Between developers like Telltale and Quantic Dream crafting new takes on adventure games, it’s fair to say that what we’ve come to think of as a traditional adventure game has changed significantly over the past ten years. Sure, Doublefine made a go of reviving the genre with Broken Age, and games like the upcoming Thimbleweed Park are fighting hard to keep that pulse going, but it’s rare to come across a pure adventure game these days. The work of studio Wadjet Eye comes to mind, and now too does the “Book” series.
The Book Of Unwritten Tales 2 is a traditional adventure game told with a level of wit, style, and grace you’d be hard-pressed to find in most modern releases, regardless of genre. It’s set in a rooted fantasy universe and features all the standard click-and-drag features you’d expect from an adventure game. What separates the game from others of its kind is all in the execution; put simply, it’s great. The game is told from the perspective from thee different characters, leaving room for depth and varying perspectives that most games, regardless of genre, rarely offer.
If you’re interested in the game at all, but haven’t played part 1 yet, you can totally play this one without missing out on too much. However, if story is important to you, it goes without saying that you should play that one first, and then come back. No matter what, if you’re a fan of the classic Lucas adventure titles from the 80’s and 90’s, you owe it to yourself to play through these games.
Book Of 2 is great from the top down in almost every way. the graphics, animation, visual flourishes, and UI are all top-notch; it’s a beautiful game that’s easy on the eyes. The voice acting is solid, and while the jokes don’t always hit, the writing is strong enough that the humor carries through all the way until the end. Sound effect, audio cues, and the score itself shine through as well. This game is not only a pleasure to look at, but a pleasure to listen to as well.
If there’s anything negative to be said, it’s that Book Of 2 spends most of it’s time being a little TOO faithful to the adventure games of old. Most of your time with the game will be spent picking up objects, trying to merge them, trying to use them in the environment, and hunting through every inch of every screen you find yourself in. While fans of the genre will feel at home, and should have no problem dissecting exactly what the developers are asking them to accomplish, new players may often find themselves completely lost, and unsure of what to do next. It’s a balancing act that I’m not sure anyone has figured out yet, but someone will eventually, and that’s when I believe the genre will reach heights it never has previously.
All in all, Book Of Unwritten Tales 2 is exactly what you want from a game of it’s type, and then some. As I mentioned earlier, don’t let a few nitpicks here and there stop you from experiencing what feels like a classic game with modern appeal that fell through a hole in time right into your lap. It’s a great time.
