The Secrets of Da Vinci: The Forbidden Manuscript

 PC
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
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  1. Just Adventure
    100
    I had a wonderful time pretending to be a medieval snoop, and I think that other gamers will too. While this is not a game I'd replay over and over again, it was a great deal of fun. More intellectual than emotional, certainly, but fun nonetheless.
  2. Adventure Gamers
    80
    Still, with its clever, elegant puzzles and a light-hearted plot loaded with twists, it is definitely the most enjoyable game I have played in a long time.
  3. Quandary
    80
    There's lots of tasks to take care of, lots of goodies to collect, plus, of course, the opportunity to get to know a little about the versatility of the Great Master, Leonardo Da Vinci.
  5. PC Gamer
    80
    Still, considering what it had to work with, Noblis has done the Da Vinci name proud. [Sep 2006, p.94]
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  6. Pelit (Finland)
    78
    A traditional point 'n click adventure full of atmosphere and intriguing puzzles. The interface is a bit old-fashioned and cumbersome, and the game has a few dull moments. Nice plot saves a lot. [Aug 2006, p.59]
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  7. GameWatcher
    75
    A great adventure game and certainly worth the time for fans of the genre with its blend of beautiful environments, sounds and entertaining puzzles.
  8. PC Format
    73
    Nothing special, but Da Vinci nuts will lap it up. [June 2006, p.96]
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  9. Digital Entertainment News
    72
    While the Secrets of Da Vinci is hardly a masterpiece, it still has glimmers of genius and intrigue. The game has obviously been well thought-out, and is a nice way to pass the weekend; but sadly there is nothing to make you want to play through a second time.
  10. IGN
    71
    Secrets of da Vinci doesn't offer the difficult challenges or compelling narrative of other successful adventure games but it does manage to give players a window into the historical Leonardo's past as well as giving them a greater appreciation of his artistic and engineering achievements.
  11. GameSpot
    65
    Beyond the name, there isn't anything remarkable about The Secrets of Da Vinci. It's a solid but standard point-and-click adventure that isn't the least bit adventurous. Despite that, it still proves satisfying enough for fans of adventure games.
  12. GameZone
    63
    The storyline didn’t drive much excitement, or provide any motivation to solve the puzzles that were difficult at times. Only your interests in the works of Da Vinci keep you involved.
  13. Computer Games Magazine
    60
    Aloof and distant, Secrets of Da Vinci isn't a bad game, just an unfriendly one. [Oct. 2006, p.72]
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  14. Eurogamer
    60
    Although this doesn't exactly break the mould, figuring out Da Vinci's secrets is generally a pleasurable stroll through a variety of well-crafted and largely logical puzzles and mini-games. The lack of psychotic monks and professors of symbology is an added bonus.
  15. PC Zone UK
    25
    Boasts a horribly uninteresting storyline, mundane point-and-click tasks and blindingly dire voice-acting. [Aug 2006, p.83]
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