Recent reviews by MladenL

Played this with my 8 year old - overall playtime about 12, with lots of laughs, fun characters to talk to, and it helped her develop mouse skills, reading and lateral thinking.

Getting 100% was pretty difficult, especially the last couple of animals in the expansion level, but overall a great family-friendly experience.

Strong recommend especially for family play and kids aged 6-12.

When I was 19-24-ish, I was obsessed with the dark and mythological Vertigo comics. I thought they were the deepest most profound thing ever written. But when I read them now, the allegories, mythologising and psychological navel-gazing just doesn't connect with me anymore. I think me 15 years ago would have adored this game.

So there is a hell of a lot to like here. The art is striking and at times very disturbing to look at. The in-game age-warning before entering the carnival is very appropriate, as this one is definitely not for kids.

Puzzle-design was good, but the smaller number of locations and inventory made it relatively easy. Although it felt short, it was priced appropriately so I don't count a short duration as a negative. One puzzle was a bit of a struggle for me due to my hearing difficulties, but luckily the designers included a helpful 'hint-line' within the game itself, which is thematic and helps keep you in the game rather than looking up external walkthroughs (which always spoil too much and ruin the immersion).

The story really digs into allegory and symbolism. If you're the kind of person who reads Jung and obsesses over the hidden meanings of Neo's apartment number, then you'll probably enjoy poring over the oblique references in this game. You'll stroke your beard and whisper, yes, this is very deep.

I'm being harsh. This is a very well-executed adventure game of this genre. It delivered exactly what was advertised, and I was compelled to keep playing to the end. I absolutely appreciate the passion of the writing/design team and the quality of the execution, so I gotta give this a (soft) recommendation for people who like this kind of thing, and for me 15 years ago.

Very good adventure game, reminds me a bit of "Beneath a Steel Sky", "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream" and "Dreamweb".

Multiple endings, multiple ways to resolve some of the challenges. Pretty logical puzzle design throughout, some of the puzzles are very satisfying. The in-game hint-system did point me in the right direction as needed, or prompted me to explore a bit further. Very atmospheric art and design, but the colour design did make it difficult to spot some hotspots, which required I look up a hint at least once.

Quality writing and voice-over, plot was a bit complex but easy to follow. Had the potential to be pretty morose, but there was enough levity to keep it fun without being irritating, and no horror elements. Great voice-acting and music was gorgeous and set the mood perfectly. Very enjoyable!

Played with my daughter. She got teary eyed at the end because she was upset the game was over. I'd consider that a success.

Pretty much a constant look of glee on her face, and mine too.

Wonderful game.