Ratings and Reviews by Sorrel

I tend to be wary of ADRIFT games, because of the many parser imperfections and glitches that often come with them. But once in a while there comes an ADRIFT game that turns the stereotypes associated with ADRIFT games on their heads. This is not that game.

We are coming to get you! has a host of parser confusion and crudely implemented actions that take a lot of the enjoyment out of being a germ bent on infecting an unsuspecting human. And that’s a pity, because I actually liked this premise and I think that there is a lot of potential here for a great game. It’s a neat, original idea that just happened to be under implemented. The puzzles are all extremely linear, but great for IF beginners. If said beginners can get past the sparse environment, We are coming to get you! can become a good learning tool for those new to IF.

Some of the descriptions are just a little nauseating, but one would expect that since the PC is a germ. I didn’t mind playing through this game (which should take you no longer than three minutes) and I would like to see more from the author.

Shadows on the mirror is a great example of a story-based conversation game, with a few little puzzles thrown in. This game does require a bit of fiddling with before you can work out how to break away from that "point A to point B' pattern. However, I found that fiddling to be very enjoyable. The prose isn't anything special, but it gets the job done in a nice, simplistic way with some humor thrown in. Some of the endings are also written quite beautifully and give the game a very surreal feel.

The PC is well-characterized and once you come in tune with her personality, figuring out he next step becomes a lot easier. As for Galen, I found him to be a rather interesting personage. He has that unapproachable-macho-but-really-sweet-inside vibe about him. Shadows on the mirror is a game with a dash of romance in it, so you should treat it as such. Flirt with Galen and act the way the PC would act if she liked a young man. If you really get stuck, you can always take a peek at the topics list provided in-game. Also, (Spoiler - click to show)examine everything, ask Galen about everything, and tell him about everything. Sometimes, very nonessential things turn out to be the key to the next step. Do things that you would no normally do in an IF. You can touch Galen, steal Galen's possessions, and if you get the timing right, even kiss him.

Once you get Galen on your side, you'll find that there is a wide array of endings to the game - some more romantic than others - outside the linear story progression. And if you really, really want to know how to get Galen on your side: (Spoiler - click to show)Take off that pesky necklace from around his neck. Things should develop a lot easier after that.

I love conversation games and I found this one to be a real treat. The atmosphere is perfect, the NPC is lovable, the PC is believable, and the storyline is interesting enough to keep you reading for more.