Recent reviews by UncommonStuff

I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised by the gameplay so far. It does have some similarities with other first person puzzle games, but the mechanics helps this one stand on its own two feet. It is so good to see a storyline and a sense of mystery within the game too. The only minor issue I found was dropping out of one of the gravity bubbles, it’s as if you drop on your head and then spin to align yourself to the ground. It’s not a major issue, but it could be a little more fluid. Apart from that, I can’t wait to see the finished project and get it on my wishlist.

I nominated this game for "Outstanding Visual Style" as there are moments of absolute beauty in this game. The lighting style reminds me of the films "Street of Crocodiles" and "Institute Benjamenta" by the Quay Brothers. The experience plays as a series of connected vignettes, some unique, some offering a different viewpoint. The atmosphere, music and style create a sense of place that feels very real. I just wanted to explore and (in many cases) pause to admire the view.

The story does feel 'loose' in places, but it certainly feels poignant; as if exploring memories and the passage of time. The sound is incredible, which really would make the addition of a narration a huge bonus. That being said, Promesa is a lovely experience that will bring you back like a favourite short film.

I nominated this game for "Best Alternate History", very nearly for "Best Environment" too. It is a very creapy game that you can play through in one sitting, which I recommend. In the last few years, we've seen a lot of indie games popping up that play like short films. This is certainly one of those that I keep coming back too because the experience is so good.

The gameplay and puzzles are simple enough, but that shouldn't be seen as a negative. Like "Imscared" or "The Music Machine", every part of the game from the environment to the sound design just add to a very polished experience.

The only downside is the alternative ending... I pulled my hair out trying to do it without cheating.... Gave up, watched the YouTube video, got the code. But don't let that detract from a very good game.

One of the best games I've played in a while. I was surprised by some of the gameplay, totally unexpected and made the whole thing far more rewarding. It was nice to see the way the stories were tied up at the end, it made it that EXTRA nightmareish.

I did use a walkthrough a couple of times because I couldn't get the exact word to use in the text based entry. I used 'bottle' rather than 'whiskey' which made the last chapter a bit frustrating. That aside, I think this is the sort of game that people should play and to get a season two would be amazing.

If, like me, you had a spectrum back in the 80's - you will love the nostalgia that is referenced during the game. Episode one will leave you beaming with respect for the developers.

Great game!

This is clever, witty, beautiful and thought provoking. It made me challenge some of my ideas of other cultures and how we make them 'alien' and 'mysterious' when they are just as mundane as our own. The stories within are stunning and make you guess what the exhibit will be in the next room. The result made me laugh out loud a few times. Can't recommend this enough. It is well written with beautiful graphics and very unique. Loved it.

** Updated **

Only just started playing and I'm already addicted. The basic premise is that you engage with a computer system with a language that is totally alien. You are given some pointers, but what you get out of the game is based on what you put into it. This feels so real, as if you are slowly deciphering an alien language.

I love the fact that the game doesn't force feed you, after learning some simple grammar and words, you make the game your own. You are not on your own, there is help from the journal that grows as you learn.

I can't fault this so far. I may be early days, but the whole thing feels so robust that you feel that you are learning and not simply solving puzzles. I guess that is where the real rewards are to be found.

A real gem of a game :)

****

After a few hours, it only gets better! You will get through several pads of paper, but the pay off is so satisfying. When you look at the string of symbols and start seeing words, it must be close to the feelings historians had when they translated an ancient language. :) Very glad I purchased this!

I remember playing the original on the ZX Spectrum. It was one of those amazing games that has stood the test of time. I'm go glad that the update has not lost the charm of the original.

This is a game that you can quick force or take your time to enjoy. You do play much of it on paper, but that's no bad thing. Right now I'm playing a level at a time. Some of the puzzles are making my brain bleed, but they are DAMN well constructed. My only critical point is that on choosing the wrong door, you should not simply be taken back to the start of the level. Maybe if there was some reward for getting the puzzle correct first time.

I can see that the game maker has relied on so many influences, from portal to parable. I think he has done himself a disservice here, as the game could stand on it's own two feet for it's well crafted puzzles. Having said that, it's the trailer really drew me to this game. In hindsight I may not have picked it up without those references.

If you like a challenge then give this a go. I'm surprised that the reviews have been so mixed. I'm just as happy in this world solving puzzles as I am in “The Witness”.

It's hard to write a review of this game. On one hand there is a very difficult story that I knew would be hard to deal with, I can't imagine the heartache of going through this. It must be hell. But on the other I felt like I'd been battered around the head with the Jesus stick. While I believe that this game is a triumph when it comes to dealing with loss and tragedy, it became too unbearable to deal with the constant references to God. While games like "Everybody's gone to the rapture" deal with personal belief, I never felt burdened with it. Here it becomes icky... There isn't another word for it. It's like sitting in a room with someone telling you about salvation while you make a conscious decision never to visit that person again.

Sadly I wont be going on with the game. I will defend personal faith and everybody’s right to practice it.

I have nothing but praise for the game makers for making such a personal and moving game, but I felt so uncomfortable. In fact I have never felt so uncomfortable playing a game in my life. I like my views challenged but not imposed upon.

5 out of 5

Sat alone at 1:22am on a Monday morning. In a bit of an emotional stunned silence. It had so much to say and said it in the most amazing way. Best buy in a long time.