tartan_skirt's Games > Game reviews by tartan_skirt

Theme Hospital review

Posted : 10 months ago on 27 January 2009 05:33 (A review of Theme Hospital)

I've been replaying this game again recently and I've lost track of how many times I've done so in the past. Its one of these great games of my childhood that I could never get enough of and come back to now and still love to play. It may be one of hundreds in a large genre, but I've never seen the exact idea replicated anywhere else and I'm glad of it as it is quite close to perfect as it is. It is witty, challenging in later levels, fun to play, and even though the levels don't change the replay value is still there as there is always the challenge to yourself of constructing an even better hospital than the last time. And then theres the fact that since its an older game it doesn't take up so many resources on your computer, thus playing brilliantly on even some of the crappest machines out there today. Ah, the joys of retro gaming.

I can see myself playing this many more times in the future. This is one game that, for me, has lasted the test of time.

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Syberia

Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 8 July 2007 01:52 (A review of Syberia)

Syberia is definitely a very interesting point-and-click adventure game though it still doesn't quite meet up to some of the others I've played in the past (especially The Longest Journey).

I managed to finish it in about 17 hours over two days (including breaks, food, game crashes and redoing parts, and getting stuck on silly bits for half an hour...). Not a bad duration for a game of the genre, and since it obviously ends with a prelude to a sequel, that adds more to it. I'm looking forward to getting the sequel, but I said that with the other Broken Sword games so who knows when that will be..

Overall the game has wonderful graphics and a highly engaging storyline, with a predictable home subplot (Kate-Dan-Olivia) that at least provides a little entertainment at times. As with many point-and-click adventures you can tell a lot of effort and skill went into the designing of the scenery, but I think the designers tried to cram in too many scenes and angles that just serve the purpose of taking up time clicking through rather than getting anything done.

As for gameplay, the only things I would mention being a bit annoying were the access to the menu not being direct enough and the at-times finicky objects that slowed me down because they needed to be dealt with just-so, but there were only one or two of these so they didn't interfere greatly.

Its a good game, but I think those who don't like having to sit through the odd bout of long narrative might find this at times boring. This shouldn't put you off though as it is worth it.

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Great adventure games

Posted : 2 years, 10 months ago on 21 January 2007 10:21 (A review of Broken Sword Combo Pack)

I'm a big fan of point-and-click games and these two are definately worth playing. I'll be buying the next two games when I see them because I really want to know what is in store for George and Nico. The graphics are decent enough, though people who love it highly detailed and very realistic may be disapointed, as this is more cartoony (though you shouldn't knock it til you've tried it). The games have good storylines, and the running one with George and Nico is interesting too. Playing both Nico and George in the second game was a nice change.

The double pack itself is rather basic. One disc with two games on it, no instruction booklet. If you've not played the games before it may take a while to figure out that you need to right-click at times instead of left. It is good for those who don't want to spend too much money though. :)

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Anyone for a cliffhanger?

Posted : 3 years, 3 months ago on 11 August 2006 02:19 (A review of Dreamfall: The Longest Journey)

It has been called "one of the most anticipated adventure games in years" and I certainly believe this to be true. When I found out there was to be a sequel to The Longest Journey I was very excited about it since it was one of my favourite games. Now that I have played it I must say that it didn't quite meet all my expectations, but it was very well made and I enjoyed the storyline. I have to complain, however, that there were quite a few bugs for me, the controls were confusing, and it was way too short. I managed to complete the game in just under 2 and a half days, which I think is a little short considering the long wait. Now I have discovered there is to be a third game, but just how long will it be before this one appears? I don't want to put anyone off it, it is a great game, but long time fans may feel a little let down by the prospect of another long wait.

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