charleswduncan

First off, this game is too good to have so little engagement on Metacritic. It appears I am the first reviewer. I thought the game was great, if a little too short. Finished in about 14.6 hours. I am hoping the short length means a follow-up is coming soon. I found the puzzles to be just-right difficulty--definitely had to resort to pencil and paper for a few. I did not love the graphical style, as I found the pixelization a little distracting (would have preferred realism), and the human models were pretty janky. Also, I had some control-compatibility issues on Steam Deck--had to switch to PC for some puzzles.

So far I am giving it an 8 whereas the first game was 9.5+ for me. Maybe the first game was harder than I remember, but I can tell this one will be a slog. They make you work for everything--coins for maps, coins for benches, etc. I even had to pay coins (and use an item slot) for the ability to see myself on the map. I love Metroidvanias, but for me they are only fun if I can track my progress on the map (note that the map doesn't even update progress immediately--only after resting). Here I have to clear half a level or more to find a map vendor, and then grind for enough coins to buy the map. Everything I do up that point on every level just feels like work. I mean the challenge is rewarding to a point, but this game is right on the line. Not sure if I will run out of steam on this one. Still gets an 8 for excellent platforming, combat, visuals, and overall quality.

So far I am giving it an 8 whereas the first game was 9.5+ for me. Maybe the first game was harder than I remember, but I can tell this one will be a slog. They make you work for everything--coins for maps, coins for benches, etc. I even had to pay coins (and use an item slot) for the ability to see myself on the map. I love Metroidvanias, but for me they are only fun if I can track my progress on the map (note that the map doesn't even update progress immediately--only after resting). Here I have to clear half a level or more to find a map vendor, and then grind for enough coins to buy the map. Everything I do up that point on every level just feels like work. I mean the challenge is rewarding to a point, but this game is right on the line. Not sure if I will run out of steam on this one. Still gets an 8 for excellent platforming, combat, visuals, and overall quality.

Update: After 22 hours, one day 41, I found the 46th room. In my review below I pointed a lack of permanent progression, and it is true there was little for me in the first 10 or so. But shortly thereafter I started solving some of the bigger puzzles and "unlocking" things outside of the house and game became a lot more interesting. Overall, I would say it is a great game. After 10 hours I still can't make up my mind. The game is very slow paced. It is also quite repetitive. That said, I am still somewhat enthralled by its addictive gameplay loop. However, I am concerned that I am running out of steam due lack of permanent progress (progress that extends between runs). To be clear, there is no tutorial whatsoever. So, from minute one, you are just finding your way around the mansion and discovering virtually every game mechanic as you go. I understand I am trying to reach the "anteroom" which I presume is the gateway to the mythical "46th room." Getting there I have gathered through gameplay requires locating a lever to unblock one of the anteroom doors. (There are three, and they all start barricaded.) I have completed 17 runs, and so far I have only managed to activate such a lever in one run (where I didn't reach the anteroom). And I have only reached the (locked) anteroom maybe 2 or 3 times. So, the game demands massive repetition until you can achieve the golden run where everything comes together. As I said, I am still into it but am worried my enthusiasm will wane soon due to much repetition and lack of tangible progression. Finally, there are fewer puzzles than anticipated (e.g., parlor, billiard room, boiler room), unless you view the whole gameplay loop as a puzzle.

This game is incredible. Such a satisfying and challenging but fun mystery to unravel and a rewarding progression system.

I hated this game. I’m giving it 3 for presentation and a creative concept. It is not fun to play. It does not provide enough progression to keep you hooked. The gameplay loop is too random and repetitive. Not interactive enough. Also the scrub controls did not work well on a laptop touchpad.