Broken Age: Act 1

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 361 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 261 out of 361
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 361
  3. Negative: 52 out of 361

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  1. tigerskin84
    Nov 7, 2015
    10
    Amazing game great art, great voice cast and history, puzzles are good but infortunately i cant say the same of the act 2 is almost the opposite to this act, what a shame ...
  2. SlightlyOP
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    If you like a game with a good story you haven't really seen before, look no further. Broken Age is a game with a story that really had me interested throughout. And when I ended up figuring it out I was really happy. Some might say that it's short but remember this is only act 1 and act 2 comes free with this purchase (whenever act 2 comes out that is). I loved each of the characters andIf you like a game with a good story you haven't really seen before, look no further. Broken Age is a game with a story that really had me interested throughout. And when I ended up figuring it out I was really happy. Some might say that it's short but remember this is only act 1 and act 2 comes free with this purchase (whenever act 2 comes out that is). I loved each of the characters and the time I spent with them, and I would recommend this game to anybody looking for something a little different.… Expand
  3. semetaphysical
    Jul 29, 2014
    9
    This is a beautiful, artistic game. The point of the game is not really enjoy the playing, but the experience. the puzzles are too easy, but every puzzle has an implicit reflection, a meditated impression that Tim Schafer wants to print on anyone of the players. I am really waiting for the second act.
  4. ritardedartkid
    Jul 5, 2014
    8
    Gorgeous artwork, fantastic story, great dialogue/voiceover talent, and awesome music. Are the puzzles too easy? Yes. Does it matter? No, not when a game has this much personality. Looking forward to act 2!
  5. timmytime
    Jul 1, 2014
    8
    Broken Age relies on its unique art-style, modernised adventure game interface, and likeable (but still somewhat dark!) story and characters to be so great. I'm so glad this was Kickstarted. Only one Act is out so far, and it's not especially long, but that doesn't matter when the quality is as high as this game. Admittedly, I needed to use a walkthrough at a few small points (moreso toBroken Age relies on its unique art-style, modernised adventure game interface, and likeable (but still somewhat dark!) story and characters to be so great. I'm so glad this was Kickstarted. Only one Act is out so far, and it's not especially long, but that doesn't matter when the quality is as high as this game. Admittedly, I needed to use a walkthrough at a few small points (moreso to find where an item is than to solve any of the puzzles, which are all fairly reasonable).… Expand
  6. metacriticFAN
    Jun 5, 2014
    10
    [BROKEN AGE SteamPC Score 10] Adventure Gamers come forth and kneel at the altar of Tim…. O’Tim…. Hallowed be thy name…. Enjoy the Goodness of Point and Click…. and not just on Fridays but everyday until you complete Act 1…. Digital Rain hath soaked me to the bone and I smile wrapped in it’s benevolence. Add to cart { : o) >

    [I am a Backer] and this was everything I expected. O’Tim, We    [BROKEN AGE SteamPC Score 10] Adventure Gamers come forth and kneel at the altar of Tim…. O’Tim…. Hallowed be thy name…. Enjoy the Goodness of Point and Click…. and not just on Fridays but everyday until you complete Act 1…. Digital Rain hath soaked me to the bone and I smile wrapped in it’s benevolence. Add to cart { : o) >

    [I am a Backer] and this was everything I expected. O’Tim, We beseech thee to Repeat as many times as possible.

    [The Art] of Point and Click has been Elevated to Olympian status and We know that you will Advance this form to a whole new level…. What about a First Person Adventure in 3D? What about a First Person Adventure with Platforming mixed with Stealth? What about an Adventure Game with Ketchup in the Frogger Idiom? How about a Prequel visiting Black Mesa to build a Roadster with Titanium Pipes and 72 inch Back Tire? How about a University Course called Typing Hero where onscreen instructions are cued to music to teach how to type internet slang? or even a title called The Adventure Game Whisperer where wannabe programmers Intern at Double Fine and have to work their way up to the boss’ office through clues encoded in Dodecahedron Rubik’s cubes - with a new wireless controller for XBOX ONE, PS4, and PC shaped like…. (wait for it) …. a Rubik’s cube ! And then the Boss fight is a hi-res version of Grim Fandango but the puzzles are backwards…. and the first player to Finish with a Perfect Score receives an Honorary PhT (Philosophy O’Tim).

