Jehanne
2005
Aged very poorly but I swear, back when this came out it was the scariest thing I had ever seen.
I replayed this in 2023 and I have to admit, the gameplay doesn't offer much. You have to click on a few different objects until something happens. Then, you enter the next room and do the same thing again.
The art design isn't much to look at either, just a bunch of real life images that someone slapped a filter on.
Yet, for some reason, The House is also what started my obsession with horror games so bonus points for the nostalgia.
I replayed this in 2023 and I have to admit, the gameplay doesn't offer much. You have to click on a few different objects until something happens. Then, you enter the next room and do the same thing again.
The art design isn't much to look at either, just a bunch of real life images that someone slapped a filter on.
Yet, for some reason, The House is also what started my obsession with horror games so bonus points for the nostalgia.
I used to love these games when I was younger. Truth be told, they're nothing ground-breaking - just well-designed but very simple point and click adventures.
However, they're free and they come with a decent story!
However, they're free and they come with a decent story!
2018
This game is ridiculously fun. Visual novels can be an acquired taste but this is very different to your typical VN. A surprising amount of gameplay, great dark atmosphere and a well-written plot.
I think I actually prefer this to the first game of the series, simply because of the characters. NG's cast is rather charming and feels a bit more fleshed out than the people we meet in Death Mark. They also seem more memorable to me, mostly because they're a bit... weird, almost comedic at times (like MC has no sense of self-preservation at all. He encounters a terrifying, murderous spirit in his own bedroom and just goes to sleep afterwards??? In the same room???).
However, my favourite thing about NG might be the art direction. The game looks absolutely stunning, not only in terms of character design but also regarding the scenery.
Some parts are quite lengthy at times and sometimes it was really hard to figure out what the game wants you to do, yet I still fell a bit in love with this game.
I think I actually prefer this to the first game of the series, simply because of the characters. NG's cast is rather charming and feels a bit more fleshed out than the people we meet in Death Mark. They also seem more memorable to me, mostly because they're a bit... weird, almost comedic at times (like MC has no sense of self-preservation at all. He encounters a terrifying, murderous spirit in his own bedroom and just goes to sleep afterwards??? In the same room???).
However, my favourite thing about NG might be the art direction. The game looks absolutely stunning, not only in terms of character design but also regarding the scenery.
Some parts are quite lengthy at times and sometimes it was really hard to figure out what the game wants you to do, yet I still fell a bit in love with this game.
Tetris has never looked better - the maps are a sight to see, paired with (mostly) amazing soundtrack and a pretty neat multiplayer- I certainly prefer this version over classic Tetris as it feels more intuitive and modern.
Still, this game has some flaws that really worsen the experience. The UI is a bit clunky at times and there are not a lot of people online, so reach out to a friend if you really want to enjoy the multiplayer options.
Some of the songs are simply awful. There is this weird remix of the classic Tetris song that sounds so bad, I had to turn of the BGM for a bit. I never knew there was a rendition of that song that didn't slap - perhaps this is an achievement in itself.
While the learning curve can be a bit brutal, it never seemed unfair to me. Just a matter of practice!
Still, this game has some flaws that really worsen the experience. The UI is a bit clunky at times and there are not a lot of people online, so reach out to a friend if you really want to enjoy the multiplayer options.
Some of the songs are simply awful. There is this weird remix of the classic Tetris song that sounds so bad, I had to turn of the BGM for a bit. I never knew there was a rendition of that song that didn't slap - perhaps this is an achievement in itself.
While the learning curve can be a bit brutal, it never seemed unfair to me. Just a matter of practice!
2020
Cute and whimsical, with a distinctive style and beautiful art. While I really love the idea of this game, the writing style was just... not great. It certainly felt too shallow and juvenile to really take any of the characters - or Coffee Talk's obvious commentary on modern social issues - seriously.
Yet, if you just wanna chill for a bit, making drinks while listening to calming music, this might still be your cup of tea.
Yet, if you just wanna chill for a bit, making drinks while listening to calming music, this might still be your cup of tea.
I had a lot of fun with this one and I do adore the series. The characters are amusing as ever, the art style gorgeous and the world full of details.
