Scary & depressing, but well made.

Normally I avoid scary games and movies, but another reviewer convinced me I could handle this game. That was only half true. SPOILERS AHEAD. Overall the game atmosphere is dark and creepy — you’re interacting with dead babies, demons, and one really creepy, bloody, wooden doll. All of that I could handle, but there are at least 2 moments where something pops up and scares the bejeesus out of you. It reminds me of those YouTube videos where you’re supposed to watch the video carefully and then the Exorcist devil face pops up and screams at you. Those moments were horrible, horrible, unless you like that sort of thing.

As far as game play, I was looking for the next Machinarium, and while it did not reach that level, it was pretty good. It has an interesting, developed story, but the endings are SO depressing. Beautiful stylized illustrations. Decent puzzles. I used the hints but more out of impatience rather than difficulty.

If they used all the same mechanics/puzzles but re-branded the story of the game (as a fantasy or something less dark) I would absolutely be in love with it.

NOTE: The first time you “finish” the game, watch through the end credits. There is a hidden message at the end that lets you unlock the rest of the game. The message gives you the password to unlock the journal. From there the story gets even more interesting—and it leads you to an alternate (but still dismally depressing) ending.

xstinemybuddah about Year Walk