PC Critic Reviews

A fun well thought out point and click adventure game. This genre isn’t for everyone, but for those who like it, then this is a definite buy. If you’re new to the genre this would be a good first dip into the water, although its sub-genre of a sci-fi Nordic Noir may be a bit different than what you’re expecting; but in a good way.

True to its name, Whispers of a Machine does exactly that: it whispers. Rather than "shouting," with flashy audio-visuals, cool action, and in-your-face storytelling, it uses the humble, grey-haired Adventure Game Studio, to offer something that's far more subtle in its approach. Clifftop Games creation is a simple, yet stunningly well-written, immersive, and all around fun point-and-click adventure game, with a gripping sci-fi plot, and an unwavering focus in its flawless, detective-style gameplay loop. Currently just a hidden gem, this must-have needs you, fellow adventure fan, to spread the word…

Whispers of a Machine is a puzzling enigma, a fascinating story, and a bit of an ugly beast, but well worth your time.

If you enjoy classic-style point-and-click adventures that make you think – which is the reason we play them, I know, but I mean more so than usually – then Whispers of a Machine is a must-buy for you. You’ll probably have to look into a walkthrough at some points, but when you do, you’ll bash your head against a wall thinking “how did I miss that!?”

A solid, confident narrative, truly worthy of the "Nordic Noir" mantle. Whispers of a Machine convincingly puts players in charge of a police investigation in the technological post-apocalypse. The quality of the writing and puzzles are guaranteed to delight genre fans.

Whispers of a Machine tells a fascinating post-cyberpunk story, where the destiny of the world is decided in the streets of a tiny suburban town. The writing is brilliant, as tense as only a good thriller can be, while the investigation is always stimulating, supported by good gameplay ideas and clever puzzles.

Clifftop Games and Faravid Interactive show no sign of a sophomore slump with Whispers of a Machine. This futuristic murder mystery with some innovative gameplay, flexible puzzles, and built-in replayability should be enough to pique any adventure gamer’s interest.

Whispers of a Machine doesn’t seek out to revolutionize adventure games as its ambitions are elsewhere. Mundane wisdom and a Nordic cool ambience raise the game above the average crop that nowadays litters the once-flourished genre. It successfully does its bidding in showing why point-and-click adventures are so rewarding. You don’t need lightning-fast reflexes or to read enemy movements to make headway in them. Instead you need to be observant, thoughtful, and smart enough to interpret clues. Whispers of a Machine is a perfect game for everyone looking for a cracking whodunnit backed up by some contemplative thinking.

This unfairly overlooked adventure game may not look great, but the graphics are more than made up for with the story, atmosphere and interesting gaming mechanics. [Issue#300]

At the end of the day, Whispers of a Machine is an excellent point-and-click mystery that I would recommend to both a fan of the genre and a solid entry point. It’s doesn’t flip the genre on its head, but the fun detective mechanics and impressively personalized story serve to make otherwise familiar gameplay feel fresh. It’s short, sweet, and although there is the promise for more, is ultimately rewarding.