voice acting, sound design and atmosphere. Though the enemies repeat their lines quite often, all of the voice acting is well acted and fits each character well. Every weapon sounds as it should and there were many times that I was alerted by nearby enemy, because I heard heard a bullet hitting the wall near me. Background musics never feel out of place and even if the locations did seem bit "old school", the feeling each area gave me was that of a man seeking revenge, letting no-one stop him. Over all, I would recommend this game to anyone who wants to play a quality game from the 90s, especially if you like first person shooters or you just like wild west games.
Got in to this game expecting a Sierra title, but got a short and simple story that could be expanded later into something much greater. Order of the Thorne: the King's Challenge is a steady, but somewhat lacking experience, without most pitfalls or innovation from older point and click games. This is not a entirely bad thing, game is good looking and completely voice acted, with mostly good performances. Characters and locations are detailed as well as memorable and charming, but you don't get to spend much time with them. It took me less than three hours to complete this game without guides while getting all of the achievements and to me that seems bit too short. Puzzles are mostly well made and many require you to listen to the clues given, no moon logic needed, but some solutions you just need to stumble on to. I kept saving on multiple slots, just in case something went wrong and at one point I thought I had screwed up, but, to my knowledge, you cannot soft lock this game, which is fine to me as it gives freedom to experiment. However, this game barely punishes you for anything, at most a raptor chases you to next screen and this is something I do not like. Though I said I like experiment freely, if you just get rewarded for everything you do, with not risk of ever loosing, point and click game loses some of its charm on me. They are not necessary if the game is challenging or long, but OotT:tKC is neither. Overall, I do enjoy The King's Challenge and would love to see more of this series and I would recommend this for anyone with afternoon to spare, especially if you are interested in point and click games. I also think that younger kids might find this game a good introduction to genre.
Deponia is a great start to a great series with clever writing and good puzzles. Most of the problems can be solved with time or just using your head, no moon logic needed. I highly recommend avoiding the use of walk-through while playing this. Art of this game is gorgeous and the voice acting is good. each location is unique, but can clearly be seen as part of the same world. Most of the key items can be spotted easy enough, but might not be obvious before you know what you are looking for. Most of Deponia's comedy comes from slapstick comedy or insulting others and it works for most parts. Story is okay, but nothing special, but keeps the wheels turning and gives you some incentive to go on. Deponia is not a long game and doesn't stay out its welcome. Most of the characters are charming and memorable. But. Thing that breaks this near perfect experience for me is Rufus, the main character. Though he has his moments, Rufus is a jerk to say the least. Not lovable jerk, nor one with heart of gold or the type that would learn from his mistakes. To me he is one of the most unlikable characters I have had to take control of. I wouldn't need him to be good guy or a hero, but I would like if he had at least single redeemable quality. Though this did elevate the slapstick humor and had me waiting to see how Rufus would keep hurting himself. Over all, if you have any interest in point and click games, I think this is a game you should try out and see yourself if you enjoy travelling a man mooching off his (not that bad) ex-girlfriend and friends. If you like this game, the rest of the series will be right up your alley as well.
Dungeon Siege is a great classic hack'n'slash looter series starting from a good to mediocre first entry, ascending with its sequal to greatness and jumping off the formula on to a ditch of mediocrity with third one. These games are not played for the main story, it is there only to give you a reason to run through generic fantasy lands. Stories in these games are not bad, just bland and dry. In short, if you have ever read a fantasy novel, seen a fantasy movie/show or played a fantasy game, you know the story for every game in this trilogy. These games are about the gameplay, party management and decking out your posse. First two Dungeon Siege games let you have a rather large group of followers with you and each of them can be outfitted or repurposed to serve your whims. Don't like someone casting nature spells? Well give him a mace and call him a fighter. Don't have a healer in a party? Give your archer a crooked piece of wood and you'll have a mage. All three games look passable for their time and have not aged all that poorly, but if you are not into old style graphics, you have been warned. About each game: First game is mostly good, but can feel clunky and selling items takes time. With right formations and configurations, battles can be handled by not touching your mouse. Companions have basically no characteristics aside from what you give them, but you can/will get a pack mule to carry all of your excess loot. But beware, elevators, platforms and such will be a point of frustration, if you have more than three companions. Second game improves on almost every aspect and adds more flair to the character progression as well as the characters themselves, such as having conversations as you roam the lands. Third game drops the whole party mechanics as you may only have one companion, as well as the character creation from previous games. I also feel that it has lost its identity as a Dungeon Siege game, but as a simple hack'n'slash it is passable.
Coming from someone who did not play this as a kid, Rayman 2: The Great Escape gives me fixed feelings, but I can see why it is loved by those who played it as a child. At its best it is a great game with good design, atmosphere, art style and nice levels. When not at its best Rayman 2 can become a annoying battle with the controls and/or camera while you slog through bland levels and let out sighs of frustration. Though I do not know they pain of playing this with a keyboard, some parts of the controls have aged rather poorly. Rocket riding is frustrating and flying on it had me taking breaks to calm down. Plum surfing is something I do not enjoy, but I got used to. Swinging can cause you to fall immediately, if you start from the wrong spot. Quite often the camera position would work against you. Sliding sections are mostly painful, but often short. And then there are the button smashing minigames, which I see as the lowest point of this game and I cannot fathom how anyone could ever see that as a rewarding bonus for collecting everything within a level. But on the positive side, the base controls are solid. Ledge grabbing works well and feels good. Propeller hair helps out a lot and is used well in my opinion. Combat flows well with the rest of the platforming and doesn't take too much time. Game and its character's are charming and have a feel to it no other game series can give you. Writing is not funny per se, but it is entertaining and the cameo from Tonic trouble is a nice touch. For most parts the levels are well paced and designed, with just enough collectables to keep you looking around through out the rather linear levels. In my opinion this game is for those who have history with it, have good patience and like platformers or just want to peer into what late 90s kids had to go through. Otherwise, just go with the third one.
I have owned this game now for few years and completed the long game once, still I keep coming back, but I understand why others may not give it a second chance. KoDP is one of those games where you need to know how to play it, before you can really get into it. Many parts of it seem to be unfair or random, but once you get to understand how the system works, you'll be in for a long and enjoyable ride. But, even if you know what you are doing, your 5 hour play through can be stopped by a troll apocalypse lead by Cragspider. You will not be able to get through the game on your first few tries, but the stories you'll read on those trials, will hopefully make you understand this game better. Leading a clan or a tribe is not easy and you need to watch for who you have in the clan ring, for they dictate much of your success, but you also need to remember your promises to the other clans and keep the gods happy. This game wants you to read the stories of its gods and mythos, forcing player to play by its rules by smiting your tula with fury. I love the fact, that it allows me to do dumb decisions which will bite me later. Look and feel of the game are also large portion of its charm, giving it the fitting appearance and I wouldn't have it in any other way. Over all, I don't have long history with this game, but for years it has been my go to game whenever I want to have some steady, sometimes frustrating but enjoyable time.
