Shardlight

A classic point-and-click adventure game with an interesting plot and post-apocalyptic mood, which successfully focuses on storytelling, but forgets a little bit the gameplay on the way.

For those aching for a true slice of traditional gaming from yesteryear, I suggest you at least try the demo available on Steam.

A lack of originality and some storytelling flaws hurt it a little, but the end result still has enough visual flair and enjoyable bits of narrative to easily earn a recommendation.

Shardlight is pretty damned decent though. The story’s a bit more straightforward than some other Wadjet Eye games, it ends a bit too abruptly, and a few of the secondary characters needed fleshing out, but all-in-all it makes for an engaging six or seven hours in a world with some great ideas—a bit like Dead Synchronicity, except with an ending. Very grim. Very adult...I just wish Wadjet Eye’s tech matched its talents.

An imaginative, atmospheric setting with great art and quality voice acting, but Shardlight is by no means a great adventure game.

Shardlight makes a great first impression - it looks like an old-school adventure game with interesting characters, a cool world and demanding puzzles. Unfortunately after some time the game focuses only on the story and neglects the gameplay. The technical side is ok, pixel art adds some charm, but all in all it's simply an "ok" game. Nothing more.

Some of Shardlight’s ideas, like the eccentric and sinister Aristocrats, offer something original and enjoyable within a familiar context. With its refreshing take on an oligarchy and subtle religious commentary involving ravens, Shardlight has potential to be something a lot more profound and thrilling. Instead, it's a typical adventure game with an overly familiar premise.