    [MyPC 2011] i7-2600K 3.4GHz / ASUS Z68 ProGen3 / 8G RAM / Radeon 6870 / W7 PRO SP1 / Samsung 275T @1920x1200 / Logitech G15 / Kensington ExpertMouse / Sennheiser HD 600

    [NowPlaying] BrokenAge [MyFavorites] [Win7] TombRaider Dishonored TheKnifeOfDunwall TheBrigmoreWitches TheDreamMachine Ep1-4 30FlightsOfLoving Fez BioshockInfinite Antichamber Stacking Metro2033 Rochard Crysis&Warhead&2 JustCause2 Rage [XP] Papo&Yo DeuxExHR&TheMissingLink DeadSpace1&2 Fallout3&NewVegas HalfLife1&2 Bordelands1&2 BatmanArkumAsylum AssassinsCreed Magicka RedFaction Portal1&2 FromDust MrRobot Sam&MaxSeasons1&2 CulpaInnata TheSecretOfMonkeyIsland DreamfallTheLongestJourney Syberia1&2 CrayonPhysicsDeluxe DefenseGridTheAwakening PlantsVsZombies Prototype Bioshock1&2 UnrealTournament3 Quake4 [360] AfroSamurai BrutalLegends [XBOX] HALO KOTOR1&2 Crackdown ArmedAndDangerous AggressiveInline BeyondGoodAndEvil DeadOrAlive1&2&3&ExtremeBeachVolleyball Psychonauts [AppleG4] FullThrottle DeusExMachina ONI ReturnToZork Suspended UnrealTournament TombRaiderSeries [Born 1964 I do not know anybody who works in the game industry ~ I just enjoy games : - ]    … Expand
  7. technophobia
    May 29, 2014
    8
    Disclaimer: I am a Kickstarter backer of this project.
    This game is not for everyone - it's a point and click adventure that is sadly a little too easy but compensates with great voice acting and wonderful art style. I wish the dialog trees were a little more fleshed out in some areas to reflect your progress in the game. Being a fan of the genre, I really liked this game and I'm    Disclaimer: I am a Kickstarter backer of this project.
    This game is not for everyone - it's a point and click adventure that is sadly a little too easy but compensates with great voice acting and wonderful art style. I wish the dialog trees were a little more fleshed out in some areas to reflect your progress in the game. Being a fan of the genre, I really liked this game and I'm looking forward to the next act.    … Expand
  8. Zoup
    Mar 22, 2014
    10
    Lovely, just lovely, pure experience of true adventure game, i wish there could be more games like this, i highly recommend this to anyone who liked Grim Fandango or Monkey Island, great job!
  9. socokid
    Feb 26, 2014
    8
    Is incredibly short. I finished it in one night, and got to bed early...

    I definitely do not feel I got $30 worth of game, YET. I am hoping the "free add on" of Act 2 "later this year" will make me feel better about this purchase. With that said, and understanding this is a story (well... two stories) being played out in game/puzzle form, this was a wonderful start. The writing, the    Is incredibly short. I finished it in one night, and got to bed early...

    I definitely do not feel I got $30 worth of game, YET. I am hoping the "free add on" of Act 2 "later this year" will make me feel better about this purchase.

    With that said, and understanding this is a story (well... two stories) being played out in game/puzzle form, this was a wonderful start. The writing, the voice acting, the visual style, the musical score for nearly all actions are just plain fun. I was like a little kid again (the story, of course, helped with this immersion). As a 40 something with kids of his own, that has been playing video games since Space Invaders, I do not regret this buy in the least. Even with how short it was, I still feel its lasting effects, and cannot wait for Act 2.

