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ghosthunter
Village Dweller
Joined: 12 May 2006
Posts: 2
Location: England |
| Barrow Hill: Archaeology meets Adventure |
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I've played through Barrow Hill a couple of times now, before writing a review for an online game store.
I'm a fan (always have been) of point and click style adventure games, which feature good stories. Barrow Hill is not only a good adventure game, it also features a cracking story and a meticulously detailed square mile of (a slightly fictionalised) Cornish landscape. Stone circle enthusiasts are represented intelligently, with the player being left to decide whether the archaeologists are right to disturb the site, or whether the protesters are hopelessly misguided. Pagans, techno-pagans and the completely sceptical are all featured, making Barrow Hill a detailed and intelligent effort.
The flora and geology feels very accurate, the ancient site (the barrow of the title) is eerily atmospheric and the puzzles are logical, integrated and satisfying. This helps, some way, to balance the purposely old fashioned look and feel of the game, which can feel very static in places.
All game genres can have highlights, and Barrow Hill is definitely an example of good (traditional/old fashioned) adventure gaming.
Those seeking the furious pace of an action game or RPG, or the expansive grandeur of Oblivion, will probably find Barrow Hill rather slow, but the atmosphere, story and...most importantly...archaeology are spot on, well researched and detailed. Matt Clark's love of ancient sites, folklore and adventure games shines through the slightly 'low tech' approach to game construction, but as a debut effort from a single individual this is less than important. It's a super game, with lots of puzzles, great sound design and centres on an ancient barrow and stone circle on the Autumn Equinox.
Ghosthunter
Some useful links:
Official website with features:
http://www.barrow-hill.co.uk
The 'Real' Barrow Hill : Fun online feature looking at Cornwall.
http://www.barrow-hill.co.uk/features/therealbarrowhill/therealbarrowhill.htm
The 'making of' Barrow Hill: Is exactly what it suggests.
http://www.barrow-hill.co.uk/makingof.htm
P.s. Slight spoiler. The demo features a site located outside the ancient barrow and stone circle. It's a fun location, but is low on archaeology. It's best that way, as it doesn't give too much away.
_________________
http://www.thishauntedland.co.uk: This Haunted Land of Ghosts and Strange Phenomena. Ghosthunters, free thinkers and mad people unite! |
Fri May 12, 2006 2:09 pm |
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