this does NOT have the third movie very angry very upset this is STUPID but very fun. I enjoyed the building mechanics and mithril shenanigans, but still. IT'S A WEE BIT SCHEWPID
I enjoyed the Dark Alliance games (and Champions of Norath) when they first came out 20 years ago. They aren't particularly deep, and they almost necessitate save scumming for good gear in places, but they were certainly fun. However, selling this direct port for this price is criminal. GoG should be ashamed.
The humor and story are pretty well done. There are jokes galore and the story makes a certain kind of sense until the Big-lipped Alligator that is the final act. Unfortunately, like many of the games in this genre, the puzzles are ridiculously obtuse at times. A clever solution should leave you saying, "I should have thought of that!" when you finally get it (or look it up). Far too many puzzles had me saying, "I'm supposed to do what?!" It's worth a play if you like the story - though it goes on a little too long - but the puzzling aspect is entirely forgettable.
While the graphics are obviously dated, there's so much to love about this game. The puzzle solutions are never too obtuse, there are multiple paths to success for most challenges, the hint system is quite well designed, the story is original enough, and the point system keeps replays viable and interesting. There's no pixel hunting or mind-bending solutions to be found. You might learn a little chemistry, though! If you like point and click adventure games, you can't go wrong here.
While short, The Fall is beautifully executed. The dialogue and voice acting together with a bleak setting and scattered clues are perfectly balanced with just the right pacing of puzzles and challenge to tell a poignant story and explore the concepts loyalty, obedience, and self-determination. I can't wait for the next one!
