- Publisher: Snapbreak Games AB
- Release Date: Jun 19, 2020
- Also On: iPhone/iPad
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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Jun 26, 2020At $17.99 on Steam at the time of writing, it’s hard to beat up The Academy: The First Riddle too much. It’s a lot of fun, it’s value priced, and the developers are actively engaged with the community and prepping patches for much of the things I’ve mentioned. Could it be better at launch? Certainly. Does it deliver a compelling stack of puzzles that’ll have you scratching your brain for hours? Absolutely. We have to give credit to Pine Studios for trying something new, even if they might have gotten a C on that “Debugging” class.
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Jun 22, 2020A solid set of puzzles and a gorgeous world are largely let down by some odd narrative decisions and middling character development that are just jarring enough to prod you out of the world that Pine Studio has worked so hard to craft. If you’re looking for a Layton style experience in an extraordinary world then this could be for you. Otherwise, take this one at your own pace because school life can be tough at Arbor Academy.
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Jun 19, 2020The game feels like a far more welcoming world than the Harry Potter series that can still appeal to older kids. The Academy: The First Riddle is also a title that I would recommend to parents who are looking for ways to keep their kids’ brains sharp over summer vacation, with its brain teaser-like puzzles that require extra thoughtfulness and work. And, thanks to the game being available on both PC and mobile devices, playing the game is as accessible as it can be to keep kids busy (and entertained) as they explore the mysteries of The Academy.
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Jul 9, 2020The Academy isn’t a bad game, per se, but promises far more than it delivers. Its influences are too clearly worn on its sleeve and it ends up less than the sum of its parts. The school is too small and the puzzles just not exciting enough to really draw you in. The target audience is probably much less jaded than me and younger players will probably enjoy the combination of Hogwarts-esque schooling and puzzles, but it’s a difficult title to recommend for experienced puzzle gamers.
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Jun 26, 2020The Academy can be frustratingly clunky and limited at times, but at its best it’s energetic, likable and packed with puzzling goodness.
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Jun 25, 2020The Academy has the kind of premise that should make it feel more special than it is. It certainly shines with its different array of puzzles. But the game's characters and their dialogue make this feel as exciting as Algebra class. I should feel more excited about the extracurriculars, but instead, The Academy's shortcomings had me watching the clock and waiting for the bell to ring.
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Jul 7, 2020I have a hard time recommending the game to the types of gamers who would find The Academy appealing from its description. Adventure gamers looking for a Harry Potter experience will be disappointed in how bland the world of The Academy is. Puzzle gamers will be disappointed in the overall quality and challenge of the puzzles. And Professor Layton fans, well, maybe The Academy will give them an even greater appreciation for how well-designed the Professor Layton games are.
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Jun 19, 2020Overall, The Academy: The First Riddle has an interesting concept and engaging riddles, and Pine Studio clearly displays passion and care with this game. Unfortunately, characterization, pacing and depth issues, along with wide discrepancies in the quality and difficulty of the riddles and puzzles, keep this game from earning top marks.
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Jun 22, 2020The Academy has a weak narrative, poor puzzles, and game-breaking bugs. This is one invitation you're going to want to avoid.