Let's say it straight: point-and-click is not the most popular genre these days. I spent plenty of time searching for a game with a good, compelling story, dark art style and bleak atmosphere. I played Still Life, all parts of Black Mirror and even indies like Scratches, not to mention all previous parts of Dark Fall. I love all of them and I wouldn't mind playing a similar game again. But Ghost Vigil offers way much more! First of all, it departs from a classical "use object-on-object" style. An integral part of the game are devices such as cameras and EVP recorder you need to use to solve puzzles. Roaming around the house with a thermal camera in search of sources of unexplained heat or using night vision to look for instructions is a great example of modern solutions that fit perfectly to classical mechanics. However, the most important advantage of Ghost Vigil is an absolutely overwhelming ATMOSPHERE! Harwood House has everything that makes you thrilled every time you open previously locked door. A story of a building that witnessed so many tragedies is gripping on its own rights. However, every room is full of signs of the bleak past: old photos and posters, shattered furniture, blood stains etc. And don't forget about distressing phone calls, sounds and even time phenomena! The game certainly knows how to make you feel uncomfortable. Are there any downsides? Well, not for me. Many people complain about radio dialogues. Sure, it may be irritating at first but it's a part of a story. Moreover, radio chatters fill the first 30 mins of the game. Some may also be disappointed with riddles. Personally, I find them perfect: they are sometimes demanding but none of them makes you feel frustrated. (Well, maybe apart from one or two.) Overall, Ghost Vigil proves how to merge the best features of the traditional point-and-click games with interesting novelties. The result is more than good. I highly recommend the game to all fans of the genre.
