Sarafly
2013
The Inner World - A Review
I found myself growing fond of Robert, my charming little flute-nosed friend, with every passing minute of the game. The visual design was absolutely adorable. Although the game aligned with the expectations I had in mind, I felt that the characters and plot were overshadowed by the never-ending clichés, which was a bit disappointing. In addition, the odd mechanics and stiff character movements made navigation during the gameplay a bit frustrating. At the same time, I don’t think the game offers enough value when it comes to the puzzles, which was the primary motivating factor to approach this; they lack complexity. Despite my reservations, I felt the narrative was simple yet endearing for the most part, offering a dose of wholesomeness that might be worth playing. It’s just so darn cute!
I found myself growing fond of Robert, my charming little flute-nosed friend, with every passing minute of the game. The visual design was absolutely adorable. Although the game aligned with the expectations I had in mind, I felt that the characters and plot were overshadowed by the never-ending clichés, which was a bit disappointing. In addition, the odd mechanics and stiff character movements made navigation during the gameplay a bit frustrating. At the same time, I don’t think the game offers enough value when it comes to the puzzles, which was the primary motivating factor to approach this; they lack complexity. Despite my reservations, I felt the narrative was simple yet endearing for the most part, offering a dose of wholesomeness that might be worth playing. It’s just so darn cute!
2018
A Raven Monologue - A Review
An experience that invites the player to immerse themselves in its world without the existence of words, despite the game including the term 'monologue’ in its title, which indicates otherwise. It's a simple story that explores loneliness, empathy, and how loneliness manifests in relationships with not only others but also the 'self'.
The strongest factor in this narrative is the visual style, accompanied by a beautiful song sung by Christabel Annora. However, I think the game could have benefited from incorporating more interactive features to engage with; there’s potential to push creative boundaries that haven't been explored, leading to a disappointing experience, even if ultimately the journey is a short one.
An experience that invites the player to immerse themselves in its world without the existence of words, despite the game including the term 'monologue’ in its title, which indicates otherwise. It's a simple story that explores loneliness, empathy, and how loneliness manifests in relationships with not only others but also the 'self'.
The strongest factor in this narrative is the visual style, accompanied by a beautiful song sung by Christabel Annora. However, I think the game could have benefited from incorporating more interactive features to engage with; there’s potential to push creative boundaries that haven't been explored, leading to a disappointing experience, even if ultimately the journey is a short one.
2017
Dinner with an Owl - A Review
Let’s have dinner! - A line I couldn’t have ever fathomed to haunt me, even in my wildest dreams.
It’s a short point-and-click adventure/puzzle game, depending on how fast you crack it. I admit it took me a couple tries as I had a hard time understanding the gameplay, initially.
On a conceptual level, it's like a short lived yet endless nightmare on loop with an eerie soundtrack and a psychological undertone. The art style is somewhat interesting though not the best and the mechanics could have been much better.
Still, it was ‘free’ and to certain extent establishes itself as a unique experience. I believe the game has the potential to become even more sinister and exciting, so it’s not the worst, and entertaining at the very least.
Let’s have dinner! - A line I couldn’t have ever fathomed to haunt me, even in my wildest dreams.
It’s a short point-and-click adventure/puzzle game, depending on how fast you crack it. I admit it took me a couple tries as I had a hard time understanding the gameplay, initially.
On a conceptual level, it's like a short lived yet endless nightmare on loop with an eerie soundtrack and a psychological undertone. The art style is somewhat interesting though not the best and the mechanics could have been much better.
Still, it was ‘free’ and to certain extent establishes itself as a unique experience. I believe the game has the potential to become even more sinister and exciting, so it’s not the worst, and entertaining at the very least.
Resonance of the Ocean - A Review
If I had to find a way to appreciate this game, it will most likely stay limited to its visual appeal as I have a soft spot for hand drawn games.
There’s merit behind the game’s design but the concept is so incredibly weak, it doesn’t have much to offer, even for those who like to play point-and-click games with a relaxing nature.
Eventually, the game leaves you with the desire to know and seek more despite its somewhat intuitive gameplay, which might be the only interesting aspect. Unfortunately, very disappointing!
If I had to find a way to appreciate this game, it will most likely stay limited to its visual appeal as I have a soft spot for hand drawn games.
