Adam’s Venture Origins Review
Adam’s Venture Origins
Publisher: Soedesco
Developer: Vertigo Games
Genre:
PEGI: 10+
Comments:
Puzzle adventure games have become increasingly popular every since the launch of the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3, but only a few have risen to the top and have, in effect, dominated the genre. The Uncharted series comes to mind here, as does Lara Croft’s Tomb Raider series.
Many companies have attempted to create something with similar appeal, but the general consensus always is, “Overall, its not ‘X’ franchise” where ‘X’ is, say, any of the Uncharted titles. While Adam’s Venture Origins is a pretty good puzzle adventure title, I found myself saying these exact words upon completion, using a more recent example. Despite all the things the game does right, it’s just not at the Tomb Raider quality.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however, as this title comes in significantly cheaper than Tomb Raider does. While graphically there may be lots to be desired in Adam’s Venture Origins, the puzzles are relativity top notch. They are not too hard to complete, but yet not to easy to be boring. The developers struck a very nice balance here, and should be commended for that.
The most unfortunate aspect of this specific title is the main character. I’m not sure I have ever hated a protagonist any more than I do this one. He is smug, arrogant, and his one liners are so bad, I stopped paying attention to anything he said by the middle of the game. Did I lose some of the story elements? I’m sure I did, but this is one of the worst protagonists I’ve ever had to play as.
There is a lot to like about the environments in Adam’s Venture Origins. You will travel to the Garden of Eden, as well as Solomon’s Temple, but so much in the environment really points to the fact that you are playing through a Uncharted clone which lacks polish. Walking through pools of water should result in ripples, splashes, and significant water movement based on the displacement initiated by a step forward. Nope, not here. You might as well be running through a mist.
The real bonus here, and what sets it apart from Uncharted in my opinion, is the lack of any combat. I never wanted it and never felt like that aspect of the adventure puzzle genre was missing. The game focuses on the story and puzzles, and this makes the roughly 5 hours fly by really quickly. Puzzles are spread pretty evenly apart as well, which makes for the perfect balance throughout. If you are a die hard puzzle fan, this is the perfect game for you, although you will finish the game and definitely be asking for more.
If we don’t get more, that will be a travesty. For all the things I pointed out that are wrong with Adam’s Venture Origins, so much is done right. Where it really matters – in story and puzzles – I think the developers have knocked this one out of the park. If they could figure out to squeeze a bigger budget for their next release and improve on a variety of character animation and environmental issues, I really think this franchise could move forward in very positive ways.
Positives
- Great puzzles
- Interesting story to keep you moving
- Evenly spaced puzzles. You are playing an Adventure Puzzle Game, not an adventure game with puzzles
Negatives
- Poor Character animations
- Annoying Protagonist
- Some environmental issues (water movement)
Trailer
Article By Adam Roffel
Adam Roffel has only been writing about video games for a short time, but has honed his skills completing a Master's Degree. He loves Nintendo, and almost anything they have released...even Tomodachi Life.
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