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. 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
  2. Dasor
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    The music, the story and the ending scene are enough to make this game a "Must-Have" for people who love adventure games. And this is only the part 1, part 2 is going to be amazing.
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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 ...
  7. 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
  8. prmcoelho
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    From the art style to the music to the voice acting, Broken Age proves to be a solid game with a lot of personality on its own. The fine humor on the dialogues make for an unique experience, from start to finish.

    Puzzles are logical, so an experienced adventure gamer won't be stuck so easily. Some people will find it too easy, some people will get stuck on one or two of them, but will    From the art style to the music to the voice acting, Broken Age proves to be a solid game with a lot of personality on its own. The fine humor on the dialogues make for an unique experience, from start to finish.

    Puzzles are logical, so an experienced adventure gamer won't be stuck so easily. Some people will find it too easy, some people will get stuck on one or two of them, but will quickly find the answer, for sure.

    The interface is simple yet elegant. Based on a touch screen UX, it does not do any favor to PC gamers. Dragging and dropping items is not exactly the best solution for mouse support, but it is not a deal breaker at all.

    At some point later on the game you will realize that you are looking to a classic point and click, witch a beautiful landscape, some backtrack action and amazing character personalities. I played this game with a smile on my face from the beginning to the end (4 hours long), and one cannot ignore this.

    It is not Tim Schafer's masterpiece (yet), but its characters and the story makes this one of the best out there.    … Expand
  9. HoboNinja
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    If you like point n' click adventures I can highly recommend this game.

    Some old school fans have some qualms, a lot are complaining that it is too easy, which it's not super hard I guess sure, but I personally thought some of the frustratingly difficult hair pulling puzzles of 90's games were effing annoying and not at all conducive to a fun gaming experience, I will say I think they    If you like point n' click adventures I can highly recommend this game.

    Some old school fans have some qualms, a lot are complaining that it is too easy, which it's not super hard I guess sure, but I personally thought some of the frustratingly difficult hair pulling puzzles of 90's games were effing annoying and not at all conducive to a fun gaming experience, I will say I think they are harder than the Telltale games (Which isn't saying much because those are really aimed at being super easy to bring in the broadest audience). It is short, only around 4 hours, but this is just the first half, the second should be released sometime later this year.

    But while short, it's a coherent, fun, engrossing story with characters that you really connect to and love even in the few hours you are with them.

    The voice acting is incredible and done by an all star cast and the score is magnificent, and the score is fantastic, I didn't really know about Peter McConnell before but I am definitely going to watch his work more closely after this.    … Expand
  10. WavingPeople
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    Absolutely fantastic: the art is mesmerizing, the soundtrack is phenomenal and the story is intriguing. All-in-all an amazing, amazing game. Congratulations to the Double Fine team!
  11. robelopo
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    Double Fine have a way of creating games full of heart and soul and this is definitely no exception. Broken age is a joy to play and I found myself totally engrossed in the experience and the world Tim Schafer and crew have created.

    The voice acting is top notch, and the world created oozes charm. Yes, some characters may not be 100% evolved, and I wish it could have gone on for longer    Double Fine have a way of creating games full of heart and soul and this is definitely no exception. Broken age is a joy to play and I found myself totally engrossed in the experience and the world Tim Schafer and crew have created.

    The voice acting is top notch, and the world created oozes charm. Yes, some characters may not be 100% evolved, and I wish it could have gone on for longer than the 4-5hrs I spent playing. These drawbacks however are only minimal and I would gladly back this game again in a heartbeat.

