49 Keys

About

49 Keys is a single player action game. It was developed by Fabio Porfidia and was released on November 13, 2024. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

49 Keys is a narrative-focused game that will test your wits and nerves. Peruse the pages of a Lovecraftian tale, interact with maps and solve the puzzles encountered along the way. Trace your master's footsteps to uncover the deepest secrets of the arcane, on a quest brimming with horror and magic. Embark on a Disturbing Journey Alas, I knew not of the extraordinary, bizarre, and gut-ch…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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100%

Audience ScoreBased on 14 reviews

atmosphere5 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The game features an incredible atmosphere with beautifully crafted visuals and a haunting soundtrack that enhances the immersive experience.
The narrative is rich and engaging, drawing players into a complex story filled with occult themes and historical mysticism.
Puzzles are thoughtfully designed, rewarding players who pay attention to the text and clues, making for a cerebral and satisfying gameplay experience.

The game is relatively short, and players may find themselves replaying it multiple times to unlock all endings, which can be frustrating without the option to save progress at key points.
Some puzzles can be overly abstract or rely on obscure references, potentially frustrating players who are not familiar with the underlying themes.
The gameplay is heavily text-based, which may not appeal to those looking for more interactive or action-oriented experiences.

story
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
55%
27%
The story is set in the 16th century and follows a Dominican friar drawn to a decaying estate by a mysterious letter from his late master, exploring themes of the occult and mystery. Players appreciate its engaging narrative and the integration of puzzles, though some feel it lacks replay value despite its captivating premise. The immersive experience is enhanced by the option to play in Italian, deepening the connection to the story's dark, medieval atmosphere.
- “Set in the 16th century, the story follows a Dominican friar summoned by a cryptic letter to a remote, decaying estate once owned by his late master.”
- “The story is very good; it explores occult and mysterious themes in search of the cryptic book of your master, his grand work of '49 keys'.”
- “The story kept me wondering about the secret behind the master and what the main character would uncover as he progressed.”
- “Then came the story.”
- “The story begins with a letter sent by your old master.”
atmosphere
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
83%
17%
The atmosphere in "49 Keys" is widely praised for its intricate design and unsettling qualities, creating a deeply immersive experience. Reviewers highlight the stellar art style and engaging prose, which contribute to a captivating and atmospheric puzzle-adventure game. Despite its simplicity, the game is noted for its rich atmosphere and unique scenarios that enhance the overall experience.
- “49 Keys, developed by Michele Buonanno in collaboration with Veronica Wu and Fabio Porfidia and published by 2P Games, is an atmospheric and intricately crafted puzzle-adventure game that plunges players into a deeply esoteric and unsettling experience.”
- “The art style and the atmosphere are stellar and are enough to warrant a play.”
- “A short and fairly simple game to play through, but full of atmosphere and bonkers scenarios.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
50%
The graphics are praised for their meticulous homage to medieval manuscripts and renaissance artwork, creating a stellar atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. While the visuals are generally clean and impressive, some illustrations may come off as faintly unsettling. The integration of clickable icons and graphical elements has also streamlined gameplay, making it more accessible.
- “The art style and the atmosphere are stellar and are enough to warrant a play.”
- “Suggestive images, clean and amazing graphics.”
- “The visual design pays meticulous homage to medieval manuscripts and Renaissance artwork.”
- “The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
- “Character models are poorly designed and lack detail, making them feel lifeless.”
gameplay
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
20%
60%
The gameplay is reminiscent of classic point-and-click adventures, emphasizing exploration, storytelling, and intricate puzzle mechanics that reward careful observation over trial and error. It combines simple mechanics akin to a gamebook, making it accessible while offering a unique thematic and mechanical experience. Players may encounter challenges, but the overall design ensures that elements do not hinder the gameplay experience.
- “Simple gameplay, which perfectly reproduces the mechanics of a gamebook, but makes it accessible to anyone.”
- “The gameplay flows in the style of classic point-and-click adventures, where exploration and careful observation are essential.”
- “It will likely appeal most to players who value storytelling, symbolism, and puzzle mechanics that require more than trial and error.”
- “Although the book does not take up the entire screen, the size of the words, icons, and other elements is decent and does not interfere with gameplay.”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music features a haunting, minimal soundtrack that effectively enhances the themes of isolation and dread, complemented by subtle ambient sounds that create a persistent tension throughout the game. Overall, the integration of art, music, and writing is noted to be cohesive and impactful.
- “A haunting, minimal soundtrack underscores the isolation and dread, while subtle ambient sounds create a quiet tension that lingers in every room and corridor.”
- “The art, music, and writing are all tightly integrated.”