There’s merit behind the game’s design but the concept is so incredibly weak, it doesn’t have much to offer, even for those who like to play point-and-click games with a relaxing nature.
Eventually, the game leaves you with the desire to know and seek more despite its somewhat intuitive gameplay, which might be the only interesting aspect. Unfortunately, very disappointing!
Grim Fandango - A Review
“You know, sweetheart, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: nobody knows what’s gonna happen at the end of the line, so you might as well enjoy the trip” - Manuel Calavera
Where do I even begin?
I believe that no amount of words can do justice to the brilliance of the game, Grim Fandango.
Set in the Land of the Dead, Grim Fandango ticks each check box just right. The more I played, the fonder I grew of the characters - Manny, Glottis, Meche, Lola, Chowchilla Charlie, Chepito, and yes, even Domino Hurley. They’re so beautifully written, each character is given their space which they fully own within the game. One can even observe the depth of empathy and understanding extended towards each of them, becoming an integral and inseparable part of Fandango’s world. I was more than thrilled to enjoy their quirks and hilarious anecdotes throughout the game.
I loved the art style and design, the influences are quite evident across the game. That said, I was curious to know more and on my discovery, was thrilled to learn about how the game borrows from Aztec beliefs and replicates the film noir genre in many ways. The creator's initial fascination began in an Anthropology class, how wicked is that? Genuinely can’t wait to dive into more details of its inception.
Now moving onto my most favourite aspect, the puzzles! The fascination they hold for me is boundless. They are so incredibly unique and creative by design, truly embodying the spirit of ‘Out of the Box’ thinking. Eventually, the level of gratification achieved on solving each was highly satisfying, granted I took my sweet time with each. Let’s be real, it’s not a cakewalk but that’s easily the best part. The music further elevates the game’s atmosphere.
Overall, I’m pleased to have discovered this game as it has significantly contributed to my budding love for the world of video games. I am very inclined to revisit in the future and I believe that no matter how much time passes, this game will always stand the test of time.
Absolutely lovely, I can't wait to explore more games by Double Fine Productions and learn about the genius creators behind this beauty!
“You know, sweetheart, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: nobody knows what’s gonna happen at the end of the line, so you might as well enjoy the trip” - Manuel Calavera
Where do I even begin?
I believe that no amount of words can do justice to the brilliance of the game, Grim Fandango.
Set in the Land of the Dead, Grim Fandango ticks each check box just right. The more I played, the fonder I grew of the characters - Manny, Glottis, Meche, Lola, Chowchilla Charlie, Chepito, and yes, even Domino Hurley. They’re so beautifully written, each character is given their space which they fully own within the game. One can even observe the depth of empathy and understanding extended towards each of them, becoming an integral and inseparable part of Fandango’s world. I was more than thrilled to enjoy their quirks and hilarious anecdotes throughout the game.
I loved the art style and design, the influences are quite evident across the game. That said, I was curious to know more and on my discovery, was thrilled to learn about how the game borrows from Aztec beliefs and replicates the film noir genre in many ways. The creator's initial fascination began in an Anthropology class, how wicked is that? Genuinely can’t wait to dive into more details of its inception.
Now moving onto my most favourite aspect, the puzzles! The fascination they hold for me is boundless. They are so incredibly unique and creative by design, truly embodying the spirit of ‘Out of the Box’ thinking. Eventually, the level of gratification achieved on solving each was highly satisfying, granted I took my sweet time with each. Let’s be real, it’s not a cakewalk but that’s easily the best part. The music further elevates the game’s atmosphere.
Overall, I’m pleased to have discovered this game as it has significantly contributed to my budding love for the world of video games. I am very inclined to revisit in the future and I believe that no matter how much time passes, this game will always stand the test of time.
Absolutely lovely, I can't wait to explore more games by Double Fine Productions and learn about the genius creators behind this beauty!
2020
Death and Taxes - A Review
“Your job is to decide which people are going to live or die”
Do you see how powerful that line is?
It was hard to resist a game based on this concept because I was curious to witness its impact on the player, the only word which constantly repeated itself in my head was, ‘consequences.’
Death & Taxes banks on the player’s own ability to think, decipher, act, and simultaneously makes one question every single choice made during its duration - this was fascinating in itself.