    Super fun.    … Expand
  10. ChoicestGames
    Feb 23, 2014
    9
    A sensational return to form for Tim Schafer and his Double Fine crew. Broken Age is everything you'd expect from these folks when it comes to adventure games and you could almost believe that the Golden Age of point 'n' click adventures never ended. Almost.
  11. Smissimis
    Feb 6, 2014
    9
    We really need more games like this one. It takes me back to memories of Syberia or first Monkey Islands. I hope that the act 2 will keep up with the great story that has been presented. Even if I had a doubt whethere whole crowfunding think is ok I can already thank Double Fine for filling the empty space of the adventure games that used to be just like that one :)
  12. joshxdr
    Feb 5, 2014
    8
    Broken Age act I is the first half of a point-and-click adventure game. Overall I really liked this game. It has some of the best storytelling I have seen in a video game of any genre. It also has fantastic art and voice acting. The music and sounds also are very impressive. The overall production values of the game are top notch. The only drawback for me was the difficulty level. It was aBroken Age act I is the first half of a point-and-click adventure game. Overall I really liked this game. It has some of the best storytelling I have seen in a video game of any genre. It also has fantastic art and voice acting. The music and sounds also are very impressive. The overall production values of the game are top notch. The only drawback for me was the difficulty level. It was a little too easy, especially the Shay half of the game. This may be partly because I have played a lot of adventure games, so I have come to expect a certain difficulty level. I think this is a good adventure game for experienced player, and an excellent game for players who are new to the point-and-click adventure genre.… Expand
  13. HOLM814
    Feb 3, 2014
    10
    Great art style and humor, truly feels like a Tim Schafer game. The puzzles are a little bit on the easy side, but still very much enjoyable. If you like adventure games you should play this.
  14. TheVineGuy
    Feb 3, 2014
    10
    First of all, i like this kind of games. second i really like voice acting, art style, scene... and much more this is what a so called game should be and i'm proud of it. Thanks Double Fine for this fantastic experience. Cheers for the next act.
  15. eje211
    Feb 1, 2014
    10
    This is not identical to the 90s adventure games. It's work of gentler, more mature author. The whole storytelling and aesthetic is obviously meant to be for all audiences, including children while sneaking in more complex issues such as social norms and the difficulties of parenting. It also plays very gently with its art: one half of the game seems to been drawn in crayon the otherThis is not identical to the 90s adventure games. It's work of gentler, more mature author. The whole storytelling and aesthetic is obviously meant to be for all audiences, including children while sneaking in more complex issues such as social norms and the difficulties of parenting. It also plays very gently with its art: one half of the game seems to been drawn in crayon the other animated by shiny puppets. The gameplay is simplified. It reduces the length and to some extend the depth of the gameplay, but also the frustration associated with it. It's different than SCUMM but in some ways more adapted to the current times.

    But what is really compelling is the two main characters and their motivations. Unlike in most games or event most stories they have very abstract goals. Their conflict is more about self-actualization and less about solving an external problem. This is a take that is perfectly well suited to the adventure game genre. The story constantly leaves the player in a state of thinking "I'm not sure where this is going, but I want to find out. Just a bit more."

    The main draw, though, is how the game is split between two storylines. The idea is that if a player is stuck in one, they can move to the other for a change of scenery. But how are those two characters related? When will they meet? How? Why? Is it even possible for them to meet?

    This is only the first half of Broken Age. It seemed unfortunately obvious that it would end either on too big a reveal or too blunt and ending. It turns out that the cliffhanger is worth the entire game. We find out a lot, but are left with even more questions.

    My personal hope is that Broken Age turns out to be sufficiently financially rewarding for the genre of adventure games to come back as a legitimate category in gaming.    … Expand
  16. AuldWolf
    Feb 1, 2014
    10
    Broken Age is lovely, that's all there is to it.

    It's not going to be appreciated by everyone because it has an old romantic's soul, it's clinging to the essence of wonderment and not letting go. Some of the best games I've ever played feel like walking through the garden of another's imagination, and Broken Age is just like that. It's never overwhelmingly strange, but it has certain    Broken Age is lovely, that's all there is to it.

