61
A promising, though flawed, effort from a new developer. It's compelling core falters in its last act. [Issue#333, p.79]
64
In short, the Spectrum Retreat is a bit out of focus, rough, sometimes disorganized.
60
What's here, while less fully formed in some areas than others, is still an impressive show from a developer working more or less alone. [Issue#152, p.79]
2
It was so frustrating to play. It feels like a college project. If you moved at least at a normal pace or had the ability to run, I'd at least give this more of a shot. But its just deliberately elongating your torture through a somewhat mysterious but cringe story. Seems to b e a semi puzzle story game, but there's so much more interesting and better ones out there like Little Nightmares
7
I loved the puzzle part of The Spectrum Retreat. It was nice to figure things out myself without any instructions. The aesthetic design of the puzzles was awesome and one of the coolest visuals of any puzzle game I ever played. The last puzzle was especially a treat and felt really satisfying to solve. Overall the puzzles were challenging but not frustrating, so it hit that sweet spot. They weren't as satisfying as Talos Principle or Portal 2, but they were satisfying and cool. The voice acting was great and the faceless mannequins were a cool touch. The music was excellent and gave me a relaxing vibe that complemented the puzzles so well. I liked that they tried to add a narrative and also break up the monotony of doing puzzles by adding the hotel aspect and some mystery, but it felt lacking. The concept was good but needed to be more fleshed out. By the end, I still didn't really know what happened and the ending felt lackluster. If it was more fleshed out, I would have given it a solid 8, cuz the puzzle part is well done. Overall, the price point was good value.
The Spectrum Retreat
Released On:
Jul 10, 2018
Metascore
Mixed or Average
67
User score
Generally Unfavorable
3.5
My Score
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Metascore
Mixed or Average
67
25% Positive
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
75% Mixed
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jul 15, 2018
85
A story-based puzzle game which excels mainly in the latter. Puzzles quickly become challenging and that makes for a fun experience due in large part to great audiovisuals. The image sometimes stutters while turning the puzzle but apart from this minor issue this game is plenty of fun.
Jul 12, 2018
77
The Spectrum Retreat isn’t the most original game when it comes to puzzles, but its setting, narrative and story make up for it. If you want to use your brain while you discover a very interesting story, go for it.
Jul 19, 2018
70
The Spectrum Retreat is definitely a promising debut for the Bafta award winner Dan Smith. The first person puzzle-adventure is not at all flawless but it deserves the attention of every fan of the genre.
Jul 9, 2018
70
The Spectrum Retreat is a solid puzzler, with an immersive narrative undercurrent adding depth and emotion to a genre where such things are normally lacking. Look past certain repetitive sections and you'll find a title offering value for money and an enjoyable challenge.
Aug 8, 2018
64
In short, the Spectrum Retreat is a bit out of focus, rough, sometimes disorganized.
Jul 13, 2018
60
The Spectrum Retreat is full of good ideas and mysteries, but Dan Smith's first game is way too linear while playing the walking simulator card to please every amateur of the genre. Too many clues are given about the delicate subject being treated, but the core mechanics of dozen of color-based puzzles might be good enough for you to give it a go. With just a bit more coherence between the gameplay and the narrative, it could have been memorable.
Jul 16, 2018
50
If you’re a huge puzzle fan, like me, there’s something here for you. But in all honesty, there are plenty of puzzle games out there that wouldn’t come with this big of an asterisk. Go play those.
User score
Generally Unfavorable
3.5
9% Positive
1 Rating
1 Rating
36% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
55% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
Jul 12, 2018
7
I loved the puzzle part of The Spectrum Retreat. It was nice to figure things out myself without any instructions. The aesthetic design of the puzzles was awesome and one of the coolest visuals of any puzzle game I ever played. The last puzzle was especially a treat and felt really satisfying to solve. Overall the puzzles were challenging but not frustrating, so it hit that sweet spot. They weren't as satisfying as Talos Principle or Portal 2, but they were satisfying and cool. The voice acting was great and the faceless mannequins were a cool touch. The music was excellent and gave me a relaxing vibe that complemented the puzzles so well. I liked that they tried to add a narrative and also break up the monotony of doing puzzles by adding the hotel aspect and some mystery, but it felt lacking. The concept was good but needed to be more fleshed out. By the end, I still didn't really know what happened and the ending felt lackluster. If it was more fleshed out, I would have given it a solid 8, cuz the puzzle part is well done. Overall, the price point was good value.
Jan 29, 2025
2
It was so frustrating to play. It feels like a college project. If you moved at least at a normal pace or had the ability to run, I'd at least give this more of a shot. But its just deliberately elongating your torture through a somewhat mysterious but cringe story. Seems to b e a semi puzzle story game, but there's so much more interesting and better ones out there like Little Nightmares
