Review: Blackwell Deception

Today, Wadjet Eye Games has released its newest game, which happens to be the franchise that Dave Gilbert himself, is to blame for.


-INTERFACE

The changes towards some directions that Dave Gilbert has made, only feel natural and correct. The mouse cursor changing color to indicate which character you are controlling, is just one sprite, but really works magnificent. The control interface is basically the same, and takes zero time to get adjusted to - and if problems arise, Dave has integrated a tutorial so neatly in the start of the game. I am really impressed by how easily and naturally issues, that would bug you in the previous games, have been solved here.

With that said, I found the menus a bit generic to be frank. Perhaps I am nitpicking, but they felt a bit uninspired, graphically. I am quite possibly nagging for nothing.

-GRAPHICS

Hiring InCreator and Ben304, is probably the greatest team-up you could come up with. The background art and related animation, is definitely fantastic, and really raises the bar. A mix between 3D and 2D, really shows attention to detail, and makes every background worth it. About the character art, what can be said about Ben Chandler, that has not be said before? The animations are extremely fluid and retro-like, and there's a lot of diversity in terms of character designs. Initially one can rush to the conclusion that the character art and the background art, don't match, but I feel they give a graphical boost to the series that was perhaps needed.

-STORY

Well, I don't want to spoil much, in fact I'd rather not say anything, but since I am forced to, by Scottish supermen, I have to say that the story is definitely bloody brilliant. It's probably like watching a nice movie, it kind of stays with you for a bit after it's over. I think also a sequel is due. The conversations between Rosa and Joey are still fantastic, and perhaps even more amusing this time.

The best thing about this game is that it plays like a standalone game. You don't have to play the rest first, though that would be nice. And unless I am mistaken Wadjet Eye Games offers all the Blackwell games in a DVD.


-EXTRAS

The music and voice work are still top notch, with the voice work feeling more natural than it did for Gemini Rue. It probably has to do with the fact that the team has been stabilizing a bit, but regardless this has to be noted. I also found the best part of the game to be the Developer Commentary. Unlike Gemini Rue where frankly I hated it's implementation, here, in Blackwell, it's simply fantastic.


-INFO

The official Wadjet Eye Games, Blackwell Deception page.
A demo straight from the AGS Database
The Blackwell Deception topic, at the AGS Forums

The game is available for $14.99 (download) or $24.99 (limited edition DVD version). Note that the DVD will only be offered through this Sunday, October 16.



-CONCLUSION

Blackwell Deception, the fourth installment on the series, has just one flaw for me. It leaves you begging for a sequel. The game is certainly the best of the series, hands down.


-NOT LIKING THIS REVIEW:

You can always read the same opinion, expressed in a more coherent and verbally correct way.
So, here's two of them.

-Adventure Gamers-
-Gnome's Lair-

TOP TEN: BEST AGS GAMES

For more top 10s, see Celebrity AGSers Top Games and Top 10 game series

Overview:

This is a personal opinion list, if you don't like the games in the list, or feel a game is missing, don't judge us. I'd very much like to include them all, but that's not doable. Also there's only one game per franchise. Anyway, enjoy!!

10. Permanent Daylight

Not sure if it's remembered by many AGS members, but this got me into playing AGS games. A very short game, but without lacking anything in fun and humor. And totally one of the most memorable introductions. 2ma2, I wholeheartedly thank you!

Imagine a plot that's been used so much it always is considered a parody nowadays.. It's a mad scientist who's detroying the world! It feautures Dieter Kartoffelbrei as the hero, Dr. Really Really Evil Ed as the mad scientist and an amount of other characters which will mock you on your quest.

9. Ben Jordan PI: Case 3 - The Sorceress of Smailholm

When Grundislav made Ben Jordan 1 and 2, nobody cared. Then came Case 3, what fans of the series confirm to be the best game of an amazing series.

The tiny Scottish village of Smailholm has seen better days. Two local children have been murdered, and the villagers suspect it's the work of witches. Ben Jordan is called upon to get to the bottom of this mystery, but he may soon find himself in over his head..."

Winner of 3 AGS Awards.

8. Infinity String

The sheer beauty of the graphics, makes this an amazing accomplishment. And a very sci-fi like scenario, enhanged with horror and mystery sections, really make this game by Sector 13 a must. Just wait till the main menu comes. You'll be crying from beauty.