And if you’re anything like me with a penchant for thinking more than needed, then I guarantee this game poses a certain kind of potential to give you a minor identity crisis - your thought processes, the what, why, and how, and so much more. It begins revealing the grey areas around social conditioning and challenges your perception of morals.
Eventually, you realise that consequences are consequences. The ‘good’ and ‘bad’ doesn’t really matter, they’re just labels. For example, when I first started, I did all my duties diligently, delivered according to the given tasks at hand, and enjoyed the process a bunch. Without getting into specifics, this attitude didn’t translate into the positive results I was hoping for, rather quite the opposite. Therefore, my next phase consisted of trusting my own thinking and instinct, which yielded more fruitful results, even if not entirely.
Unique routes, lovely atmosphere, quirky art, intriguing characters, and sharp writing. Its repetitive nature may get bothersome for few but I am pleased with its conceptual strength. I believe the potential to explore this further is boundless!
Favourite moments - Loved organising my desk with every single item purchased, had a blast engaging with all the characters but in particular Fate, and at times, I'd love getting on his nerves because, why not?
Fun little experience, inclined to revisit during an existential episode. It’s a positive in my books, cool discovery!
“Your job is to decide which people are going to live or die”
Do you see how powerful that line is?
It was hard to resist a game based on this concept because I was curious to witness its impact on the player, the only word which constantly repeated itself in my head was, ‘consequences.’
Death & Taxes banks on the player’s own ability to think, decipher, act, and simultaneously makes one question every single choice made during its duration - this was fascinating in itself.
And if you’re anything like me with a penchant for thinking more than needed, then I guarantee this game poses a certain kind of potential to give you a minor identity crisis - your thought processes, the what, why, and how, and so much more. It begins revealing the grey areas around social conditioning and challenges your perception of morals.
Eventually, you realise that consequences are consequences. The ‘good’ and ‘bad’ doesn’t really matter, they’re just labels. For example, when I first started, I did all my duties diligently, delivered according to the given tasks at hand, and enjoyed the process a bunch. Without getting into specifics, this attitude didn’t translate into the positive results I was hoping for, rather quite the opposite. Therefore, my next phase consisted of trusting my own thinking and instinct, which yielded more fruitful results, even if not entirely.
Unique routes, lovely atmosphere, quirky art, intriguing characters, and sharp writing. Its repetitive nature may get bothersome for few but I am pleased with its conceptual strength. I believe the potential to explore this further is boundless!
Favourite moments - Loved organising my desk with every single item purchased, had a blast engaging with all the characters but in particular Fate, and at times, I'd love getting on his nerves because, why not?
Fun little experience, inclined to revisit during an existential episode. It’s a positive in my books, cool discovery!
2016
The Lion’s Song - A Review
A stunning point-and-click adventure narrative that takes you on a heart-filled journey across the art galleries and concert halls of early 20th-century Vienna.
Featuring four chapters, the game focuses on four different characters: Wilma Doerfl, Franz Markert, Emma Recniczek, and Albert Vogl. The narrative seamlessly weaves the lives of these characters, who hail from different professional backgrounds, while Vienna’s history plays a pivotal role in defining each of these stories.
A glimpse into the beauty of the city makes me find the game charming for many reasons. Its strength lies in its visual design and aesthetic setting—a pure visual treat for the eyes and soul. In addition, it is accompanied by a beautiful melody that lingers long after you’re done playing the game.
In The Lion’s Song, we are exposed to the aspirations, plights, and dreams harboured by each of these characters. In terms of narrative appeal and structure, Mathematician Emma Recniczek’s story stood out the most in comparison.
I do think the game could have benefited from a more in-depth dive, given the theme that it was going for, as it isn’t as immersive as one would hope or imagine it to be.
A stunning point-and-click adventure narrative that takes you on a heart-filled journey across the art galleries and concert halls of early 20th-century Vienna.
Featuring four chapters, the game focuses on four different characters: Wilma Doerfl, Franz Markert, Emma Recniczek, and Albert Vogl. The narrative seamlessly weaves the lives of these characters, who hail from different professional backgrounds, while Vienna’s history plays a pivotal role in defining each of these stories.
A glimpse into the beauty of the city makes me find the game charming for many reasons. Its strength lies in its visual design and aesthetic setting—a pure visual treat for the eyes and soul. In addition, it is accompanied by a beautiful melody that lingers long after you’re done playing the game.
