Ron Gilbert is old. Period. Both Return To Monkey Island and The Cave suffer from the complete absence of storyline, which is of paramount importance to adventure games. So, nice graphics and sound, a pinch of humour BUT NO real story, which means no character development, suprise, agony or anticipation -emotions that really talk to the heart of adventure gamers. Oh, and no conclusion, either! Shame.
Sunless sea is a hidden gem. Hidden in the sense of something marvelous waiting to be discovered by the patient and knowledgeable player. On first encounter it may seem bizarre or lacking in gameplay. ON THE ABSOLUTE CONTRARY, if you just let yourself follow the wonderfully woven scenario, you will soon find yourself amazed by the excellent narrative, the unique storytelling, the amazing soundtrack. the stunningly designed graphics and the surprising way things come about as you struggle to survive in the dark, horrifying but beautifully crafted world of the Unterzee. Indeed, your first captain WILL die -probably sooner than later. But it is exactly at that very moment, you get to realize exactly what the game is all about: becoming wiser, stronger, more decisive or even brutal enough to keep exploring, against all odds, with your officers and terrified sailors by your side or ...not! All in all, a masterpiece.
Human memory is not to be trusted. Having played every other game in the series many, many, many, (too many) years ago, this is not exactly what I had in mind. The game atmosphere, the humor, the dialogues, the scenes and even the game interface feels ...awkward -like the whole thing is trying too hard to convince, too hard to position itself in the series.
Very interesting game with nice features. But there are certain bugs that need to be fixed: - When you die and get relocated you find yourself surrounded by tens of enemies who hit you. There's no way you can win them and the more you die the more they become. - Enemies start charging at you as soon as you take a nap (pressing Z). And in fast forward speed, too! - While the scenery starts colorful and shiny it soon becomes darker and darker to the point certain elements cannot be easily seen. And it never gets back to normal, really. I am expecting a patch to be available soon.
