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This thread has been linked to the game 'Lost Horizon'.
A map and a compass. A pair of binoculars. An untold danger laying hidden in a pit of snakes or skeletons. Such adventures have always been popular, from cinema heroes like Indiana to the console capers of Lara and Drake. Lost Horizon, the latest title from the creators of Secret Files, is no different. A love letter to adventure fans, this Broken Sword-esque point-and-click game is a clear homage to it's inspirations. It may not try to break any molds, but distinct personality and admirable polish make Lost Horizon an adventure worth taking.
It's unique art style is the first thing to hit you; hand drawn backdrops merged with eye catching and meticulous particle effects. It's the perfect climate for a game which; during it's 15 hour duration, repeatedly takes you from one exotic location to the next. Variety is the name of the game here, with even early puzzles being creative and fun, such as learning the ropes whilst buried alive in an underwater coffin! Any concerns about dated gameplay will be quickly forgotten in first half-hour; the game is smooth and skilfully accessible, creating an experience which is just as convivial as it is compelling. It might not be as challenging as some adventure games, but it's pacey puzzles and wealth of ideas make it quick to engross you in it's world and characters.
Protagonist Fenton Paddock is a British smuggler living in Hong Kong in the late 1930's. Discharged from the Army, he spends his time in backstreet bars and escaping from local trouble makers. Instantly lovable, Fenton is equipped with just a sense of humour and obligatory stiff-upper-lip. Soon though, his carefree lifestyle is brought to an end by his old superior, Lord Weston, who employs him to find some British troops who disappeared in the wilds of Tibet. It's not long before Fenton's chequered past begins to surface once again; his best friend is one of those missing in action, and a girl with a grievance towards his conduct is swiftly swept up into the turmoil. Before long, she and Fenton have fled Hong Kong, and after a couple of run ins with the Nazis, touch down in a frozen Tibetan mountain. The story in the game is both enthralling and mirthful; suitably deep yet retaining a sense of that British wit you can't help but admire. Impressive twists are always unfurling, and Nazi soldiers with 'Allo Allo' accents forever try to foil your progress. It's all very fun and ultimately alluring; emitting the same kind of sense of discovery that it's cinema inspirations were famous for. When it's gallant ending is finally reached, this well crafted plot will have done far more than simply carry you from puzzle to puzzle.
Such riddles are the mainstay of any point-and-click game, and Lost Horizon of course follows suit. Most locations will be loaded with items and dotted with brain teasers to stump your progress. That said, the game is more accessible than the genre is known for; with most puzzles solvable after a quick trial and error or item combination. Backtracking is kept to a healthy minimum, with only a few mid-game scenarios requiring fetch quests or pixel hunting. Still, the simple act of exploring locations is abundant and satisfying as expected. Clicking the mouse to a nearby area will make Fenton begin to walk, while clicking on something further away triggers him into a speedy run. Position the cursor over in-game items and it will light up green if an action is available. Usually, right clicking will have Fenton examine the item (often with a blithe, sarcastic remark) whilst left clicking will pick it up. Items are stored in a standard inventory, accessed by moving to the bottom of the screen. This is, for the most part, relatively sparse; with most items you find being used in locations nearby immediately. Later on you get a larger horde, but even so, items are only collected if they need to be used in-game. This makes way for an oft leisurely experience where your head-scratching won't dumbfound you for too long, leading to a game which smoothly flows from traditional adventure to stand-out set pieces
These notable 'action' segments are doubtlessly the games most memorable moments. Many times, Fenton and co must take on the enemy, escape from their deaths or otherwise run for their lives. Such sections are unusually intense for the genre, with a sense of danger coming from scenes where it's actually impossible to fail. Examples include throwing fireworks at Nazi's from the back of a speeding truck, or fashioning a home made bomb to throw at a tailing aircraft. The feeling of excitement is definitely genuine; the satisfaction just the same as a full-fledged action title. Other than this, various strands of originality pop up with the standard pointing and clicking. At times, more tricky riddles will give an option to set their difficulty before beginning, an interesting concept which allows the challenge to be altered by the player for individual puzzles. There are also a handful of alternative paths; usually based around dialogue choices, though unfortunately these are in scant quantity. All in all, Lost Horizon offers refreshing variation in it's puzzles and exploration, never allowing boredom to surface as you travel the world in search of it's secrets.
