Unusual Findings: Review

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

Reviewed by: David Cameron

Unusual Findings by Epic Llama Games is a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of point-and-click adventures, wrapped in a charmingly retro aesthetic that feels like a love letter to the 80s. While it captures the essence of classic adventure games with its quirky humor, intriguing puzzles, and pixel art style, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the genre's best. Still, it's an enjoyable ride for those who appreciate the genre's old-school roots.

Gameplay: A Blast from the Past

Unusual Findings stays true to its point-and-click lineage, offering a gameplay experience that revolves around exploration, dialogue, and puzzle-solving. Players take control of three teenagers in a small town as they uncover strange occurrences that hint at something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface. The gameplay is straightforward: you navigate the environments, interact with objects, and talk to a variety of eccentric characters to piece together the mystery.

The puzzles are well-crafted, often requiring a mix of logic, creativity, and sometimes a bit of trial and error. There's a satisfaction that comes with solving these puzzles, especially when they involve combining items or thinking outside the box. However, there are moments when the solutions can feel obtuse, a common issue with this genre, where players might find themselves randomly clicking around the screen in search of that one elusive clue.

Exploration is fun, with each environment dripping with nostalgia. The developers have done a great job of capturing the feel of an 80s suburban town, complete with neon signs, arcades, and a synth-heavy soundtrack that sets the mood perfectly. The game's story, which mixes humor, horror, and sci-fi elements, is engaging enough to keep you clicking through, though it sometimes leans a bit too heavily on pop culture references.

Visuals and Sound: A Retro Delight

Visually, Unusual Findings hits all the right notes. The pixel art is lovingly detailed, bringing the 80s aesthetic to life with vibrant colors and carefully crafted environments. Each scene is packed with little details that add to the overall atmosphere, making the world feel lived-in and authentic. Character designs are charming, with expressive animations that convey personality despite the retro art style.

The sound design complements the visuals perfectly. The soundtrack, inspired by the synth-heavy scores of classic 80s films, adds to the game's atmosphere and draws you deeper into its world. Sound effects are appropriately retro, with a mix of beeps, boops, and other era-appropriate audio cues that feel right at home in this setting.

Voice acting is a mixed bag, though. While some characters are well-voiced, adding to the game's charm, others fall flat, which can pull you out of the experience at times. Dialogue is generally well-written, with a good balance of humor and exposition, but there are moments where the pacing drags, particularly during longer conversations.

Story: A Familiar Yet Engaging Tale

The story of Unusual Findings is a familiar one, especially if you're a fan of 80s movies and TV shows. The narrative follows three teenage friends as they stumble upon an alien conspiracy that threatens their town. It's a mix of The Goonies, Stranger Things, and E.T., with a healthy dose of campy horror thrown in for good measure.

While the plot doesn't break new ground, it's told with enough heart and humor to keep players invested. The characters, while a bit tropey, are likable, and their banter adds to the game's charm. The story's twists and turns are predictable, but they're delivered with a sense of fun that makes it easy to overlook the familiarity.

One of the game's strengths is how it balances its more lighthearted moments with genuine tension, particularly as the mystery deepens. There's a sense of adventure and discovery that permeates the story, making it a joy to uncover each new piece of the puzzle, even if the ending doesn't quite stick the landing.

Final Thoughts: A Nostalgic Trip Worth Taking

Unusual Findings is a game that wears its influences on its sleeve, and for fans of point-and-click adventures or 80s nostalgia, it's an enjoyable ride. Epic Llama Games has crafted a love letter to the era, filled with nods to classic films, music, and games. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it does what it sets out to do with style and a sense of fun.

The game's puzzles are satisfying, the visuals are a treat, and the story, while familiar, is engaging enough to keep you clicking until the end. However, its reliance on nostalgia and some of the genre's old-school quirks might not appeal to everyone. The pacing can drag in spots, and the voice acting is hit or miss, but overall, it's a solid entry in the point-and-click genre.

For those who grew up on games like Maniac Mansion or Monkey Island, or anyone looking for a dose of 80s-flavored adventure, Unusual Findings is worth a playthrough. It might not be groundbreaking, but it's a fun, nostalgic trip that's sure to bring a smile to your face.

Reviewed by: David Cameron