A nostalgic yet fresh adventure game set in an unusual world with unfamiliar problems that nonetheless felt very real. Light on puzzles, heavy on character. The story was both fun and emotionally resonant, and I appreciated the feeling of being able to choose how things turned out. Even the title is just really good. I enjoyed this game a lot, and I feel like I understand orcs better after playing it.
There's a beautiful simplicity to Inform code, and Antique Panzitoum uses both the phrasing and the features of the code to evoke a sense of place and inspire the imagination even though interactivity can only be imagined. The repetitive nature of the code makes the world seem even more epic, and I just thought it was really cool.
I also enjoyed playing the game itself before knowing what the code said, because the helplessness of not knowing was beautiful in its own way.
I was a beta tester for this game. The graphics are cute, the puzzles are fun and not frustratingly difficult, and the storytelling is funny and yet surprisingly emotionally resonant. And there's a robust tutorial for people new to IF, as well as Easter eggs for more experienced players. Also real eggs.