Blackwell Unbound (PC)
created by Wadjet Eye Games, 2007

party like it's 1993!

review written by: Caffeine

Click to download the demo

A while back, I downloaded a free adventure title called Bestowers of Eternity, a simple point and click adventure game. What made it stand out was the above-average writing I had come to expect from indie adventure games. As a result I still recall that title fondly. Imagine my surprise when during a night of drunken internet surfing, (where no inappropriate behavior was involved) I stumbled across the Blackwell Legacy, which was in part a continuation and remake of Bestowers of Eternity.

Blackwell Unbound is a prequel of sorts to the Blackwell Legacy. Gameplay harkens back to the glory days when adventure gaming was at its height, with an inventory, point and click interface. Depending on when you were born, it will either relieve nostalgic memories in you or have you smirking in amusement at ye games of old.

Adventure games of this ilk live and die by their story, and in this regard the game is certainly kicking and screaming. If only modern day games placed as much care into their story as Unbound does.

The writing sparks with wit.

Set in 1973 New York, Unbound features the embittered spirit medium, Lauren Blackwell and her spirit guide, Joey Mallone. With the bland and predictable storylines that many modern day games present, Unbound offers a refreshing breeze of fresh air. The protagonists Lauren and Joey play their parts well, with Lauren nicely portraying a cynical and bitter woman and Joey as a spirit guide making the best of his situation.

The dynamic between the two is genuinely entertaining, with Joey teasing the all-too-serious Lauren at opportune moments. Lauren herself is a strong, intelligent woman, and aside from the serious smoking habit she has (the game informed me that she apparently smoked 34 cigarettes during course of the game) there is much to admire about her character. In comparison, Joey does fall behind, but he’s still a likeable sort to have around.

The adventure uses a dual-character mechanic, where players must switch control between Lauren and Joey in order to solve puzzles. The puzzles are themselves well thought out, relying on logic and common sense to overcome obstacles, as opposed to simply taking an inventory item and randomly clicking on everything in the hopes that something works. Unlike most other adventure games though, the majority of progress achieved in this adventure is through dialogue, as opposed to heavy item/inventory use.

dialogue plays a major part in the game.

It’s just as well then that the writing is solid, with genuinely funny lines of dialogue and a supporting cast of characters that seldom feel tacked on. They respond to Lauren’s questions in a manner that feels natural, as opposed to just spouting one-liners.

The game has wonderful music that suits its setting, with soft jazz playing in the various locales (where appropriate). In fact, the game features bonus unlockables that contain interesting interviews, extended songs and concept art.

For all that Blackwell Unbound has accomplished with its setting and music, it must still be judged against modern day standards, despite my bias towards good stories in games and the general nostalgia this title provided.

Unbound is a short game, as to be expected at its price point. Upon my first play-through I had solved the puzzles and uncovered the full story, clocking in a little over 2 hours. It doesn’t help that the puzzles are generally of the easy sort, and I doubt anyone would really need to think too hard at any point. I hope you have a good head for names though.

As for replayability, unless you’re the kind who enjoys re-reading books, it is unlikely that you’ll find any reason to return to Unbound. You could go back in and try out new lines of dialogue, but since the outcome never seems to change there is little incentive to do so other than to satisfy your curiosity.

You'll use the phone book often. Oh the days before the internet!

The graphics are slightly disappointing with pixilation aplenty. A talented artist was certainly on board; the character concepts do a great job of portraying facial impressions. It’s a pity they couldn’t put some of that detail into the actual sprites. It’s not a deal-breaker, but updating the graphics to current standards would have done much to further the depth of the characters.

Blackwell Unbound is bite sized adventure, and one that will serve you well on a night in. It is a fine distraction, and does carry on into the Blackwell Legacy, which furthers the storyline into a whole new generation. When viewed as episodic gaming, Unbound certainly isn’t a bad deal and stands out from the usual crowd of indie adventure gaming.