    It's not going to be appreciated by everyone because it has an old romantic's soul, it's clinging to the essence of wonderment and not letting go. Some of the best games I've ever played feel like walking through the garden of another's imagination, and Broken Age is just like that. It's never overwhelmingly strange, but it has certain qualities of novelty that make it exciting to explore. It wants to show you things that could only exist within the realm of the fantastic, it draws a line between itself and the mundane.

    It does this in a way that's humble and utterly charming, avoiding the haughty pretensions that it's so easy to fall prey to when creating such a truly fantastic game. It never blows its own horn, it never brags, and it never explicitly tries to fly over your head (though some of the jokes may be too subtle for a low-brow audience). It just wants to show you things, these bizarre worlds, this story laden with intrigue, and it wants you to wonder. It wants you to remember what it's like to have wonder.

    It's a game for the Peter Pan in all of us.

    I just felt so inspired by it as I finished it and I was compelled to write. I would have been happy if Act I was the ending of the game and the rest had been left up to the imagination of the player. Yes, there's another act to come to explain the rest of the storyline, but the way the game plays with an twists reality... I just wanted to figure out my own answers to what was going on.

    For the record, I think it's a coming of age ceremony for the boy, which has gone horribly wrong because reasons. I won't spoil it, though. I'll let you arrive at your own questions and answers.

    This is the kind of game it is, it makes you want to talk about it, write about it.

    You'll involve your friends and drill them for their opinions.

    Part of the magic of Broken Age is that you'll always completely understand what's going on on the surface, and then you'll realise that there was a mystery brewing that you weren't aware of, and then you don't understand what's going on. It reminds me of the best episodes of sci-fi shows, where when they end you'll call a friend and talk to them about the plot points, and try to figure out where they're going with it next. I wouldn't be surprised if Broken Age creates so, so much fan-fiction.

    It's not going to be for everyone. It's perhaps a game for creative introverts.

    You'll have adventure game fans who only looked at the mechanical aspects -- they claimed to enjoy those games for the puzzles. I don't understand that, because that was the worst part about those games. The puzzles were always so illogical, and the pixel-hunting? Good grief. The best part for me about those old games was stepping into a world that was so refreshingly different, one that varied between the fantastic and the impossible. These games would be funny, and occasionally even thought-provoking, and they were always showing me new things. I wanted to solve those annoying, illogical puzzles just to see what was down the road.

    Broken Age is more straightforward with its puzzles, but only because the puzzles are logical, and there's no hunting for an pixel-wide item or interaction point in a noisy background. That's the sort of thing that killed off adventure game -- it's just not fun.

    Broken Age doesn't have those frustrations, but I guess some people want them?

    I don't understand those people, I'm not one of them. I adore Broken Age for what it is. It's going to remain in my memory for a long, long time. It's going to be one of those games I'll keep pulling out decades from now to play through it again, just to remember.

    Just to remember how fantastic games could be, when imagination isn't restricted.    … Expand
  17. meldoran
    Feb 1, 2014
    8
    Nice story, I look forward to the next chapter. Great voices, especially the computer/mother. Puzzles a bit 'too easy, it seems to play the easy version of "Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge" Unfortunately, in this game, you can not choose to play the full version with all the puzzles as they did in Monkey Island 2.
  18. Sarcan
    Jan 30, 2014
    8
    Bon jeu mais on se retrouve parfois bloquer soyer sur de tous regarder !
    Sinon super jeu graphisme magnifique super embiance et surtout super sous-titre en francais des vrai pas du google traduction !!
  19. Gnomey
    Jan 30, 2014
    10
    It's not just that Broken Age's visuals and art-style redefine the way adventures should look. It's not about the easy yet enjoyable puzzles and the quality of the acting. It's about a wonderful setting and some of the sharpest writing since the latest game by Jonas Kyratzes.
  20. Pannox
    Jan 30, 2014
    9
    Broken Age was promissing us a reborn of point and click game, but did it really do it? Let's see.

    Personally, I'm a big fan of adventure games, and so I know to make a good P&C game, you need a good story and intelligent puzzles. The story starts very easy, with 2 different characters: Vella, a teenager girl, had the honor of being chosen to be sacrificed to a big monster, that each    Broken Age was promissing us a reborn of point and click game, but did it really do it? Let's see.

