Lamplight City

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 26
  3. Negative: 3 out of 26

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  1. bancandrei
    May 30, 2020
    7
    While it is hit and miss in places this game is much more of a good game emulating the detective experience than for example the Sherlock Holmes ones. In my mind that is what probably solves a case, going back and forth and talking to all people. And the fact that you can say something wrong keeps the tension, the rest of the experience is pretty streamlined so it doesn't get in the way ofWhile it is hit and miss in places this game is much more of a good game emulating the detective experience than for example the Sherlock Holmes ones. In my mind that is what probably solves a case, going back and forth and talking to all people. And the fact that you can say something wrong keeps the tension, the rest of the experience is pretty streamlined so it doesn't get in the way of the story. I think they did a pretty good compromise.… Expand
  2. UthersonL
    Jun 28, 2020
    6
    tl;dr: I found the game rather enjoyable, despite being aware of its shortcomings. I would've probably given the game an 8 if it wasn't for one absolutely infuriating bit that was partly a mechanical choice on the devs' part. There is a brief prologue and four proper cases to investigate, they took me a little under 13 hours to complete - but that's including my problems discussed in thetl;dr: I found the game rather enjoyable, despite being aware of its shortcomings. I would've probably given the game an 8 if it wasn't for one absolutely infuriating bit that was partly a mechanical choice on the devs' part. There is a brief prologue and four proper cases to investigate, they took me a little under 13 hours to complete - but that's including my problems discussed in the final paragraph of the review.

    More details:
    The game is not particularly complex or demanding, nor very impressive in any aspect. Yet, I found it charming and accessible enough to make me charitable and forgiving of its shortcomings (in both technical aspects and unremarkable writing).

    One design choice frustrated me to no end, however. Like in Aviary Attorney, it is possible to make a mistake in the investigation and botch the case as a result. While in Aviary Attorney the mistake would likely have to do with limited time management, in Lamplight City you can render a witness/contact uncooperative, cutting yourself off of the chance to follow up on whatever information they could provide you. Usually it's about pushing certain subjects or admitting that you're an investigator to a character who isn't fond of authority figures of busybodies. While I prefer games that let you fail at interpreting and acting on information rather than failing to collect information in the first place, I didn't have a problem with the concept ...until case 3.

    I'll try to keep things vague to minimize potential spoilers. In case 3, you can lock yourself out of the final crucial threads of the investigation ...within a minute or two of starting the case. You do that by engaging in that adventure game staple of going through every dialogue option, and with a character that's not a party in the case, at that. You won't know until a couple of hours later, when, hopelessly lost and having exhausted all interactions, you'll finally check a walkthrough and despair.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. CD-Action
    Nov 14, 2019
    80
    Lamplight City is neither as good, nor as bold as Unavowed’s mix of adventure and RPG but certain ways it reforms the genre do pleasantly surprise. Gonzalez’s marriage of a crime story with a period drama piece came out better than ever before. [13/2018, p.66]
  2. CD-Action
    Nov 14, 2019
    80
    Lamplight City is neither as good, nor as bold as Unavowed’s mix of adventure and RPG but certain ways it reforms the genre do pleasantly surprise. Gonzalez’s marriage of a crime story with a period drama piece came out better than ever before. [13/2018, p.66]
  3. Worth Playing
    Dec 13, 2018
    70
    In Lamplight City, you aren't led around from room to room, clickity-clicking your way to success. For the most part, logic and reason are at play. Brush up on those skills, and you will find your way. Take your time, enjoy the well-themed music and ambiance, enjoy the story, solve the crimes, and for goodness' sake, listen to Bill.
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