Strangeland

The very nature of what Strangeland is means it’s not going to be for everyone—there’s something inherently alienating in its bleak premise and puzzles that make the odd dose of frustration a thematic design conceit. But if you’re on the same page, this haunting, uncanny, strange adventure is one that will sit with you.

Strangeland is both a satisfying mystery and an atmospheric horror journey through a dark nightmare. Humor and tragedy collide to bring a literary experience for its players. Great puzzles, character writing, and multiple possible solutions give credit to its players while personalizing the path to one of the endings. Overall, Strangeland is a complete experience that masterfully balances grotesquerie and relatability.

Would I recommend Strangeland? Yes I would, especially to players willing to expand their boundaries and go beyond the general concept of what a videogame story is. The obscure, allegorical journey of the Stranger is not a typical adventure game for fans of the genre, but ultimately an experience that will amply reward those who come to it with an open mind. Will it prove as enduring as the great literary works? Only time will tell.

Strangeland is a remarkably interesting game for the fans of classic point 'n' click adventures. Undoubtedly, its short duration, combined with the relatively low difficulty of the puzzles and the somehow abstract ending, will probably make you doubt whether it is worth buying. But if you decide positively, be sure that this nightmarish journey will be unforgettable.

Indeed, Strangeland is on the smaller side in terms of length, but also in scale as far as the number of areas, puzzles, and NPCs. Furthermore, it’s just a little bit on the easy side (even without using the payphone), too. I also found some of the ideas in the game just a little underdeveloped, which actually manifested as my own curiosity to know more about Strangeland — certain NPCs, or rooms, for example — but the content just wasn’t there. All that said, though — keep in mind — this is only a $15 game, and at that price, it’s an excellent value.

The developers of this atmospheric point’n’click adventure succeeded at something very important – the puzzles are not just annoying hurdles on your way to the finale, they are inherent to the setting and the story. I enjoyed my time with Strangeland very much and the only flaw I can point out is the rushed, banal ending. [07/2021, p.35]

Moody, thought provoking, and chillingly beautiful at times, Strangeland, is a bizarre take on the point-and-click genre that will stick with players long after the credits roll. The story itself is dense with a script layered in symbolism, but never so obtuse where the uninformed can't get by. Thematically, much of the plot centres around the self - self-acceptance, self-doubt, self-destruction, and self-actualization - along with the pursuit of identity. Puzzles lean into the hostile aesthetic to provide a fair degree of challenge, while hints are always available. It all makes for a well-paced, well realized journey that doesn't outstay its welcome. Strangeland is a short adventure, but one of the finest entries in the genre.

Dark surrealism permeates the soul of the player in one of the strangest and more interesting adventure games we’ve seen in a long while.

With excellent writing and a rich, surreal atmosphere, Strangeland provides a polished and imaginative experience that any point-and-click fan should enjoy, so long as you’re in the mood for its relentlessly bleak setting.

The creators of Primordia offer us an exceptional point and click adventure game, with a spectacular staging and personal and deep story, which is a couple of steps behind the previous work of the studio due to how short it is as it is a smaller project.

Even with great visuals, interesting characters, and engaging plot, by the end Strangeland sadly loses all of its momentum, presenting itself with a really lackluster final act. But given how rare those types of games are, new project from Wormwood Studios is still worth your attention.

Whether or not you find the destination satisfactory, Strangeland’s journey is a joy. It dips into the grotesque without getting too in-your-face, and despite some downbeat and occasionally distressing themes, it’s uplifting in all the right places.

The narrative is strong and dark, but the game beneath it struggles to keep up.

Among this "grab-bag of myths and masks" are moments of genuine intrigue, but its vague storytelling lacks the specificities that would make it universal. [Issue#361, p.121]