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Strangeland

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2021

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Quick resume

You wake in a surreal carnival, where a woman cries out to you before leaping to her death. Can either of you be saved? The denizens and devices of Strangeland answer with riddles, puzzles, and warnings of a Dark Thing lurking at the park’s peak. A new adventure from the creators of Primordia.

Global score

93/100

Genres

Adventure, Point-and-click

Pros

  • Beautiful and surreal art style
  • Deep, symbolic narrative with strong voice acting
  • Logical and fair puzzles with in-game hint system
  • Immersive atmospheric sound design
  • Multiple endings and replay value with commentary

Cons

  • Relatively short gameplay length
  • Some players may find story abstract or heavy
  • Limited character customization and social interaction
  • Some puzzle sections may feel repetitive or frustrating
  • Not suitable for casual or lighthearted play

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players can explore the carnival and solve puzzles in various orders before the story becomes linear, with multiple endings and some freedom in approach."

  • Competence
    3

    "Puzzles are logical and fair, requiring some skill and problem solving but aided by an in-game hint system to prevent frustration."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on personal experience and individual puzzle solving."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Players engage in a single playthrough lasting about 4-6 hours with some replay value for alternate endings and commentary, but the game is relatively short."

  • Cooperation
    -5

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

  • Creativity
    4

    "Highly creative surreal world, puzzles, and narrative with symbolic and metaphorical content; players interpret and explore unique environments."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are solitary and introspective."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strong psychological horror and surreal themes provide a deep escape from reality into a dark, introspective carnival world."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in story and atmosphere, with no obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore surreal environments and try different puzzle solutions, with some freedom to experiment within the game's logic."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Exploration of a surreal carnival with symbolic locations, though the game world is relatively small and focused."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited character customization; expression mainly through narrative interpretation rather than avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strongly imaginative and surreal fiction with dreamlike, symbolic, and nightmarish elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Solo experience with minimal social interaction beyond narrative characters."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop understanding of complex story and solve puzzles, gaining insight and skills during play."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of point-and-click adventures with no physical activity."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles and follow story; not designed for background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Emotional engagement is introspective and solitary rather than forming close social bonds."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; player acts independently."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through story and puzzle completion with some item collection and multiple endings."

  • Relaxation
    0

    "Mixed experience: atmospheric and immersive but also emotionally intense and sometimes stressful."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Strong sensory stimulation through visuals, sound design, and voice acting creating an emotional experience."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status mechanics; focus is on personal narrative."

  • Story
    5

    "Narrative-driven game with deep psychological themes, voice acting, and layered storytelling."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Puzzles require logical thinking and problem solving but are generally straightforward and supported by hints."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and tension from horror elements and puzzle challenges, but not high-risk gameplay."

  • Value
    3

    "Generally considered good value for price given quality, though some note short length."

  • Violence
    1

    "Includes death as a puzzle mechanic and dark themes but not focused on combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    1

    "Avoiding death is part of puzzle solving, but death is not permanent and is integrated into gameplay."

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