These days, the word "Retro" gets thrown a lot without purpose. True "retro" games are bit more rare. Odallus is retro in every sense. It has NES style graphics, even though it uses effects and scrolling that could be only be done on 16-bit systems. You can apply a CRT filter to simulate scanlines and rounded corners, and it looks really nice that way. The controls are fine and simple, and they do recall Rastan more than everything else, even though the pace is closer to other classic platformers like castlevania. Even though the game is level based, and not a true metroidvania, you character gains new abilities that unlock new paths when revisiting levels. The difficulty is spot on. Not as hard as the games as it tries to emulate, but challenging enough, even though some hardcore players may find it easy. The soundtrack is absolutely blissful. It sounds very sorrowful and complements very nicely the decayed atmosphere of the game levels.
Do you know anyone who says that point n'click adventures aren't what they were used to, and mourns daily the demise of Sierra and Lucasarts? Maybe that person is you. The Dream Machine is a game who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the classics of the golden days, and as far as i'm concerned is the best game of the point n'click revival of some years ago. One thing this game has better that the competition is the graphics. Seriously, look at them. They are made with clay and miniatures (you can sheck the process on the developers blog), and are amazing. As for the rest, the puzzles are very good, and the difficulty is spot on, although this is something that may vary between people. It's easier than most of the classics. The story is fantastic, but i wouldn't want to spoil anything, because there are so many great twists. Just play this game, it was made with obviously lots of love, and it really shows.
