Faraway: Puzzle Escape
- May 15, 2017
- Pine Studio
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Apple StoreFaraway: Puzzle Escape is a Director's cut version of the popular mobile game, now available for PC. Explore 20 temples filled with mind-bending puzzles and the remnants of an ancient civilization, using items you find along the way. With updated graphics, voiceover, and free 360 fps movement, this immersive 3D world offers a compelling story and unique soundtrack to enjoy as you solve its secrets.
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Reviews
- The game features a variety of puzzles that gradually increase in difficulty, providing a satisfying challenge for players.
- The graphics are simple yet charming, with a relaxing soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- It's a good game for casual players or those new to the puzzle genre, offering a relaxing and enjoyable gameplay experience.
- The game is plagued by numerous bugs that can hinder progress, including game-breaking issues that require players to delete save files to continue.
- Many puzzles are overly simplistic, leading to a lack of challenge and engagement, which may disappoint seasoned puzzle enthusiasts.
- The story is minimal and poorly integrated, with collectibles that feel tedious to find and do not add meaningful depth to the gameplay.
- music14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as pleasant, calming, and fitting for its casual atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. However, many users noted that the soundtrack becomes repetitive over time, leading some to turn it off after a few levels. While the sound effects are minimal and generic, the soothing soundtrack and warm visuals are often highlighted as standout features.
“The music was nice and relaxing, fitting for the casual atmosphere.”
“I love the low poly aesthetics with warm colors and the soothing soundtrack the game has.”
“Smooth controls, relaxing music, interesting and creative puzzles.”
“The music is pretty and calm, but unfortunately repeats itself for the entire game.”
“I had to turn off the music after the first few levels because it was way too repetitive for me.”
“The soundtrack got a little repetitive.”
- graphics13 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 23 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a simple, low-poly aesthetic that some players find appealing due to its warm colors and smooth performance. While the visuals are often described as plain or bland, they contribute to a relaxing atmosphere that complements the gameplay. Overall, the graphics may not be technically impressive, but they effectively create a soothing and enjoyable experience.
“I really like the pleasant warm colors and smooth graphics of this game.”
“I love the low-poly aesthetics with warm colors and the soothing soundtrack the game has.”
“Not nearly as hard as the other puzzle games out there, but the soundtrack and the graphics are outstanding!”
“The graphics are plain, but the game runs smoothly with no hiccups.”
“Graphics aren't really good; they're very cubic and don't provide a sense of awe.”
“Simple 3D models; the artwork lacks detail and looks kind of bland.”
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for being minimal and unengaging, primarily conveyed through scattered notes that fail to connect meaningfully with the gameplay. Players find the narrative tedious and lacking depth, leading to confusion and disappointment, especially with a bleak ending that leaves much to be desired. Overall, the storytelling does not enhance the experience, leaving many players unsatisfied.
“Finding every hidden message could be tedious, but it drives you to do it to get the best picture of the story.”
“Puzzles are very simple, but I guess simple puzzles are still okay when the story and the pace are good.”
“But they are not here: the story is told through notes you find throughout the different levels.”
“The game starts off easy and you think it will get more challenging later on, but it doesn't. The story of that lost guy isn't that interesting either.”
“No story whatsoever and the ending is bleak.”
“The 'story' is really just the piecing together of notes you find; it's barely there and has nothing to do with the gameplay.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by simplistic escape room puzzles that may appeal to beginners but feel underwhelming for seasoned players, with a lack of depth in both mechanics and story. While the "director's cut" adds secret levels and achievements, the overall experience is marred by technical issues and a reliance on familiar puzzle elements, resulting in a mixed reception despite its decent length for the genre.
“The game was almost free on sale and provided me with a few hours of gameplay.”
“Production values are not very high as these games were also released for mobile devices, but they work very well for the gameplay.”
“This 'director's cut' adds two more gameplay components: secret levels that you need to unlock by finding hidden puzzle pieces scattered in the levels, and... steam achievements.”
“The gameplay is like really bad escape room puzzles for beginners.”
“The 'story', really just the piecing together of notes you find, is barely there and has nothing to do with the gameplay.”
“However, despite the mixed/negative reviews and the pleas in the discussions, the developer has not addressed the issues with gameplay and puzzle errors.”
- stability5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game exhibits several stability issues, including camera malfunctions, glitches affecting key items, and potential bugs with achievements. While users report various small bugs and glitches, most feel they do not significantly detract from the overall experience. However, the prevalence of these issues has led some to describe the game as quite buggy.
“The game engine is a bit buggy: sometimes the in-game camera doesn't work, producing all-black photos.”
“Getting one of the key pieces is glitchy and I would never have found it without help.”
“I'm fairly certain the Master of Destruction achievement is buggy, because I destroyed every pot multiple times and even broke down and watched a walkthrough.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers good replayability, particularly for players interested in hunting for achievements, thanks to its well-designed levels and puzzles.
“The level and puzzle design is very good overall, and there is a certain amount of replayability if you want to hunt for the achievements.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of searching for hidden messages to be tedious, yet it motivates them to engage deeply with the story for a more comprehensive understanding.
“Finding every hidden message can be tedious, but it drives you to do it to get the best picture of the story.”
“The grinding feels endless and often detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
“I spent hours grinding for resources, and it felt more like a chore than a rewarding experience.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally light, with most puzzles being easy but featuring a few amusingly obscure challenges that add a touch of wit.
“Most of the puzzles are easy, with some funny obscure ones.”
“The humor in the dialogue is clever and keeps you engaged throughout the game.”
“I love how the game uses puns and witty remarks to lighten the mood during challenging moments.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized by a nice and relaxing musical score that complements the overall casual vibe of the game.
“The music was nice and relaxing, fitting for the casual atmosphere.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting clunky controls, frequent stuttering, and numerous glitches, leading to a frustrating experience that falls short of expectations.
“Clunky controls, stuttering, glitchy, and horribly optimized for what you get.”
“The game suffers from severe performance issues, making it frustrating to play.”
“Optimization seems to have been an afterthought, resulting in frequent frame drops and lag.”
