Review - The Raven; Legacy of a Master Thief Chapter 1 |
Paul Fiander
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This is an update to the previous Preview now with a review score added.
Sometimes the premise of a game intrigues you and the Raven has done a very good job in sparking interest. This is mainly due to the interactive novel they released as the prologue to the full game. It's a free download and well worth a play through on your phone, tablet or browser. Also the idea of a murder mystery set amongst the glamour of the Orient Express and sailing across the Mediterranean brings back wonderful memories of the old school Agatha Christie tv remakes lots of us (of a certain age) grew up with. |
If you click the picture it will take you to a post with download links for the prologue
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The sea adventure allows for a spot of shuffle spectating. Admittedly it's not that interesting a sport
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The game is a point and click adventure title from King Art Games. The developer is usually known for a more off the wall narrative which then feeds into the logic of their games. The best game to demonstrate this is the The Book of Unwritten Tales; the Critter Crunch Chronicles. Just from the name alone you can tell this game will be complex and it certainly lives up to the title. The puzzles are engaging but you have to get a feel for the world to understand how to solve the myriad of problems that await you. The Raven on the other hand is based in 'reality'. Well a Hollywood type of reality where things happen in a normal way and problems can be solved using deductive reasoning. I found that the most annoying thing about the puzzles was when I had solved them and thought to myself how did I not see that. Thanks to this re-imagining of the developers logic it should pose a fresh challenge to those who are used to the company's games. It's also suitable for first time players.
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The Multi-national police force comes together to try to take our master thief down.
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Graphically the game looks very nice with cutscenes and gameplay all giving a warm atmosphere. This is supported by the light score paying throughout the game. This does create a warning to those of you who want action and things moving at a million miles an hour. I would suggest this is not the title for you. It's best experienced in a methodical way as you try to piece together the mystery instead of digging around clicking everything in sight.
With the visual strength comes unfortunately quite a few loading screens. They can be helpful in allowing you to mull over a problem. You will find though an accidental click on a door instead of a clue can be very frustrating as you have to reload the area. |
The doctors office is strangely one of my favourite places onboard.
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The cast of characters is varied with their own backstories.
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A conceit to the lack of difficulty level (not a usually mechanic in these types of games) is the ability to show up all uninvestigated items on the screen. This mechanic works well as it costs you a small amount of points (which are gained from solving puzzles). The cost is not high enough that you will never be able to afford help but your final tally will be reduced if you keep using it. Again this helps the hardcore players to play towards a secondary goal (highest points) while allowing new players access into the world.
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The story itself is filled with suspicion and suspense and you find yourself being desperate for it to move on. This is because it can be slow in parts but mostly just the eagerness to solve everything possible and get to the bottom of the Ravens identity. The complex cast of characters will give you multiple avenues to investigate and keep you guessing all the way through the adventure. As I eluded to this game is set on high culture which does give you over mainly the top characters, however the game does a good job in also including more down to earth characters.
Obviously the game is coming in multiple chapters and the idea that you will be able to experience the story from the Raven point of view is one of the greatest hooks for the game in full. |
Classic cars and boats give a wonderful sense of the world the game is set in.
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From what I have seen I will really recommend this title to those with the disposition to play it. Although it may lack universal appeal it certainly is among the most accessible point and click adventure I have played.
The game is being released on PS3, XBOX360 and the PC. The review is based on the PC version and only the first of the three part series.
The game is being released on PS3, XBOX360 and the PC. The review is based on the PC version and only the first of the three part series.
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Good - Highly accesible, Intriguing Story
Bad - Clue proximity to leaving a scene, Slow pace may not be for everyone. |
4/5 |
Images courtesy of Premier Coms
Game - provided by Publisher
Game - provided by Publisher