    If you're looking for a charming game filled with great writing, gorgeous art style and impeccable presentation, look no further. You're in for a treat.    … Expand
  12. munzelstilzchen
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    It's a marvelous trip down memory lane, when adventure games were still thriving... I hope this is a financial success so it reignites the whole genre! We need more adventures! More Monkey Island! On that note, Act 1 alone is a bit short and for experienced gamers through in 3 hours. But there's Act 2 coming soon, and everyone who buys Act 1 now gets Act 2 for free! My highest, warmestIt's a marvelous trip down memory lane, when adventure games were still thriving... I hope this is a financial success so it reignites the whole genre! We need more adventures! More Monkey Island! On that note, Act 1 alone is a bit short and for experienced gamers through in 3 hours. But there's Act 2 coming soon, and everyone who buys Act 1 now gets Act 2 for free! My highest, warmest recommendations for this game, and may the genre be revived.… Expand
  13. olucho
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    Broken Age has enchanted me over the past few days as I've become immersed in the rich atmosphere, the thought-provoking story full of epic symbolisms, and the charming and humorous characters. Many have commented on the hand-painted 2.5D animation, and it is indeed stunningly gorgeous, but not many have taken note of something else just as responsible for the beauty of the game: theBroken Age has enchanted me over the past few days as I've become immersed in the rich atmosphere, the thought-provoking story full of epic symbolisms, and the charming and humorous characters. Many have commented on the hand-painted 2.5D animation, and it is indeed stunningly gorgeous, but not many have taken note of something else just as responsible for the beauty of the game: the score. Peter McConnell has created something truly remarkable, a musical weaving of two parallel worlds into one cohesive theme, lacing it with pitch-perfect emotion, wonder, mystery, and soul. The story itself can be seen as a commentary on many aspects of our current world (blind fanaticism on one side, excessive consumerism on the other), and recalls ancient mythology about beasts, human sacrifice, and humanity's search for meaning - all seen through the eyes of youth. It's a thought-provoking adventure for any age, and should be particularly suited to play on an iPad (once it comes out on iOS), and on a retina display it should look fantastic. Tim Schafer and the Double Fine team have managed to rejuvenate the adventure game genre with a fresh and exciting new face, with what is sure to be one of the best games of recent years. I'm relishing Act 1 several times over, and eagerly anticipating the next installment.… Expand
  14. daveisdynamic
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    Broken Age (a.k.a., the Double Fine Adventure) just cemented how much I miss adventure games. After years of FPS and RTS (and years of not playing much of anything), playing Broken Age was a breath of fresh air -- the story is great (nicely done Mr. Schafer), the art and effects are the best I have seen in this genera, and the animation and controls feel like I remember (though part of meBroken Age (a.k.a., the Double Fine Adventure) just cemented how much I miss adventure games. After years of FPS and RTS (and years of not playing much of anything), playing Broken Age was a breath of fresh air -- the story is great (nicely done Mr. Schafer), the art and effects are the best I have seen in this genera, and the animation and controls feel like I remember (though part of me misses the old talk/use/put control options and the often funny dialog that came from them, these new controls will work much better on tablets). My only downside is that the puzzles were easier than I hoped, which moved me through areas too quickly to enjoy the work that went into them -- I'm confident Act II will beef up the complexity.… Expand
  15. pshipman7
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    Absolutely beautiful game. Amazing art and voice acting with a fantastic story. My only complaint would be the simplicity of the puzzles, experienced adventure gamers may find it some what easy, however Act 2 (which comes free with act 1) will build upon the tempo of act 1 and include much more difficult puzzles. I highly recommend this game due to the great immersion and intriguing andAbsolutely beautiful game. Amazing art and voice acting with a fantastic story. My only complaint would be the simplicity of the puzzles, experienced adventure gamers may find it some what easy, however Act 2 (which comes free with act 1) will build upon the tempo of act 1 and include much more difficult puzzles. I highly recommend this game due to the great immersion and intriguing and compelling story. There is no other game out like it right now.… Expand
  16. Ephezius
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    This is an elegant, understated, and unique experience that is well beyond what my expectations were. The story is the centerpiece, but it is enhanced by unprecedented artwork, a moving orchestral soundtrack, an A-List voice cast, and a humor that is characteristic of the one-and-only Tim Schafer.

    The story is as simple and unassuming as it is mature and weighty. Yet, somehow, it's    This is an elegant, understated, and unique experience that is well beyond what my expectations were. The story is the centerpiece, but it is enhanced by unprecedented artwork, a moving orchestral soundtrack, an A-List voice cast, and a humor that is characteristic of the one-and-only Tim Schafer.

    The story is as simple and unassuming as it is mature and weighty. Yet, somehow, it's frickin' hilarious too. My favorite thing about the story is how you get to know these characters and their motivations leading up to the ending. No spoilers here, but the ending is what sold me on the story. In fact, I think this game works better as two acts because of it.

    The art is above reproach. Nathan "Bagel" Stapley's style is unmistakably the star of the show and - WOW - is it a sight to behold! The animations are nuanced and work to support the art style - without taking anything away from it.

    The sound and voice acting just completes the feeling of immersion. I love the Lumberjack, particularly - well done, Will Wheaton. With a cast the includes Jack Black and Elijah Wood, though, can you really go wrong?

    The puzzles are intuitive, which I think is incredibly important for newcomers: if you've never played an adventure game, this is a great way to cut your teeth. Tim has also made it clear that Act II will be much more difficult, so you'll have a ramp and by the time it's all said and done you'll be a pro.

