The Experiment (2007)

 PC
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    84
    The game manages to hit every one of the requisite bases to satisfy the core audience that eats, breathes, and sleeps this stuff, yet it does so in a way that's creative and enticing.
  2. The New York Times
    82
    No game so desperately needs the input of an experienced writer as much as The Experiment, which creates an intriguing world but fails to create an intriguing character or a satisfactory conclusion.
  3. Game Chronicles
    80
    The cryptic and eerie story adds to the title's appeal and will draw you in almost immediately. If you are looking for the next step in innovation, look no further than The Experiment.
  5. Four Fat Chicks
    80
    So often during the game, I wished for direct control of Lea instead of being saddled with this novel but frequently frustrating secondary approach. Instead of cluttering the monitor with multiple screens, let Lea do it herself!
  6. Play (Poland)
    80
    Switching the views and the lights, opening the doors, figuring out the puzzles and watching as doctor Lea Nichols solves the mystery of an abandoned secret lab - that's all it takes to get into the mood and experience one of the most remarkable adventures. [July 2008]
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  7. GameSpot
    75
    The Experiment overcomes its clichéd beginnings with original gameplay.
  8. GamingExcellence
    72
    Whether you crave adventure in itself or seek a twist on the genre, The Experiment just about fits the bill.
  9. GameZone
    70
    The game is totally off kilter in its design and inception, but the good folks at The Adventure Company are on to something here and the next incarnation could be revolutionary.
  10. PC Gamer UK
    70
    A superb idea, let donw by execution. [May 2008, p.86]
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  11. Game Almighty
    68
    So while this game puts up a valiant effort to inject some life into the sometimes mundane adventure genre, it falters with a complex interface and a certain sense of hatred you will develop for the female lead.
  12. IGN
    68
    The details of the story surrounding the Tyriade creatures and the researchers studying them are compelling enough to keep you going, especially if they eventually patch the crash bug, so if you're look for an adventure with a very different vibe, you can Experiment with this one.
  13. GameShark
    67
    Given the low $30 street price it’s worth a look for anybody feeling the pure adventure-game genre is dead. I truly hope the developers are encouraged to develop a sequel to the title with some added refinements. The game deserves it.
  14. PC Gamer
    65
    Still, if you can get beyond the cluttered interface and the tedium of reading so much text, ardent adventure fans might find the clever concept worth checking out. [June 2008, p.75]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Adventure Gamers
    60
    Although it remains a formula with tremendous potential, this is one experiment that needs to go back to the drawing board.
  16. Worth Playing
    60
    As intriguing as the concept is, the climax is not as nearly as exciting, and the weak ending makes the problem-plagued trip hardly worth the effort.
  17. Multiplayer.it
    60
    Experience 112 has one on the most fresh, innovative and intriguing gameplay so far, but it's all doomed by numerous bugs and a cheesy storyline. It's a shame that this sort of experimental game has been shipped with a lot of issues.
  18. Game Over Online
    57
    As it stands now, I wouldn’t recommend The Experiment to anybody.
  19. Just Adventure
    25
    Now I realize that this review seems to have degenerated into a bitch-fest, but I just can’t seem to find any redeeming values in this game.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best PC Game of 2008
98
#98 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
46
#46 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 7 out of 17
  1. DaveTocados
    Sep 23, 2008
    4
    It could have been the game of the year but the interface is awful. How can I play a game when I can't see the main character among allIt could have been the game of the year but the interface is awful. How can I play a game when I can't see the main character among all these cameras, which are overimposed each other. The gameplay is monotonous and the most important thing : nobody can tell me that this game is replayable. I am in the middle of the game and i don't know if i will be able to finish it.… Full Review »
  2. MaggieCho
    Feb 21, 2008
    5
    I really liked the idea... and as the game began, I was already getting that "better run to the kitchen to stock up on snacks and drinksI really liked the idea... and as the game began, I was already getting that "better run to the kitchen to stock up on snacks and drinks because I think I'll be addicted to this for a while" feeling.

    Until it crashed after I managed to play an enthralling ten minutes. Could be my computer... who knows. But whatever this glitch is which does not let me get back my second mission... i hope it's fixed soon.    … Full Review »
  3. Broyax
    Mar 9, 2021
    1
    Un jeu d’aventure moins débile que d’habitude et assurément assez… original puisqu’on y contrôle des caméras afin d’aider une cocotte enUn jeu d’aventure moins débile que d’habitude et assurément assez… original puisqu’on y contrôle des caméras afin d’aider une cocotte en détresse suite à une « expérience » qui a mal tourné…

    Elle n’hésite pas d’ailleurs à vous donner rapidement des ordres et des objectifs, ce qui énerve un brin à force. Il faut en effet tout faire, activer les caméras, gérer chaque fenêtre, repérer des codes ou mots de passe, consulter les dossiers du personnel, taper chaque code ou mot de passe dans une fenêtre de dialogue et même activer et diriger un robot con comme ses pieds…

    D’ailleurs, c’est là que le « robot m’a tuer » si je puis dire… il m’a soûlé à mort, tout comme -d’ailleurs- tout le jeu lui-même qui ressemble tout-à-coup davantage à un boulot de surveillance et de paperasse qu’à un véritable jeu ! il faut dire que toute l’interface est à se tirer une balle et qu’on passe son temps à se débattre et se battre avec : difficile en effet d’avoir à sa disposition quelque chose de plus mal fait et… de moins intuitif que ce truc-là !

    Dommage, car le principe est certainement intéressant mais il aurait fallu repenser entièrement sa mise en oeuvre… Si graphiquement aujourd’hui, il tient encore à peu près la route, je me souviens qu’en 2007, toutes ces fenêtres taxaient lourdement les machines de l’époque : ça ramait bien ce bordel ! Mais… quoi qu’il en soit, l’expérience a échoué…

    A noter que si le jeu s’installe et fonctionne très bien sur Win7-64, il refuse inopinément de se désinstaller ! il se trouve apparemment que l’installeur ne trouve pas le désinstalleur… faut-il le résinstaller pour le désinstaller ? bon enfin, je l’ai broyé. Quand même.    … Full Review »
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