The aforementioned art style is, of course, the driving force of the many environments on offer throughout the game. Drawn with peerless attention to detail, these decorative visuals are often literally stunning. Indeed, the entire game is technically unblemished; character models are smooth and well animated, and the straightforward gameplay is seemingly devoid of glitches. Voice acting is also generally solid, and the wealth of sound and period music is a fitting background to it's always enlivening atmosphere.
For any adventure fan, Lost Horizon represents a winsome tribute to all things in it's genre. Though cynics may claim it's plot is cliché, it's charming characters and exciting scenarios are sure to delight any fans of the genre. It's interesting take on the point-and-click system is worth the price of admission alone, and it's thrilling aesthetics and wealth of unlockables are guaranteed to make you stay. For anyone hungry with a taste of adventure, Lost Horizon makes for a splendid journey, and comes very easy to recommend.
9/10
It's unique art style is the first thing to hit you; hand drawn backdrops merged with eye catching and meticulous particle effects. It's the perfect climate for a game which; during it's 15 hour duration, repeatedly takes you from one exotic location to the next. Variety is the name of the game here, with even early puzzles being creative and fun, such as learning the ropes whilst buried alive in an underwater coffin! Any concerns about dated gameplay will be quickly forgotten in first half-hour; the game is smooth and skilfully accessible, creating an experience which is just as convivial as it is compelling. It might not be as challenging as some adventure games, but it's pacey puzzles and wealth of ideas make it quick to engross you in it's world and characters.
Protagonist Fenton Paddock is a British smuggler living in Hong Kong in the late 1930's. Discharged from the Army, he spends his time in backstreet bars and escaping from local trouble makers. Instantly lovable, Fenton is equipped with just a sense of humour and obligatory stiff-upper-lip. Soon though, his carefree lifestyle is brought to an end by his old superior, Lord Weston, who employs him to find some British troops who disappeared in the wilds of Tibet. It's not long before Fenton's chequered past begins to surface once again; his best friend is one of those missing in action, and a girl with a grievance towards his conduct is swiftly swept up into the turmoil. Before long, she and Fenton have fled Hong Kong, and after a couple of run ins with the Nazis, touch down in a frozen Tibetan mountain. The story in the game is both enthralling and mirthful; suitably deep yet retaining a sense of that British wit you can't help but admire. Impressive twists are always unfurling, and Nazi soldiers with 'Allo Allo' accents forever try to foil your progress. It's all very fun and ultimately alluring; emitting the same kind of sense of discovery that it's cinema inspirations were famous for. When it's gallant ending is finally reached, this well crafted plot will have done far more than simply carry you from puzzle to puzzle.