In The Lion’s Song, we are exposed to the aspirations, plights, and dreams harboured by each of these characters. In terms of narrative appeal and structure, Mathematician Emma Recniczek’s story stood out the most in comparison.
I do think the game could have benefited from a more in-depth dive, given the theme that it was going for, as it isn’t as immersive as one would hope or imagine it to be.
2022
My Sticker Book - A Review
Sweet concept and effort, though extremely unnecessary.
Sweet concept and effort, though extremely unnecessary.
2021
Purrgatory - A Review
Purrfect for the purrson seeking a wholesome time! 🐾
It's a charming little point-and-click adventure indie game, with adorable characters. Every now and then, the game chooses to humor with little puns that gradually grow on you.
In a nutshell, this game brightens the day of my inner granny - how you interpret this is entirely up to you!
Purrfect for the purrson seeking a wholesome time! 🐾
It's a charming little point-and-click adventure indie game, with adorable characters. Every now and then, the game chooses to humor with little puns that gradually grow on you.
In a nutshell, this game brightens the day of my inner granny - how you interpret this is entirely up to you!
2021
At Home Alone Final - A Review
Cake is pretty tempting, this game isn't.
Cake is pretty tempting, this game isn't.
2022
A Taste of the Past - A Review
Sweet little sob moment
Sweet little sob moment
2020
Virtual Cottage - A Review
Practical? Absolutely not.
Do we still like fun? Absolutely yes.
Practical? Absolutely not.
Do we still like fun? Absolutely yes.
2018
Shrinking Pains - A Review
Shrinking pains is indeed painful. Fair warning, the narrative can be extremely triggering and so, one must be cautious before navigating this one. It’s a tiny narrative and the intention behind it is understandable. Is it effective? I’d say to a certain extent but that’s more reliant on the atmosphere created as opposed to the story itself. If empathy is the lens, then this lacks depth - it’s got potential. In addition, the visual style is extremely dull and ordinary which is disappointing. I won’t be rating this but do I think there’s room for improvement? Absolutely.
Shrinking pains is indeed painful. Fair warning, the narrative can be extremely triggering and so, one must be cautious before navigating this one. It’s a tiny narrative and the intention behind it is understandable. Is it effective? I’d say to a certain extent but that’s more reliant on the atmosphere created as opposed to the story itself. If empathy is the lens, then this lacks depth - it’s got potential. In addition, the visual style is extremely dull and ordinary which is disappointing. I won’t be rating this but do I think there’s room for improvement? Absolutely.
2020
Coffee Talk - A Review
Stories are always fascinating to be exposed to, even if it’s at a strange little coffee house, while it rains. It’s a cozy little game - for times when you want to ‘not think and do’ for once, just make interesting or catastrophic recipes, and interact with characters you’d never forget. Favorite aspect hands down is the writing and the art style, though, I believe there’s potential to involve the player far more than it does.
Stories are always fascinating to be exposed to, even if it’s at a strange little coffee house, while it rains. It’s a cozy little game - for times when you want to ‘not think and do’ for once, just make interesting or catastrophic recipes, and interact with characters you’d never forget. Favorite aspect hands down is the writing and the art style, though, I believe there’s potential to involve the player far more than it does.
2019
The Good Time Garden - A Review
By definition, this is the weirdest game I have ever played. It’s quite short and extremely surreal in nature. The soundtrack is calming. My only gripe is perhaps the lack of direction it offers. However, I might be fickle since I also don’t really mind it? Feels like tampering and figuring the next move on the basis of instinct is part of the charm. I would definitely continue with this game had it been longer, I wish the creators expand on this.
The entire time my reaction was like, “What the fuck, this is so weird I love it” 🤭
That's a positive in my book!
By definition, this is the weirdest game I have ever played. It’s quite short and extremely surreal in nature. The soundtrack is calming. My only gripe is perhaps the lack of direction it offers. However, I might be fickle since I also don’t really mind it? Feels like tampering and figuring the next move on the basis of instinct is part of the charm. I would definitely continue with this game had it been longer, I wish the creators expand on this.
The entire time my reaction was like, “What the fuck, this is so weird I love it” 🤭
That's a positive in my book!