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Nostradamus: The Last Prophecy
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5/5 |
Nostradamus
(September 28, 2008) |
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Nostradamus : the last prophecy
This is a first person traditional point-and-click adventure with a historical detective bent. You play as Madeleine, Nostradamus' daughter (appearing as yourself or disguised as your brother).
The queen visits Nostradamus to ask for help to solve and stop a series of murders afflicting those around the royal household. Since Nostradamus is too frail and his son is away then Madeleine is sent in disguise as his son. Briefly, a number of murders crop up and are investigated by the player.
The game installed fine and did not need the disk in the drive during play. The controls worked well, all mouse-driven. No bugs were encountered under XP on a older computer. There are an infinite number of save slots, labelled with the time and date of each save along with a thumbnail picture of each save. Graphics are detailed and colourful as befitting a French small town in the 1500's. Voice acting was well done. Lip synching a bit off, but not abysmally so. Movement was responsive. Questioning characters in game is to be expected, but I would not say the game is conversation heavy.
Puzzles were inventory based (easy) or logic based (medium difficulty). There is one timed sequence at the end of the game which has multiple parts. It is impossible to complete this at first attempt. Fortunately the developers ensured that saving can be done during this sequence. Take my tip, note the relevant settings, replay and save after each part to conserve time and patience. During the game it is wise to inspect the diary and all objects in or out of inventory very closely. Several actions, not including combining objects, need to be taken within both in order to complete the game. This is a refreshing change from most adventure games. The diary also has a list of tasks required to be completed during each day, so you always know what is expected of you during play. Tasks are crossed off the list as they are completed.
Cut scenes were well done.
There was one give away when the diary, which is important during the game, listed a task before the object and place in the note had been discovered. A minor point.
The story held interest all the way until the end. On reflection, there were a couple of loose ends and perhaps a couple of anachronisms. I guess the developers went for a good gaming experience at the expense of absolute historical accuracy.
The game has a points system, something which adds replay value to achieve the maximum score. Expect roughly 18 hours play, maybe shorter if you cotton on quicker then me.
I enjoyed this game. I did not need a hint or walkthrough at all. I recommend it.
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5/5 |
Well worth the purchase.
(September 17, 2008) |
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Lots of brain training puzzles, stunning graphics and a gripping plot unfolding. Unlike a lot of games where a very quick point and click solves a problem, this game makes you reach for books, online resources (not walkthroughs but historical resources!) to give yourself a wee bit of education to solve one or two problems you encounter. Thats a big difference compared to most point and click sagas.
At one point I even had to rack my memory about balancing mathematical equations to make one puzzle work (substitution of one amount for two others-don't worry its not higher maths). Attention level to fine details needs to be focused on this game though or you could end up frustrated.
All the puzzles can be completed with effort so don't give in and look for a cheat, it isn't always straight forward and that is the plus point-making you really think. I nearly gave up on several parts but I made myself soldier on with eventual success. This game is very suitable for all ages, male or female especially those interested in the constellations and history of the subject.
You can also do some virtual jam making whilst having a ponderº
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