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A Golden Wake

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2014

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Quick resume

The rise and fall story of a real estate agent in 1920s Miami. Based on historical events. From Francisco González, creator of the Ben Jordan: Paranormal Investigator series, Shardlight, and Lamplight City.

Global score

75/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Point-and-click

Pros

  • Immersive historical setting
  • Strong narrative and character development
  • Pleasant retro pixel art and jazz soundtrack
  • Interesting dialogue persuasion mechanic
  • Developer commentary adds depth

Cons

  • Short and linear gameplay
  • Puzzles generally easy and simplistic
  • Limited player agency and impact on story
  • Some abrupt story pacing and underdeveloped characters
  • Lack of quality of life features (e.g. autosave, resolution options)

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    2

    "Players have some dialogue choices and alternative puzzle solutions, but overall the story is linear with limited impact from player decisions."

  • Competence
    1

    "Puzzles are generally easy and straightforward, with some minor challenge in persuasion mechanics."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is on single-player narrative experience."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Short game length (~4-6 hours) with some replayability via achievements and commentary, but not designed for long habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Some player choice in dialogue and puzzle approaches, but mostly follows a predefined story and structure."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are narrative-driven."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive historical setting and story provide a strong escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in story and genre, not due to obligation."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some experimentation with dialogue persuasion and puzzle solutions, but mostly linear gameplay."

  • Exploration
    -2

    "Limited locations and linear progression reduce exploration; some interaction with environment details."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Minimal character customization or self-expression; focus on narrative and dialogue choices."

  • Fantasy
    -4

    "Grounded in realistic historical events and characters, with minimal fictional or fantastical elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Solo play with no social or community features."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players learn about historical context and develop persuasion skills; some character development in story."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of point-and-click adventures."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention; no background or idle play elements."

  • Intimacy
    -3

    "Limited emotional connection mainly through narrative; no social or relationship-building gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; player follows a set story."

  • Progression
    2

    "Narrative progression and achievement collection provide a sense of advancement."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Generally calm and immersive experience with light challenge and atmospheric music."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable retro visuals and jazz soundtrack provide moderate sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; individual narrative focus."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with historical context and character-driven plot."

  • Strategy
    0

    "Puzzles require some reasoning but are mostly straightforward; not a major focus."

  • Thrill
    -2

    "Low suspense and risk; story-driven with minimal tension or thrills."

  • Value
    2

    "Good value especially on sale; short but well-crafted experience."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Some narrative elements involve crime and mafia, but gameplay is non-violent and puzzle-based."

  • Survival
    -4

    "No survival or threat mechanics; stable and safe gameplay environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026