Recent reviews by Joelisamazing

If you're looking for some clarity after seeing the (Currently) mixed reviews, take a look here - I have ensured this is spoiler free. First let's be clear that this Sherlock Holmes game (Silver Earring) was made in 2004, with Frogware utilizing Bink to display its graphics. They are fairly good for the time they were made, though they were competing with some groundbreaking engines and bigger budget games around 2003-2005. It is best to keep that in mind if you are expecting cutting edge / big budget graphics.

Some older point 'n click games have the ability to highlight interactable objects within your view, this one does not. Like many older games, that makes it more challenging when it comes to finding (Commonly) small items hidden within a scene. Does that make the game bad? No. Ultimately, there are many modern guides and video walkthroughs which you can follow that can help you navigate a particularly challenging scene if you do not want to spend the time - but the game was not made at the time to handhold players. Part of the fun was figuring out the solutions, like many old Points 'n Clicks. The way this game is intended to be played is in a way that reinforces deductive reasoning and puzzle solving. It also encourages you to scan and interact with scenes for occasional semi-hidden objects that seem out of place in order to progress, and finishes each chapter by quizzing you on the connections you make in-game to help you solve the mystery! It is a narrative heavy game (Despite being well fully voice acted), reading and looking at the notes, documents, evidence, and photos you collect are quite important to progress solving the mystery and for end-of-chapter quizzes.

The game is fairly linear, and will kick you along once you've found out everything you can within an area usually. Navigating your character is not overly complicated, though a bit slow. You can double click to run in the majority of scenes, however. Exploring the borders and ANY walkable area within a scene will indicate whether there is an area you can access (Usually providing a foot-steps icon), and this should reduce any hiccups where there is something to interact with, but you just aren't at the right angle for it.

Overall I think of this game like an aged whiskey. It has a unique underlying flavor that is denoted by the style from which it was made during the year it was produced. It isn't for everyone, but it has a taste that will either be nostalgic or grow on you the more you consume it like many old Points & Clicks. The voice acting, cast of character, and the general intent behind the game to be a narrative-driven mystery point 'n click with puzzles are all done exceptionally. If you are bothered by some of the complexities of the game I mentioned above, it may just not be your style of point and click game - which is fine! That said, if you enjoy mysteries (Or old Sherlock-style experiences) and a little challenge doesn't deter you, I think you will enjoy this game.

You pathetic maggots are the worst potential lot of soldiers I have ever seen!

What are you doing reading this review? Are you looking for a pansy-bottomed way to excuse yourself from being whipped into shape?! Does the General and war scare you that much?! Are you shaking in that gaming chair with your silk underwear!? Get back into the action!

Scroll back up and finish what you started! Buy this game and join your allies in arms! Do it before I get real angry, Maggot!

I dig, I mine, I dig. Things attack me? I whack. I approve.

Narrator: "You'd think it would be cheaper to just build a bridge."

Game: Hold my wood planks.

8/10

Let me get started right away - this game is entertaining & suspenseful. It displays Communist oppression, and focuses on how a repressed individual forced to be a cog in a black and white machine fights back and escapes.

This is a puzzle game. Put bluntly, the odds you solve every puzzle perfectly on your first try are low. This means dying, but there are frequent checkpoints - so this is not an immediate concern. Dying can help you learn how to find a solution to the puzzle at hand, but it also lets the situation of what your character is doing sink in. You are fighting and escaping a dangerous machine, one that will kill you for speaking out, one that is fighting desperately to keep you from individual power. This is a powerful message, dying in this game felt emotionally different than dying in other games to me and was different in each situation my character was in.Timing and platforming can and do matter, the general flow and movement of the game is similar to Limbo if you have ever played it.

Would I recommend this game? Yes, it is well done. As of right now, it is $14.99. It is moderately short but a good quality for that price. If you think that is expensive given how short it is, it does ocassionally go on sale for around $5. It can be finished in one or two play sessions, the average game time is 3 to 5 hours.

"My child chopped off the head of a gnome, send help!" - Joel

Welcome, if the video didn't convince you to buy this game, have a read below! This review is free of any direct spoilers.

The overall design of the hand-drawn scenes and characters is done well. It is a slightly cute but crisp cartoon style with similarly made hand-drawn animations. All the animations felt smooth, not distracting or feeling out of place in the slightest. The story is simple, and direct. Though I will say in earnest that the ending and cute animations left me wanting a sequel for more. Hopefully we see a continuance from Pewter Game Studios. Some users may find the story short, I would agree - but I can assure you of the game's overall quality despite that.

Would I recommend this game? Yes. At $12.99, it is priced fairly for the amount of effort gone into it. The average playtime is around 2 to 3 hours and it has save features. I would recommend it to both children & adults. Your children will enjoy playing it, you will enjoy playing it, and you may even want to enjoy it together. If you pick it up during a sale, you can even get it as low as $3. You are getting a steal if you do. Being honest, I personally do not mind giving more to such consumer-friendly and enthusiastic developers - you can see the amount of effort put into this game, they even give you a digital art booklet for free alongside your purchase! You will be entertained.

God speed, Sir Fuzzle Puff.

PLOT HOLE: Where did the tinfoil hat come from?!