Ratings and Reviews by octofuzz
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Curiously Enchanting, May 24, 2013I am in the middle of a 'home exam' and fancied half an hour of IF.
I found this title on a 'One Room' poll on the site and thought "why not?"
The game is not winnable, unless you really decide to 'call it a day' on the ending that you feel your character deserves. I probably tried out ten or so endings before I felt I had seen enough, but I am sure that curiosity alone will bring me back to it later today.
It really makes you feel the significance of how one action can change the moment, the day, or even your life.
Less a game. more a social experiment in IF.
It is shame in some respects that there is no end goal, but I suppose that take away its charm.
Wonderful, Comparatively Short with Not Too Difficult Puzzles, July 11, 2012This is the third Andrew Plotkin game I have played (the others being 'The Dreamhold' and 'Shade') and once again Zarf triumphs in my opinion.
Like in 'Shade', your character is somewhat of an enigma giving you your own opportunity to make assumptions on the identity and character of the protagonist.
As is typical with Zarfs worlds, the locations are highly descriptive and give you a wonderful sense of place without shoving too much unneeded prose down your throat.
I completed the game in just over an hour, and being a one room (ish) game it requires no mapping. Good for playing on the plane or something on your ios device.
The puzzles are not too difficult. I often rely too much on hints because I am rubbish at puzzles, however I only had to ask for a hint once during this game (I had to hunt online for these, there is no help or hint system built in as far as I can work out).
I didn't enjoy this one as much as 'Shade' in many respects, however I did only complete 'Dual Transform' five minutes ago, so who knows what I will think on reflection!
Wonderful game, Zarf at his best. Unlike 'Shade' however, I don't really think you can get more out of this one with a second play through.
Amazing and Creepy One Room Short IF, April 8, 2012Played it over an Easter vacation in a hotel lobby and was absolutely captivated.
Easily solved in under two hours but I think it will take several runs through for me to appreciate all of its subtle messages and meaning.
Great for beginners as well (it was the second ever game I completed).
Download, absorb, enjoy.
Great Introduction to IF, even beyond the initial 'ending', April 5, 2012The only reason I have given this game a '4' is because it is the first IF I have completed so I am not really qualified as of yet to be a critic!
Great tutorial adventure that paints a wonderful image in your head that you can almost touch.
Puzzles are not too tricky and if you are a newbie you should not feel too guilty typing in 'help hint' if you get too stuck.
With several endings and options to explore beyond the initial conclusion you can happily burn away a couple of days playing this.
Highly recommended.
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