    Personally, I'm a big fan of adventure games, and so I know to make a good P&C game, you need a good story and intelligent puzzles.

    The story starts very easy, with 2 different characters: Vella, a teenager girl, had the honor of being chosen to be sacrificed to a big monster, that each year, will eat chosen girls and save the village. It's a great honor, but strangely, Vella doesen't want to be sacrificed, she rather prefer to kill this monster.

    In the other side, we have Shay, a teenager guy who always lived into a mother-spaceship that takes care of him like a little child. But he gets tired of child-play, so, by finding a misterious character, he will make everything to take control of the spaceship.

    The puzzles aren't so much hard for most of the time, sure, they don't give you a lot of hints, and most of all, you have to search for items, with no helps of where to click like in the recent Telltale games (they are still great tho'). I still had lot of fun solving them, and feeling of feedback by completing them.

    The dialogues are perfect and immersive, really fun to listen and always with an enjoyable voices. After all, we're dealing with Jack Black and Elijah Wood right here.

    The soundtrack it's godly, I really love it. Same for the art style, it's something new and refreshing.

    The only complaint by me it's the duration of the game itself. It took me only 4 hour to finish it, and I know it's just act 1, but I guess act 2 will be the same 4 hours, so 8 hours of gameplay in all. And usually took me more then 20 hours even to complete some recent adventure games like Black Mirror.

    Get this game, 20$ it's a fair price. Support those video game developer, they need to make more games like those.    … Expand
  21. Noviere
    Jan 30, 2014
    8
    As a point and click adventure, Broken Age will get mixed reviews depending on who you ask. The story is very enjoyable, with two playable characters each with their own set of unique areas to inhabit. The puzzles tend to err on the easy side, though I say this as someone who has been playing point and click adventures for 20 years... On the forums, there are plenty of people gettingAs a point and click adventure, Broken Age will get mixed reviews depending on who you ask. The story is very enjoyable, with two playable characters each with their own set of unique areas to inhabit. The puzzles tend to err on the easy side, though I say this as someone who has been playing point and click adventures for 20 years... On the forums, there are plenty of people getting stuck.

    It took me just under 4 hours to complete Act 1. Assuming that Act 2 will be a similar length, it's safe to say that it is on par with most games of the genre. The puzzle difficulty will obviously be a factor in this, as well as how much time you spend just soaking it all in, and examining every thing.

    From an artistic stand point, Broken Age is truly amazing. The art style they used is charming, and utterly unique. The voice acting is spot on as well, with cast of truly talented individuals. The music ties it all together... The cherry on top of a gorgeous sundae.    … Expand
  22. lyulyok
    Jan 29, 2014
    10
    Not many games these days attract my attention for very long. Sure there are fancy graphics, immersive gameplay and even sometimes compelling stories. But they all seem to me somewhat artificial. I can no longer suspend my disbelief and get immersed in most game’s story. Not so with Broken Age. The authenticity of artwork, music and animation, the well polished game engine, and theNot many games these days attract my attention for very long. Sure there are fancy graphics, immersive gameplay and even sometimes compelling stories. But they all seem to me somewhat artificial. I can no longer suspend my disbelief and get immersed in most game’s story. Not so with Broken Age. The authenticity of artwork, music and animation, the well polished game engine, and the uncompromising vision of the game’s creator, Tim Shafer, all of these things have blended together to create a truly remarkable and pretty unforgettable gaming experience. Sure, Act 1 was a tad short, and the puzzles sometimes relatively easy. But there is more to come, and I cannot wait!… Expand
  23. Just1nsane
    Jan 29, 2014
    9
    The art works is amazing the music is amazing. The story line is very well done. The voice acting is also very well done. The game play is meh ok, only big problems there is that its kinda easy, you also dont want the game to end and since its a 2 part game you kind of leave wanting more. It worth the 25 bucks on steam.
  24. tofupera
    Jan 29, 2014
    10
    Wonderful return of the genre! A beautiful way to spend two evenings! You play through a beautiful world (two worlds, actually!) accompanied by beautiful music an stunning voice acting. The game is full of atmosphere. Play it with your friends! Play it with your wife! Play it with your husband! Play it with your kids!
  25. monkeysonarope
    Jan 29, 2014
    9
    Fantastic game that is a great first experience to adventure games or a welcome return for fans. The first act definitely teases how awesome the second act will be and is a ton of fun to play through. The worlds and art is incredible and unique. The score is on par with films and very well done. Loved the game and can't wait till act 2!
  26. hoagie1014
    Jan 29, 2014
    9
    Amazing game with great game play. Most of the puzzles are a little on the simple side. Some do take longer then others but non of them to the point where you feel overly proud of yourself for figuring out. The story is definitely what takes the cake. The ending leaves you on edge in wanting the rest of the game so badly. Good job Tim and the DF group!
  27. akarnokd
    Jan 29, 2014
    8
    The most cute and adorable point&click adventure game I ever played. Graphics, voice acting and animation is excellent. Good humor, relatively easy puzzles, I got stuck only at one place. The story is interesting. I'll revise my score once Act 2 is out. Definitely worth playing it. (Disclaimer: I'm a backer.)
  28. marpieters84
    Jan 29, 2014
    9
    After playing Broken Age for ten hours (finished two times) I can easily say that Act 1 is a masterpiece of art.