Such riddles are the mainstay of any point-and-click game, and Lost Horizon of course follows suit. Most locations will be loaded with items and dotted with brain teasers to stump your progress. That said, the game is more accessible than the genre is known for; with most puzzles solvable after a quick trial and error or item combination. Backtracking is kept to a healthy minimum, with only a few mid-game scenarios requiring fetch quests or pixel hunting. Still, the simple act of exploring locations is abundant and satisfying as expected. Clicking the mouse to a nearby area will make Fenton begin to walk, while clicking on something further away triggers him into a speedy run. Position the cursor over in-game items and it will light up green if an action is available. Usually, right clicking will have Fenton examine the item (often with a blithe, sarcastic remark) whilst left clicking will pick it up. Items are stored in a standard inventory, accessed by moving to the bottom of the screen. This is, for the most part, relatively sparse; with most items you find being used in locations nearby immediately. Later on you get a larger horde, but even so, items are only collected if they need to be used in-game. This makes way for an oft leisurely experience where your head-scratching won't dumbfound you for too long, leading to a game which smoothly flows from traditional adventure to stand-out set pieces
These notable 'action' segments are doubtlessly the games most memorable moments. Many times, Fenton and co must take on the enemy, escape from their deaths or otherwise run for their lives. Such sections are unusually intense for the genre, with a sense of danger coming from scenes where it's actually impossible to fail. Examples include throwing fireworks at Nazi's from the back of a speeding truck, or fashioning a home made bomb to throw at a tailing aircraft. The feeling of excitement is definitely genuine; the satisfaction just the same as a full-fledged action title. Other than this, various strands of originality pop up with the standard pointing and clicking. At times, more tricky riddles will give an option to set their difficulty before beginning, an interesting concept which allows the challenge to be altered by the player for individual puzzles. There are also a handful of alternative paths; usually based around dialogue choices, though unfortunately these are in scant quantity. All in all, Lost Horizon offers refreshing variation in it's puzzles and exploration, never allowing boredom to surface as you travel the world in search of it's secrets.
The aforementioned art style is, of course, the driving force of the many environments on offer throughout the game. Drawn with peerless attention to detail, these decorative visuals are often literally stunning. Indeed, the entire game is technically unblemished; character models are smooth and well animated, and the straightforward gameplay is seemingly devoid of glitches. Voice acting is also generally solid, and the wealth of sound and period music is a fitting background to it's always enlivening atmosphere.
For any adventure fan, Lost Horizon represents a winsome tribute to all things in it's genre. Though cynics may claim it's plot is cliché, it's charming characters and exciting scenarios are sure to delight any fans of the genre. It's interesting take on the point-and-click system is worth the price of admission alone, and it's thrilling aesthetics and wealth of unlockables are guaranteed to make you stay. For anyone hungry with a taste of adventure, Lost Horizon makes for a splendid journey, and comes very easy to recommend.
9/10
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A map and a compass. A pair of binoculars. An untold danger laying hidden in a pit of snakes or skeletons. Such adventures have always been popular, from cinema heroes like Indiana to the console capers of Lara and Drake. Lost Horizon, the latest title from the creators of Secret Files, is no different. A love letter to adventure fans, this Broken Sword-esque point-and-click game is a clear homage to it's inspirations. It may not try to break any molds, but distinct personality and admirable polish make Lost Horizon an adventure worth taking.
It's unique art style is the first thing to hit you; hand drawn backdrops merged with eye catching and meticulous particle effects. It's the perfect climate for a game which; during it's 15 hour duration, repeatedly takes you from one exotic location to the next. Variety is the name of the game here, with even early puzzles being creative and fun, such as learning the ropes whilst buried alive in an underwater coffin! Any concerns about dated gameplay will be quickly forgotten in first half-hour; the game is smooth and skilfully accessible, creating an experience which is just as convivial as it is compelling. It might not be as challenging as some adventure games, but it's pacey puzzles and wealth of ideas make it quick to engross you in it's world and characters.
Protagonist Fenton Paddock is a British smuggler living in Hong Kong in the late 1930's. Discharged from the Army, he spends his time in backstreet bars and escaping from local trouble makers. Instantly lovable, Fenton is equipped with just a sense of humour and obligatory stiff-upper-lip. Soon though, his carefree lifestyle is brought to an end by his old superior, Lord Weston, who employs him to find some British troops who disappeared in the wilds of Tibet. It's not long before Fenton's chequered past begins to surface once again; his best friend is one of those missing in action, and a girl with a grievance towards his conduct is swiftly swept up into the turmoil. Before long, she and Fenton have fled Hong Kong, and after a couple of run ins with the Nazis, touch down in a frozen Tibetan mountain. The story in the game is both enthralling and mirthful; suitably deep yet retaining a sense of that British wit you can't help but admire. Impressive twists are always unfurling, and Nazi soldiers with 'Allo Allo' accents forever try to foil your progress. It's all very fun and ultimately alluring; emitting the same kind of sense of discovery that it's cinema inspirations were famous for. When it's gallant ending is finally reached, this well crafted plot will have done far more than simply carry you from puzzle to puzzle.
