I'll be honest: I came for the nudity. I simply wanted a game where sex and nudity is part of the experience. And it started just like expected, a plain, uninspiring intro, a simple choice, a bit of revealing graphics. I was about to uninstall because I came for something else and the time needed to get there promised to be higher than I was willing to accept. However, things started to change soon. The characters transitioned from being awkward to likeable. The story.. the story! I don't know how to put this into words. This has to be the best writing I have ever seen in a game (sorry, TW3). It is absolutely top tier. This "game" can honestly compare to the big writers, authors like John Varley, Tad Williams. Character design is outstanding, better than in most books, better than in almost every movie I have seen. Yes, this is a game, this does allow for better character development by itself, I guess. But even there I have rarely, no, never seen it being used to this extend. The story is compelling, it's great fun, it's often funny, it sure has some twists, some even unexpected. It keeps you fully engaged. The choices are interesting and (seem to, I played it yet only once) give room for lots of different story arcs. Later on, the choices fall back on you. Maybe you wish you would have chosen differently in the past. Here is where the plain or even awkward intro was a great start after all, it did give you the feeling that this is just to "play around", and that is exactly the point! Do play around! Then experience where this will get you. Choices do matter! It's great! So, heed my advice: play this game light-hearted, do not attempt to find "the right path" - there is no right path! Your choices are the right path. This is another aspect I love about this game: there is no clear "right" or "wrong". It seems like all choices are equally valid, equally rewarding. This is outstanding game design! And do keep the minigames on, it's worth it.
If you read my other review on the second season you'll find in detail what I love about this game: it has the best writing I have seen in years, even in comparison to "proper" books, it is fun, it offers great game design, likeable and well developed characters, all that. Just one thing I have to add: it is one of the few games where there are almost no typos, almost no grammatical mistakes. I think I have noticed maybe one in both seasons! I know some people don't care about this, but I do. It is a joy to read the texts. They are not only free of errors, they are also very well written - better than many authors of books can manage.
Yes, I am disappointed. The art style of course is a choice the devs can make however they want, but I don't think it's been a good one. However, I would have accepted the clanky style when the rest of the game just "clicked" - but it didn't. I get it that times have changed. But this is simply too much. Guybrush was a hero. Yes, Elaine didn't need him - but he at least tried. This game doesn't even try. And we needed him. We needed a hero like Guybrush and this game does nothing but destroy his legacy. Sorry to say this, but everyone in this game is a loser except for Elaine - and somehow even she is, because she actually was stronger in the first two installments.
Yes, it's always the same: match 3 (or 4 or 5). It's dead simple, yet it's also somewhat challenging. Modifiers exist to add some depth (and put the blame for bad luck on you, as you picked either the wrong choice or strategy). Dialogues are well written and interesting. Also a few intermittent question sessions train your memory (or you cheat and write it down). The characters are quite likeable.
Try this game instead! It's the perfect game for a quick round of fun. Some levels can be solved in multiple ways, but most of the times only one solution works. The art direction and the execution is top, it's one of the most beautiful games I've ever played. And it's fun, which is the most important thing.
I have so far completed maybe 50% of the game. I have to admit, I bought it mainly because of the intriguing art style. And yes, it does live up to that. It's a great idea and it works. Furthermore, the game is fun. I really enjoy playing it. In the beginning you could play one scenario in maybe 20 minutes, now it's more like 40 minutes. That aside it's the perfect game for a short break. You can't save during a scenario, which makes things difficult if a phone call comes in. But it also makes you more committed and I feel that actually adds to the experience in this case. Also it offers only one save slot and it doesn't seem to save automatically. But these are just minor annoyances, that definitely don't outweigh the fun I have.
This game has one of the best level designs of all games I have played so far (user maps in UT2k4 aside). The story is great, too. It is a bit heavy on resources, though. Another plus: one of the few games that features a heroine and does so without any attire. It feels just natural. Last hint: there is a mod for better textures out there. Although it weighs down even more on the resources, try to find it.