    Any avid gamer needs to experience this game and I would recommend getting it now vs. waiting for Act II. It's at once a nostalgia trip and a glimpse into the future of graphic adventures. Well done, Double Fine!    … Expand
  17. x3rx3s
    Jan 28, 2014
    10
    A great return to classic adventure games with a modern polish! Act 1 of this adventure is truly more art than game. With such whimsical characters and a clever, intruiging story, you'll be sucked into the lives of Shey and Vela's lives and really care for their well-being and success. Voice acting is spot on, with the likes of Jack Black and Elijah Wood. The soundtrack is beautiful andA great return to classic adventure games with a modern polish! Act 1 of this adventure is truly more art than game. With such whimsical characters and a clever, intruiging story, you'll be sucked into the lives of Shey and Vela's lives and really care for their well-being and success. Voice acting is spot on, with the likes of Jack Black and Elijah Wood. The soundtrack is beautiful and enchanting. The art is the highlight and steals the show. Sometimes it's a little low res when zoomed up close, but other than that this game is great and I can't wait for more. Buying now also includes Act 2 when it is released later this year. At 25 dollars it's steal.… Expand
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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!
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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!
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. Pixlbot
    Jan 28, 2014
    9
    Broken Age starts with a question, not a verbal one, but a question none the less. Will you choose the summery sunset land of a girl napping under a tree, or will you choose the world of futuristic blankets with the slumbering boy in space? These are our main characters, Vella and Shay, and Broken Age is their stories. Whoever you choose first doesn’t matter, the player can freely switchBroken Age starts with a question, not a verbal one, but a question none the less. Will you choose the summery sunset land of a girl napping under a tree, or will you choose the world of futuristic blankets with the slumbering boy in space? These are our main characters, Vella and Shay, and Broken Age is their stories. Whoever you choose first doesn’t matter, the player can freely switch between characters at will. Play is similar to most “Point and Click” adventures. You explore your environment’s and touch everything you can get your paws on. Occasionally the character will pocket an item for later use in puzzles.

    The puzzles are of varying types. Mostly in the form of using certain items in certain orders or combining certain items together to create an all new item. Other puzzles involve placement, some memory, and riddles. The item combination make logical sense within the game world. However, some could call these puzzles mild, especially if they are “Point and Click” veterans. Do not expect hours of being stumped or puzzles that you will wish for the hint lines of yor. Items collected are typically used in the same area or in a timely manner and if you’re stuck, the characters start hinting at the solution or in some cases blatantly just tell you. Nonetheless, the puzzles are fun and creative; and still instill a sense of pride upon solving.

    For all that, the puzzles are not the center of Broken Age, instead they are catalyst’s for the plot, a natural flow in the story. The player quickly becomes very invested in the lives of Vella and Shay. These characters stories relate to each other in more ways then one and it is ideal to alternate play between the two, if you can pull yourself away from one character long enough! Both characters are faced with a great desire to break from the routines they find themselves in. Each seeks to do good in the world while those around them seem to be unable to grasp the concepts of change. Both characters are given the opportunity of change and they both grasp that opportunity by the horns. What results from their rebellious actions is Broken Age.

    Over all, is Broken Age a “Point and Click” adventure for the modern age? In this time of casual games, Broken Age sits comfortably among them. Broken Age is not a hair pulling puzzle game, and it’s not trying to be. Instead, what it is, is a beautifully illustrated and animated story with amazing music and voice acting, with enough puzzle variety to get you invested and feeling meaningful to the advancement of the plot. Broken Age would certainly be a good game to use as an introduction to the “Point and Click” adventure genre. Broken Age gave me around four hours of game play, with a possibility of replay in the hopes of catching any small hints now that I know the story of Act One! I look forward to Act Two and the answers it may hold.    … Expand
  29. Filipus
    Jan 28, 2014
    9
    A spoon in this game has more personality than most AAA games characters.
    Its a gorgeous game, funny lines, great history and 1 big con.
    The puzzles are all super easy. Really, really easy. I think I know why they did it (to appeal to everyone) but it doesn't justify that ALL of them are completely fast and easy to solve. They give too many tips and don't require a lot of thinking. That    A spoon in this game has more personality than most AAA games characters.
    Its a gorgeous game, funny lines, great history and 1 big con.
    The puzzles are all super easy. Really, really easy. I think I know why they did it (to appeal to everyone) but it doesn't justify that ALL of them are completely fast and easy to solve. They give too many tips and don't require a lot of thinking.
    That is the only problem with the game for me.
    The characters are all great, the art style is amazing and great voice acting. Play it, its awesome.    … Expand
  30. 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 :)
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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]
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