Such riddles are the mainstay of any point-and-click game, and Lost Horizon of course follows suit. Most locations will be loaded with items and dotted with brain teasers to stump your progress. That said, the game is more accessible than the genre is known for; with most puzzles solvable after a quick trial and error or item combination. Backtracking is kept to a healthy minimum, with only a few mid-game scenarios requiring fetch quests or pixel hunting. Still, the simple act of exploring locations is abundant and satisfying as expected. Clicking the mouse to a nearby area will make Fenton begin to walk, while clicking on something further away triggers him into a speedy run. Position the cursor over in-game items and it will light up green if an action is available. Usually, right clicking will have Fenton examine the item (often with a blithe, sarcastic remark) whilst left clicking will pick it up. Items are stored in a standard inventory, accessed by moving to the bottom of the screen. This is, for the most part, relatively sparse; with most items you find being used in locations nearby immediately. Later on you get a larger horde, but even so, items are only collected if they need to be used in-game. This makes way for an oft leisurely experience where your head-scratching won't dumbfound you for too long, leading to a game which smoothly flows from traditional adventure to stand-out set pieces
These notable 'action' segments are doubtlessly the games most memorable moments. Many times, Fenton and co must take on the enemy, escape from their deaths or otherwise run for their lives. Such sections are unusually intense for the genre, with a sense of danger coming from scenes where it's actually impossible to fail. Examples include throwing fireworks at Nazi's from the back of a speeding truck, or fashioning a home made bomb to throw at a tailing aircraft. The feeling of excitement is definitely genuine; the satisfaction just the same as a full-fledged action title. Other than this, various strands of originality pop up with the standard pointing and clicking. At times, more tricky riddles will give an option to set their difficulty before beginning, an interesting concept which allows the challenge to be altered by the player for individual puzzles. There are also a handful of alternative paths; usually based around dialogue choices, though unfortunately these are in scant quantity. All in all, Lost Horizon offers refreshing variation in it's puzzles and exploration, never allowing boredom to surface as you travel the world in search of it's secrets.
The aforementioned art style is, of course, the driving force of the many environments on offer throughout the game. Drawn with peerless attention to detail, these decorative visuals are often literally stunning. Indeed, the entire game is technically unblemished; character models are smooth and well animated, and the straightforward gameplay is seemingly devoid of glitches. Voice acting is also generally solid, and the wealth of sound and period music is a fitting background to it's always enlivening atmosphere.
For any adventure fan, Lost Horizon represents a winsome tribute to all things in it's genre. Though cynics may claim it's plot is cliché, it's charming characters and exciting scenarios are sure to delight any fans of the genre. It's interesting take on the point-and-click system is worth the price of admission alone, and it's thrilling aesthetics and wealth of unlockables are guaranteed to make you stay. For anyone hungry with a taste of adventure, Lost Horizon makes for a splendid journey, and comes very easy to recommend.
9/10
It's unique art style is the first thing to hit you; hand drawn backdrops merged with eye catching and meticulous particle effects. It's the perfect climate for a game which; during it's 15 hour duration, repeatedly takes you from one exotic location to the next. Variety is the name of the game here, with even early puzzles being creative and fun, such as learning the ropes whilst buried alive in an underwater coffin! Any concerns about dated gameplay will be quickly forgotten in first half-hour; the game is smooth and skilfully accessible, creating an experience which is just as convivial as it is compelling. It might not be as challenging as some adventure games, but it's pacey puzzles and wealth of ideas make it quick to engross you in it's world and characters.
