Set in a “Sci-fi noir” apartment, you start the game confronted with a desk, computer, and a hexagon shaped ring. The ring is dropped into a slot which gives you a couple of riddles and sets out the aim for the gameplay.
Ever since the Vive was launched just under a year ago, the market has been flooded with these “Escape the Room” themed games. Being set tasks and puzzles to try and figure out where the end is in almost every possible location; whether it be outer space, haunted mansions, hospitals, and even Egyptian pyramids. A shopping mall may be the only one that I haven’t seen in these types of games. This trend can make it overwhelming when it comes to picking up a new title.
So, let’s get down to it. What makes a good puzzle game stand out from the rest?
I personally like having my wits tested, rather than just being scared to death from (often times) cheap jump scares. The game should flow well, without the ability to accidentally or intentionally skip key elements. It’s nice to have something quirky about the game that forces me to think outside the box, and give the brain a good work out!
A two man development team called “Overflow” is behind the VR title, “Abode”. Based in Sweden, these guys have made something a little special from the rest in the puzzle market, and with promises of more games to come, you would be wise to keep an eye on this dynamic duo.
Set in a “Sci-fi noir” apartment, as the developers have described it, you start the game confronted with a desk, computer, and a hexagon shaped ring. The ring is dropped into a slot which gives you a couple of riddles and sets out the aim for the gameplay.
Using the touch pad, the player teleports around the room. Looking for clues, and solving increasingly difficult puzzles, while searching for more of these hexagon rings, combination numbers to unlock safes, and even a mysterious drone to help you escape from this apartment.
Some of these puzzles require a combination of clues to move on to the next. The main exit code is made up of nine individual puzzle rewards. Plus you can also pick up 8 Steam achievement rewards if you know where to look.
Just about everything in the room is interact-able. Picking up and throwing things around can help you along the path to freedom, which makes this game that bit special.
Originally an early access release became a full game in December 2016, I found this game to be really well polished, with crisp, clean graphics. It can possibly be a little too dark in some places, but one could argue that it helps add to the atmosphere and tone that has been set. I didn’t experience any bugs during my play-through, but I did note that if a bug is reported that the team is quick to respond, and works quickly on sending out an update patch. Seeing developers react quickly (if it all!) to feedback, is a breath of fresh air.
Time-wise, if you are a puzzle genius, you can safely get 45 minutes of gameplay from this game, unlike me, who had completed it in just under 1hr 15mins. So, not the longest of games, but the quality really makes up for the length. Unlike many games on the VR market, the price is very reasonable for what is being offered here, so it won’t break the bank and leave you regretting your purchase.
Something that really grabbed me was the ending. I cannot say anymore, in fear of spoiling it for anyone, but I don’t think I have ever played a game with an ending just so different and imaginative.
Overall, I consider this as a “must have” game for your collection.
We’re having a contest this week and 4 lucky people will win a copy of FREE “Abode” Game on Steam. You can join the contest from here.
Official Trailer:
Steam Store Link:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/548340/
Title: Abode
Genre: Indie
Developer: Overflow
Publisher: Overflow
Release Date: 1 Nov, 2016
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
VR Headset: HTC Vive
OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
Processor: Intel® i5-4590, AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 780, AMD Radeon™ R9 290 equivalent or better, Video Output: HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 or newer
Storage: 250 MB available space
Additional Notes: 1x USB 2.0 or better port also required
