Conclusions

According to the 80 Days website, this game is based upon Verne’s most popular novel. In my opinion (hey, it’s my review; so sue me!), it certainly has a plot that is worthy of that ancestor, with technical innovations and features to match, but it is very sadly let down by the bugs. In the end, none of the bugs were actually complete show stoppers, as I was able to complete the whole game, allowing me to witness the denouement, where Lavisheart reveals the plot behind the plot (I’ll say no more!), but they certainly made it difficult and frustrating to get there. But for these not insignificant problems, I would have whole-heartedly awarded it an A+.

As I was finishing the game, Frogwares released a patch that “improves game stability and compatibility, fixes unspecified minor bugs, and adds a tutorial guide.” I didn’t find that it fixed any of the issues I’ve covered above.

A quick summary of 80 Days: hybrid action/adventure, good story, varied dynamic environments, no sliders, mazes or sound puzzles, lots and lots of timed sequences, fun music, big shame about the bugs.