Hadean Lands
- June 20, 2016
- Zarfhome Software
Get on Steam"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.
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Reviews
- Hadean Lands features a complex and well-implemented alchemy system that offers a unique and satisfying puzzle experience.
- The game includes helpful quality-of-life features, such as a memory system that allows players to repeat previously solved tasks easily, enhancing the overall gameplay.
- The writing is evocative and well-crafted, immersing players in a richly detailed world that respects their intelligence and encourages experimentation.
- The initial learning curve is steep, with many players finding the early sections overwhelming and confusing, which may deter newcomers to the genre.
- Some puzzles can feel obscure or frustrating, leading to moments of being stuck without clear guidance, which may frustrate players seeking a more straightforward experience.
- The story lacks depth and closure, leaving some players disappointed with the narrative aspect of the game despite its strong puzzle mechanics.
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story in Hadean Lands is often perceived as an afterthought, primarily serving as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a central focus. While some players appreciate its cryptic nature and the opportunity for personal interpretation, many find it lacking in coherence and closure, leading to a sense of disappointment, especially regarding the ending. Overall, the narrative is seen as a mixed bag, with intriguing elements overshadowed by a lack of clarity and connection.
“Hadean Lands is concerned with a situation rather than with a story, and this isn't a put down.”
“The story is a little far on the cryptic side, and it seems like the game could have gone a little further than it did, but these are hardly tarnishes on such a gem.”
“If you like fuzzy 'bring-your-own-interpretation' litfic, you might even enjoy the story.”
“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.”
“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.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Hadean Lands is centered around a highly engaging alchemy system that encourages experimentation and creativity, making it a standout feature compared to other adventure games. Players appreciate the addictive nature of chaining rituals and the innovative mechanics that allow for knowledge retention upon restarting, enhancing the overall experience. The core gameplay loop is praised for its depth and the unique challenges it presents.
“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 IF 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.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
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 with the story.”
“While the game has potential, the excessive grinding required to progress feels like a chore rather than an enjoyable challenge.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics feature includes two optional convenience tools: a graphical map and a journal that help players keep track of the numerous facts and rituals they encounter 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.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its strong execution and engaging puzzles, but some players feel that the narrative does not match the same level of tangibility, potentially leading to disappointment.
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into a world that feels both alive and haunting.”
“Every detail contributes to a sense of unease, making the environment feel like a character in its own right.”
“The combination of sound design and visual elements creates a captivating atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
“But if you're expecting a narrative that's as concretely tangible as the atmosphere, execution, and puzzles, you may find yourself disappointed.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players in the game world.”
“Despite the potential for a rich environment, the atmosphere ultimately falls short, leaving players feeling disconnected and unengaged.”
