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> Results: Keepsake
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A long and detailed story sets the stage for Keepsake, a point-and-click adventure with lots of great areas to explore and puzzles to solve that's weighed down by some of the worst voice acting of the year. The world of the academy is logically laid out and easy to traverse once you get used to it, but later portal areas are very difficult to navigate even after spending hours working through them. Puzzles are challenging and difficult, but never impossible or based on reflexes. Voice acting pretty bad, but won't steer you away from the main story. The rest of the game is technically wonderfulﾗfrom ambient sounds to graphics to the efficient user interface, getting around is a very pleasant experience. With relaxed pacing, an engaging story and characters, detailed environments and puzzles, this is a lengthy experience worth savoring.
 
While this game is appropriate for all ages, it requires enough reading, memorization and knowledge-based logic skills that it's best for older kids. One problem I encountered sharing this with my kids was that some of the puzzles alone could take longer than their allocated gaming time for the day. The game fascinated them. They wanted to know more about the world, what was going on, learn more and more about the characters (Zak was a fave) and enjoyed the experience. Without any action sequences, timed intervals or ﾑbutton masher' mini-games, you are allowed to focus on the story, exploration and puzzles. So while your kids may not be able to work through it alone, you never regret sharing it with them.
Some parts of the game are more difficult for younger players than others. You play as Lydia, a girl who arrives at a school of magic to begin her training. One of the things she anticipates most is reuniting with her dear friend Celeste. However, the school is empty and Celeste is nowhere to be found. Lydia meets up with Zak, who has a very interesting past. This mystery is sad and tense for kids, but there is nothing gruesome about the story. Together Lydia and Zak explore the school, finding clues and solving puzzles. Fortunately there is an excellent hint system that helps you through tougher parts or when you just have no idea what to do next. This review edited by Dave Long Comments? Chat about it in our forums! Format For Printing | Tell A Friend | Digg | Slashdot | del.icio.us | Buy This Game Browse Amazon.com's selection of "keep sake" themed games Home > Review Archive > Video Games > Results: Keepsake |
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