But as someone with Windows 11, it simply did not install after the 95% mark, so I'm going to have to say I love the look of the mechanics, the art, and the enthusiasm everyone else has for this game. The soundtrack sounded great and there's a lot of other things that are probably going for it, but for me, this is 99 cents lost. Good luck to all who can play it!
This review is based on Curious Expedition 2 with the first two DLC packs available, and not having played Curious Expedition 1. A full run in the standard campaign mode consists of 12+ expeditions depending on how much your main protagonist gets killed, usually by overreach while attempting to take on a sidequest from a particular goal. The random events can be wildly different in their consequences, ranging from someone getting into a huff to eating another member of the party, and far, far stranger incidents which can be frustrating if you spent a lot of time training and building up a character, but which, in the process of exploration is just what happens and you need to take into consideration the possibility you'd lose your investment in a party member The overall art is wonderful for the theme and style of the game and the soundtrack is functional. There's only a certain number of types of missions/adventures that you'll get sent out on (How many golden pyramids and rare orchids do we need, for example) but hopefully the range will get expanded even more in the future. The procedurally generated islands can offer good replay value without being too irritating In my first run, I found myself pitted against Sacagawea, which was an odd scenario, but I was able to roll with it. The combat model seemed adequate with most instances being fights you picked rather than randomly getting caught by the villagers or wild animals in the zone. A little surprised I didn't run into more competing explorers on missions, but perhaps I need to play at some different settings. All in all, a playable game without being punishing unless you want it to be. However, having acquired this from GOG it's not integrated well with achievements or leader boards. The other big thing I frowned upon was the anticlimatic conclusion that ends with a final tally of your points but then you have to do a hard quit to start up a new campaign. You don't get multiple save game slots apparently
This is one of the all-time classics of turn-based strategy games, with enough rich voice acting and multiple ways to appraoch various scenarios to give you years of entertainment. Unfortunately, the GOG version will not work on a machine running Windows 11. Hard pass for now
The Flower Collectors seems poised to stand out as an interesting blend between Maus and Rear Window, where we are taken to a plaza in post-Franco Spain with an ex-cop in a wheelchair who finds himself trying to solve a murder mystery. For fans familiar with mysteries, the pool of suspects is pretty small and narrows itself down quickly enough that it doesn't become a whodunnit so much as a whydunnit. The graphics and art style are relatively simple but effective for the setting. The audio and voice acting isn't necessarily Oscar-worthy, but they serve the story well compared to many bigger budget games. The interface is simple and for the most part intuitive. It can be played on a speed run in about 3 to 4 hours, making it a good short adventure that doesn't overstay its welcome. You don't need to be fully versed in the intracices of 20th century Spanish history, the game catches you up quickly and smoothly on the necesary parts to enjoy the game. I played it twice, will probably give it a third play, and consider it a good value for its price for such an ambitious and overall well-delivered mystery. You don't see many people try to make games like this, especially set in this time period, so I hope it finds the necessary support so that others will try similar projects in the future.