Unfortunately, I did like this a bit less than the first game for a couple of reasons: Some parts of the story seem a bit... disjointed. You play as both Nico and George and sometimes, the transition between the two is a bit awkward, mainly because of clumsy time jumps.
In addition to that, a few puzzles proved to be more tedious than fun (looking at you, maze puzzle). I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I had to look up a walkthrough once because I just couldn't wrap my head around the insane point & click adventure logic that the game was throwing at me.
Still, The Smoking Mirror is a great experience that had me hooked from the start. It's fun and nostalgic and really one of the best adventure games out there.
Unfortunately, I did like this a bit less than the first game for a couple of reasons: Some parts of the story seem a bit... disjointed. You play as both Nico and George and sometimes, the transition between the two is a bit awkward, mainly because of clumsy time jumps.
In addition to that, a few puzzles proved to be more tedious than fun (looking at you, maze puzzle). I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I had to look up a walkthrough once because I just couldn't wrap my head around the insane point & click adventure logic that the game was throwing at me.
Still, The Smoking Mirror is a great experience that had me hooked from the start. It's fun and nostalgic and really one of the best adventure games out there.
This game will always have a special place in my heart as the original version was the first video game I've ever played.
I fondly remember lazy Sundays, spent on the computer with my older sister, trying to figure out what exactly we need to do with that damn clown nose. It certainly made me fall in love with point and click adventures, a love that is still very much alive today.
The Director's Cut does a wonderful job of reviving one of the most iconic games of the genre (and some of my dearest memories).
Goofy, yet charming voice acting, paired with a lovely art style and interesting puzzles. The plot is quite ridiculous at times but honestly? Broken Sword never claimed to take itself too seriously.
This one is a gem.
I fondly remember lazy Sundays, spent on the computer with my older sister, trying to figure out what exactly we need to do with that damn clown nose. It certainly made me fall in love with point and click adventures, a love that is still very much alive today.
The Director's Cut does a wonderful job of reviving one of the most iconic games of the genre (and some of my dearest memories).
Goofy, yet charming voice acting, paired with a lovely art style and interesting puzzles. The plot is quite ridiculous at times but honestly? Broken Sword never claimed to take itself too seriously.
This one is a gem.
2017
Really fun with a friend! Spooky atmosphere, a lovely environment and puzzles that are really engaging.
The controls are pretty chunky and you can only expect a playtime of 1-2 hours. But this is a free game, so I would say it's still worth it!
The controls are pretty chunky and you can only expect a playtime of 1-2 hours. But this is a free game, so I would say it's still worth it!
2020
Surprisingly charming game with a rather cute art style. It has a nice atmosphere to it, although I wouldn't quite call it creepy.
Wonderful character designs, though.
However, the lack of story and some pretty frustrating puzzles ruin what could have been and what's left is a mediocre experience. Not a bad game but just a bit underdeveloped.
Wonderful character designs, though.
However, the lack of story and some pretty frustrating puzzles ruin what could have been and what's left is a mediocre experience. Not a bad game but just a bit underdeveloped.
2023
The horror of being a woman.
On a more serious note, Chilla's Art is wonderful at turning mundane, every-day experiences into a source of horror and I love them for it.
Still, this one didn't really click with me - I just felt like something was missing. A bit too much repetition if you're going to get all the endings, not much variety in game play.
The Karaoke is not a bad game by any means but it just didn't reach its full potential.
On a more serious note, Chilla's Art is wonderful at turning mundane, every-day experiences into a source of horror and I love them for it.
Still, this one didn't really click with me - I just felt like something was missing. A bit too much repetition if you're going to get all the endings, not much variety in game play.
The Karaoke is not a bad game by any means but it just didn't reach its full potential.
2022
What a masterpiece. Wonderful art style, distinctive gameplay and a story that got under my skin.
This game has this really strange, sublime sense of horror - this fog of dread that just hangs over your every move. The surrealism of the plot is paired with a wonderful sort of weirdness and philosophical discussions which makes this experience entirely unique and addicting.
You never really get to know any of the characters. In my opinion, they were surprising, yet vague concepts that have to be explored through interpretation. I feel like this is the kind of game that everyone reads a little bit differently and that's the beauty of it.
