Ben There, Dan That!
- August 24, 2009
- Size Five Games
"Ben There, Dan That!" is a quirky point-and-click adventure game following the misadventures of Ben and Dan. The duo finds themselves traveling through time and alternate dimensions, solving puzzles and dealing with eccentric characters in a humorous and absurd storyline. With its unique humor and challenging puzzles, this game offers a refreshing take on the classic adventure game genre.
Reviews
- The game is a love letter to classic LucasArts adventures, featuring good writing and humor that appeals to fans of the genre.
- It offers a fun and silly experience with clever dialogue and frequent references to popular culture.
- Despite its flaws, the game is short enough to not overstay its welcome, making it a decent time-waster.
- The gameplay mechanics are clunky and outdated, with frustrating inventory management and long wait times for character movements.
- The humor can feel forced and relies heavily on outdated stereotypes, which may not resonate with all players.
- The lack of voice acting and poor screen resolution options detract from the overall experience, making it feel less polished.
- humor14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the British wit and clever references, while others find it forced or offensive. While certain aspects, like witty dialogue and unique puzzles, are praised, many feel that the humor often falls flat or relies too heavily on clichés and fourth-wall breaks. Overall, the game's comedic elements seem to resonate with some players but leave others disappointed.
“There is some good British humor here and there.”
“It's funny, has witty writing, the point and click puzzles are also unique and entertaining.”
“Hilarious graphic adventure, especially if you like stuff like Bottom and The Young Ones.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics have been described as basic and reminiscent of 90s games, with a clunky user interface that detracts from the overall experience. While some users appreciate the humorous style, others find the visuals lacking and frustrating, particularly in comparison to modern standards. Overall, the graphics seem to be a mixed bag, with some acknowledging slight improvements but still feeling underwhelmed.
“Hilarious graphic adventure, especially if you like stuff like 'Bottom' and 'The Young Ones'.”
“As such, the writing is better, puzzles are easier, and graphics are a pinch better.”
“It’s clunky and the graphics are basic.”
“The graphics are what they are and the UI/UX is pretty bad.”
“Sure, the graphics are more like a 90s game.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story has received mixed reviews, with some praising its adventurous elements and British humor, while others find it disappointing and confusing, particularly criticizing the plot's premise and lack of character voiceovers. Overall, the narrative seems to struggle with coherence and engagement, leading some players to recommend alternative point-and-click adventures instead.
“The story this time involves the protagonists wanting to undo the events that caused their multi-dimensional adventure in the first place…by wanting to prevent the invention of the coat hanger…*groans* yeah…that… and as for the antagonist this time?”
“Pros: good story and nice adventure, there is some good British humor here and there.”
“First, the game design is too childish. Some lines are difficult to understand because of the chosen background color. There is no voice in the characters' lines, and lastly, the story is quite disappointing, leaving me feeling like, 'What the hell did I just play?'”
“The story this time involves the protagonists wanting to undo the events that caused their multi-dimensional adventure in the first place… by wanting to prevent the invention of the coat hanger… *groans* yeah… that… and as for the antagonist this time?”
“I judge point-and-click adventures on a few things: quality of art, music, ease of navigation, success of humor, storyline, voicing, and puzzle quality.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for feeling tedious and unenjoyable, with mechanics that detract from the overall experience.
“I don't mean the graphics; the mechanics and gameplay are just a chore.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, contributing significantly to the overall experience and quality of the point-and-click genre. It is considered one of the key elements alongside art, navigation, humor, storyline, voicing, and puzzle quality.
“Great music, too!”
“I judge point-and-click games on a few things: quality of art, music, ease of navigation, success of humor, storyline, voice acting, and puzzle quality.”
“The music in this game feels repetitive and uninspired, lacking the creativity that would make it memorable.”
“I found the soundtrack to be quite dull, with no standout tracks that enhance the gaming experience.”
“The background music is so generic that it often fades into the background, failing to engage or elevate the gameplay.”