Hadean Lands

About

Hadean Lands is a single player puzzle game with fantasy and science fiction themes. It was developed by Zarfhome Software and was released on June 20, 2016. It received very positive reviews from players.

"Hadean Lands" is a text-based interactive fiction game that focuses on alchemy and exploration. As an apprentice alchemist, you must survive on an airless alien wasteland, learning and performing rituals with limited resources. The game features a sophisticated goal-tracking system, allowing for experimentation and freedom in solving interlinked puzzles. Keyboard controls are used exclusively to type commands and navigate the game's world.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 46 reviews

atmosphere2 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The game features a unique and richly detailed world, with evocative descriptions and a complex alchemy system that enhances the gameplay experience.
Puzzles are challenging yet fair, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment as players learn and master the mechanics.
Quality of life improvements, such as the ability to automate previously solved tasks and a helpful memory system, make the game more accessible and enjoyable.

The story lacks depth and coherence, leaving some players feeling disappointed with the narrative resolution.
The initial learning curve can be steep, with many players finding the early stages confusing and overwhelming due to the amount of information presented.
Some puzzles may feel ambiguous or frustrating, particularly if they require unconventional solutions that deviate from traditional text adventure logic.

story
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
62%
23%
The story in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it cryptic and lacking in clarity, leading to a disappointing and confusing ending. While some appreciate the atmospheric elements and the potential for interpretation, others feel that the narrative feels like an afterthought, primarily serving as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a cohesive story. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a weak point, with players desiring more closure and connection in the narrative.
- “So far as the ending goes: I think it assumes (reasonably) that a certain amount of attention will be paid to sights and events that have no direct effect on the main storyline.”
- “If you like fuzzy 'bring-your-own-interpretation' litfic, you might even enjoy the story.”
- “The only downside is that it doesn't provide enough explanation from a story perspective, and the ending felt a bit disappointing and confusing to me.”
- “The story comes across as an afterthought, but there are eventually a few items of interest there as well.”
- “Suffice to say, this story felt more than a little pointless, and was a rather large let-down for me upon reaching the end.”
gameplay
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The gameplay of Hadean Lands is centered around a unique alchemy system that encourages experimentation and creativity, allowing players to modify recipes to solve challenges. Its innovative mechanics, including the ability to restart while retaining knowledge, enhance the addictive nature of the game, making it stand out among text adventures. Overall, the core gameplay loop is highly engaging, with a strong emphasis on exploration and discovery within its atmospheric universe.
- “It features an interesting mechanic that allows you to restart from the beginning while retaining your knowledge about the world and its formulas.”
- “Once you have fully digested the alchemy system and start chaining rituals, it really is quite addictive, and a much stronger core mechanic than what most other adventure games offer.”
- “The 'repeat anything' mechanic is, frankly, amazing, and the sort of feature an entire interactive fiction parser could be built around.”
- “I was so focused on the core gameplay loop that I think I must have missed out on these opportunities.”
- “Hadean Lands has some special mechanics and means to cope with them; you should know about these.”
- “I don't want to give away anything, but I will say the core mechanic is alchemy, and the game is largely about experimenting to modify alchemical recipes in novel ways to overcome obstacles.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The game offers a richly atmospheric experience, particularly through its text-based mechanics that immerse players in a fictional universe. However, some users feel that the narrative may not match the depth of the atmosphere, potentially leading to disappointment. Collaborative exploration and discussion of puzzles further enhance the overall ambiance.
- “Very atmospheric text adventure where the main game mechanics describe the fictional universe.”
- “We explore the game together and it enriches the atmosphere tremendously when you can discuss the puzzles that need to be solved.”
- “But if you're expecting a narrative that's as concretely tangible as the atmosphere, execution, and puzzles, you may find yourself disappointed.”
graphics
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics feature includes two optional convenience tools: a graphical map and a journal that help players keep track of various facts and rituals encountered throughout the game.
- “The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the world to life.”
- “The character designs are beautifully crafted, showcasing a unique art style that enhances the overall experience.”
- “The environments are richly detailed, making exploration a visual delight.”
grinding
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate that the game effectively mitigates the potential tedium of grinding through thoughtful features, such as a helpful parser that remembers item locations and action sequences. This design choice significantly reduces repetitive tasks, enhancing the overall experience.
- “In less capable hands, this game could have become extremely tedious, but there are lots of nice little features that keep it from getting too repetitive.”
- “The grinding in this game feels endless and often frustrating, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “While the game has potential, the excessive grinding detracts from the overall experience and makes progress feel slow and unfulfilling.”