Your name is Yerik Elnar. You are scientist working for United States. In late 2009 a ruins were found in Antartica by Russian explorers. A year later a complete research base was built to study the findings. Team consisted of 7 russians, 5 americans and 2 germans. 1 year later USA send you as an additional help. You arrive with the helicopter. But strange things begin to happen...

Winner of 1 AGS Award.

7. Apprentice Case 1: Deluxe

And here comes Apprentice Case 1: Deluxe. Widely considered as the most professional game in the AGS database, is indeed a Herculean effort to create a masterpiece and then outdo yourself twice. One by improving and adding more content, and secondly by making a better and/or equal sequel.
Finally, you can experience the Willowbean world with full voice. And in French or German. The deluxe version also features improved graphics, a totally redone soundtrack, and several bug fixes.

Winner of 1 AGS Award.

6. Nelly Cootalot: Spoonbeaks Ahoy

And here comes Nelly. No introduction is required.

Nelly Cootalot, fearsome pirate and lover of tiny and adorable creatures, is charged by the spirit of a dead buccaneer to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fleet of birds known as spoonbeaks. Her adventure will bring her face to face with the nefarious Baron Widebeard as she uncovers corruption and wanton punning in the Barony of Meeth. This is my first complete AGS game. It is around medium length, and should take a few hours to play. I made it for, and about, my girlfriend. She enjoyed it and I hope you will too!

Winner of 5 AGS Awards.

5. Barn Runner: Forever Friday Part 2

And on place number 5, comes a personal favorite. I will pity you and not repeat myself. This is totally the best of the series and the most enjoyable. Ponch, PART 3 PLX.

The madness of the "Big Crazy" is tearing through Arc 19 and everyone is giving cannibalism a try! Detective Prick Peckard and Inspector Harry Sach must team up to save the city from itself. Track down multiple suspects and question each of them to learn if they played a part in bringing chaos to the streets of Arc 19: Evansville. Along the way, they'll contend with bargain hunting looters, blood thirsty robots, and the dim witted minions of an evil cult bent on destruction. But they'll have to move quickly. Time is unexpectedly running out in a city where the clocks stood still for twelve years. Can you get to the bottom of this mystery before all hope is lost? Question suspects! Shoot bad guys! Ignore traffic laws! Annoy the elderly! Use pop music in brutal ways!

Winner of my heart ^__^.

4. Cedric and Revolution

ELVES + REVOLUTION + CUTENESS. EPIC WIN.

Follow the adventure of Cedric and Victor as they try to get a demonstration up and running. It's not as easy as it sounds and they end up doing something completely different, but hey, at least they tried, eh? CatR is a fairly short and easygoing adventure.


Winner of 2 AGS Awards.

3. Shifter's Box - Outside In

When Ben started his releasing spree, with each and every game, everyone in the forums thought that the room for improvement was matched. Then Shifter's Box, came, and personally blew my mind. Still a favorite and sorry I keep saying that. But point stays :D
Sally is taking a walk outside one fine day when she comes across a strange box. Curious as to who would leave such a strange box lying around, she opens it - only to find herself in a very strange place indeed. Help Sally uncover the true nature of the box and find her way home!

Winner of 2 AGS Awards.

2. Trilby's Notes

Well, from all the games that Yahtzee himself, this is hands-down the best. Chzo is totally the most badass villain in the whole AGS database, and not restricted there. The game has an amazing interface, nice graphics, amazing plot, amazing music, what more can a man ask for?!!

Four years ago I was involved in the DeFoe Manor Incident. I and four other individuals were trapped inside a manor house by some kind of supernatural intelligence; a dark wraith with murder on its mind, the ghost of the original owner's youngest son. I was trapped inside DeFoe Manor for five days. I was forced to do something I can never forgive myself for. Possessed I may have been, but I was still watching through my eyes a man dying at my hands...

Winner of 4 AGS Awards.

1. Technobabylon: Part 2

Yeah, yeah, whine as much as you want. This is the best AGS game of all time. I don't believe any game has marked me and left me so envious of its plot like part 2 has. The way it unfolds is amazing and everything just pales in comparison.

"What is this, national suicide week?"

A young woman contemplates her end. A terror from the past comes to take its revenge. A police scientist finds himself blackmailed with the lives of the unborn children of his dead wife.

Forced to carry out the will of an anonymous voice on the interlinks, Dr Charlie Regis must try to perform both his official role as public servant, and the role that his antagonist has set for him. How long can he keep this conflict hidden from his friend and partner, Dr Lao? And more importantly, can he save the most important remaining part of his lost love?

Welcome to the future...
Welcome to Technobabylon