This game has this really strange, sublime sense of horror - this fog of dread that just hangs over your every move. The surrealism of the plot is paired with a wonderful sort of weirdness and philosophical discussions which makes this experience entirely unique and addicting.
You never really get to know any of the characters. In my opinion, they were surprising, yet vague concepts that have to be explored through interpretation. I feel like this is the kind of game that everyone reads a little bit differently and that's the beauty of it.
Bioshock (Kidz Bop edition)
2023
I'm conflicted. On one hand, I really liked the atmosphere and the graphics of the game. Forspoken's world is a beautiful one, movement feels smooth and - if your PC can run it - you're gonna see some really cool stuff.
However, the writing is horrible. Frey seems like the hollow shell of a character, completely unrelatable and honestly, kind of annoying. Seeing things from her perspective conjured intense feelings of frustration because she was so unlikable. Maybe that's on me, though. I just don't enjoy being an asshole, even in video games. I hated most of the dialogue in the game, stiff and unrealistic.
I want to see some complicated female main characters in gaming but this is just not the way to do it.
Combat comes across as a chore. While it looks amazing, the gameplay leaves a lot to be desired. You're able to pull the same moves over and over again - just press attack a few times and you're done with the encounter. The game lacks variety.
Honestly, I've played worse games. I'd actually say this one is okay. But considering the price tag, I can't really recommend Forspoken to anyone.
However, the writing is horrible. Frey seems like the hollow shell of a character, completely unrelatable and honestly, kind of annoying. Seeing things from her perspective conjured intense feelings of frustration because she was so unlikable. Maybe that's on me, though. I just don't enjoy being an asshole, even in video games. I hated most of the dialogue in the game, stiff and unrealistic.
I want to see some complicated female main characters in gaming but this is just not the way to do it.
Combat comes across as a chore. While it looks amazing, the gameplay leaves a lot to be desired. You're able to pull the same moves over and over again - just press attack a few times and you're done with the encounter. The game lacks variety.
Honestly, I've played worse games. I'd actually say this one is okay. But considering the price tag, I can't really recommend Forspoken to anyone.
2022
Map seems a bit empty, the train is super easy to upgrade but.
I really loved this one.
Yeah, it's silly and campy - in the best way possible. The game offers an incredibly creative story line and it doesn't take itself too seriously.
Horror games are my real passion and yet sometimes, I just get bored of seeing the same things over and over again.
If I had to choose between being attacked by a spider-train from hell and searching for keys while solving puzzles (just so I can open another door to solve another puzzle while some kind of vaguely eldritch horror thing chases me), I would pick the train-spider every time.
I really loved this one.
Yeah, it's silly and campy - in the best way possible. The game offers an incredibly creative story line and it doesn't take itself too seriously.
Horror games are my real passion and yet sometimes, I just get bored of seeing the same things over and over again.
If I had to choose between being attacked by a spider-train from hell and searching for keys while solving puzzles (just so I can open another door to solve another puzzle while some kind of vaguely eldritch horror thing chases me), I would pick the train-spider every time.
One of the weaker games in this series, in my opinion.
I honestly enjoy the drama and the campiness of the Dark Pictures Anthology but Man of Medan just felt a bit boring to me. The setting seems interesting in theory, yet the game fails to build on this potential.
I think this might be due to its cast: None of the characters are particular lovable or exciting, they lack depth in a way. I am not expecting the most complex personalities from a game like this, of course. However, in this case, I just found them very forgettable and bland.
The same is true for the narrative. Honestly, I can't even remember most of the plot, I just remember walking through uninteresting landscapes and corridors.
I still had a bit of fun while playing, even though I don't think I will be coming back to this game.
I honestly enjoy the drama and the campiness of the Dark Pictures Anthology but Man of Medan just felt a bit boring to me. The setting seems interesting in theory, yet the game fails to build on this potential.
I think this might be due to its cast: None of the characters are particular lovable or exciting, they lack depth in a way. I am not expecting the most complex personalities from a game like this, of course. However, in this case, I just found them very forgettable and bland.
The same is true for the narrative. Honestly, I can't even remember most of the plot, I just remember walking through uninteresting landscapes and corridors.
I still had a bit of fun while playing, even though I don't think I will be coming back to this game.