Protagonist Fenton Paddock is a British smuggler living in Hong Kong in the late 1930's. Discharged from the Army, he spends his time in backstreet bars and escaping from local trouble makers. Instantly lovable, Fenton is equipped with just a sense of humour and obligatory stiff-upper-lip. Soon though, his carefree lifestyle is brought to an end by his old superior, Lord Weston, who employs him to find some British troops who disappeared in the wilds of Tibet. It's not long before Fenton's chequered past begins to surface once again; his best friend is one of those missing in action, and a girl with a grievance towards his conduct is swiftly swept up into the turmoil. Before long, she and Fenton have fled Hong Kong, and after a couple of run ins with the Nazis, touch down in a frozen Tibetan mountain. The story in the game is both enthralling and mirthful; suitably deep yet retaining a sense of that British wit you can't help but admire. Impressive twists are always unfurling, and Nazi soldiers with 'Allo Allo' accents forever try to foil your progress. It's all very fun and ultimately alluring; emitting the same kind of sense of discovery that it's cinema inspirations were famous for. When it's gallant ending is finally reached, this well crafted plot will have done far more than simply carry you from puzzle to puzzle.
Such riddles are the mainstay of any point-and-click game, and Lost Horizon of course follows suit. Most locations will be loaded with items and dotted with brain teasers to stump your progress. That said, the game is more accessible than the genre is known for; with most puzzles solvable after a quick trial and error or item combination. Backtracking is kept to a healthy minimum, with only a few mid-game scenarios requiring fetch quests or pixel hunting. Still, the simple act of exploring locations is abundant and satisfying as expected. Clicking the mouse to a nearby area will make Fenton begin to walk, while clicking on something further away triggers him into a speedy run. Position the cursor over in-game items and it will light up green if an action is available. Usually, right clicking will have Fenton examine the item (often with a blithe, sarcastic remark) whilst left clicking will pick it up. Items are stored in a standard inventory, accessed by moving to the bottom of the screen. This is, for the most part, relatively sparse; with most items you find being used in locations nearby immediately. Later on you get a larger horde, but even so, items are only collected if they need to be used in-game. This makes way for an oft leisurely experience where your head-scratching won't dumbfound you for too long, leading to a game which smoothly flows from traditional adventure to stand-out set pieces
These notable 'action' segments are doubtlessly the games most memorable moments. Many times, Fenton and co must take on the enemy, escape from their deaths or otherwise run for their lives. Such sections are unusually intense for the genre, with a sense of danger coming from scenes where it's actually impossible to fail. Examples include throwing fireworks at Nazi's from the back of a speeding truck, or fashioning a home made bomb to throw at a tailing aircraft. The feeling of excitement is definitely genuine; the satisfaction just the same as a full-fledged action title. Other than this, various strands of originality pop up with the standard pointing and clicking. At times, more tricky riddles will give an option to set their difficulty before beginning, an interesting concept which allows the challenge to be altered by the player for individual puzzles. There are also a handful of alternative paths; usually based around dialogue choices, though unfortunately these are in scant quantity. All in all, Lost Horizon offers refreshing variation in it's puzzles and exploration, never allowing boredom to surface as you travel the world in search of it's secrets.
The aforementioned art style is, of course, the driving force of the many environments on offer throughout the game. Drawn with peerless attention to detail, these decorative visuals are often literally stunning. Indeed, the entire game is technically unblemished; character models are smooth and well animated, and the straightforward gameplay is seemingly devoid of glitches. Voice acting is also generally solid, and the wealth of sound and period music is a fitting background to it's always enlivening atmosphere.
For any adventure fan, Lost Horizon represents a winsome tribute to all things in it's genre. Though cynics may claim it's plot is cliché, it's charming characters and exciting scenarios are sure to delight any fans of the genre. It's interesting take on the point-and-click system is worth the price of admission alone, and it's thrilling aesthetics and wealth of unlockables are guaranteed to make you stay. For anyone hungry with a taste of adventure, Lost Horizon makes for a splendid journey, and comes very easy to recommend.
9/10