Glowgrass

This was the second parser game I played. The puzzles were fairly easy (minus a couple of parser beginner gaffes – I forgot to examine thoroughly enough in a couple of rooms, and I failed to find a relatively conventional verb for an action I wanted to perform[1]).

The game is barren in terms of interactable scenery, but this amplifies the ambiance rather than frustrates. Indeed, what stands out about this game is, I think, its presentation. I really appreciated how the foreign environment slowly turned more familiar as the game progressed, but still retained its eerie feeling. I liked the seriousness with which the narrative was treated.

Unfortunately, it feels like the game is the first act out of a three-act play, and the other two acts just aren't there. It ends just when it has gotten me invested into the story. It's definitely still worth playing though.

[1]: Interestingly, I did not have any problem with throwing things or manipulating cables, which it seems like some other people may have had.

A small tale in a contained environment. Puzzles are easy and make sense; even if you get stuck there is an online walkthrough.

The high point in this adventure is setting, a thematic sci-fi trope that the author pulls off in a very cosy manner: difficult for me to add details without spoiling the plot, but you will for sure feel a connection with the game characters.