    The game sets new standards for the visual presentation of adventure games. There are animations all over the screen, like tons of birds in the cloud colony. The cutscenes look fantastic and the overall musical score is monumental. All supported by brilliant voice acting    After playing Broken Age for ten hours (finished two times) I can easily say that Act 1 is a masterpiece of art.

    The game sets new standards for the visual presentation of adventure games. There are animations all over the screen, like tons of birds in the cloud colony. The cutscenes look fantastic and the overall musical score is monumental.
    All supported by brilliant voice acting done by e.g. Jennifer Hale, Eliah Wood and Jack Black.

    The two stories (Vella & Shay) seem to stand for themselves but lead to a masterfully written and stunning cliffhanger; keep in mind: Act II will be for free later this year.

    The puzzles in Act 1 are pretty easy, though Tim Schafer (designer and writer of the game) already stated Act II will be harder. This reminds me a lot of Full Throttle (another Tim Schafer game) where the first half was also not very hard to master, but the second became a great challange.

    I hope Double Fine can live up to the promise, because we would have a great balanced finished game in the end.

    But as far as I can tell this is the best piece of adventure I have seen in a long time so far. The loveable, weird characters and the very interesting story of two teenagers trying to grow out of their surroundings make this a special treat for me.

    This is (will be) a game that not everyone will be into; It's like it is with all art after all. But if you love a good story being told, well...

    the first half is absolutely worth it, already!    … Expand
  29. MrOgilvie
    Jan 29, 2014
    10
    Broken Age delivers what every adventure gamer wants, right down to collectable "Chum".
    Delivering a beautiful game both nostalgic and accessible to modern or young gamers.
    Such exploration. Much point and click. Wow.
  30. badirontree
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    Need act 2 after the epic [REDACTED] and the [REDACTED] blow my [REDACTED]... The game start a little to easy, and the boy part is a little short (because of story) ...
    But is Great....
    I guess over the last 20+ years i got used hard adventures... well i am not 12 any more :P
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Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best PC Game of 2014
69
#69 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 64 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 64
  3. Negative: 0 out of 64
  1. RPG Fan
    Apr 14, 2014
    90
    A game that will resonate with you and make you nostalgic for something that you might not even remember forgetting.
    Read full review
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Apr 7, 2014
    80
    We expected Tim Schafer to deliver the unique and we weren't wrong. Broken Age stands on the threshold of a classic adventure and a tablet game while retaining a lot of soul. [Issue #239]
  3. Hyper Magazine
    Mar 9, 2014
    70
    Well written and charming but Broken Age plays it too safe to be particularly memorable. [Apr 2014, p.67]
See all critic reviews »