Meridian 157: Chapter 3
- July 29, 2021
- NovaSoft Interactive Ltd.
- 5h median play time
"Meridian 157: Chapter 3" is the thrilling conclusion to the series, taking players to the heart of the FLARE project facility to uncover its sinister purpose and prevent disaster. With the most unique and challenging puzzles yet, this chapter offers immersive graphics, a custom ambient soundtrack, and a hint system. Experience the final adventure of Dr. Zander in this atmospheric puzzle game, available in 9 languages and with color blind mode.
Reviews
- The game features a fantastic mix of puzzles that range from easy to challenging, providing a satisfying experience for players.
- The storyline is engaging and well-developed, with intriguing elements that keep players invested throughout the series.
- The graphics and atmosphere are well-crafted, enhancing the overall experience and immersing players in the game's world.
- The ending of the game is disappointing and feels rushed, leaving players with a sense of dissatisfaction.
- Some puzzles are illogical or overly convoluted, making them frustrating to solve without external hints.
- The hint system is often vague and unhelpful, leading to confusion and hindering the gameplay experience.
- story50 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally praised for being engaging and well-developed, with a mix of intriguing themes and a satisfying conclusion, although some players felt it could have been more spectacular. The narrative is complemented by a variety of puzzles that are both challenging and logical, enhancing the overall experience. While the graphics and atmosphere are also highlighted positively, a few reviewers noted that the story could feel underdeveloped or disconnected from gameplay at times.
“The whole Meridian 157 series was a lot of fun...interesting puzzles, good graphics, nice storyline.”
“I highly recommend this game for anyone who enjoys going through a journey full of mystery, solving difficult puzzles and having you think outside the box and being able to fill in your own imagination while exploring this tragic story.”
“The story was fantastic!”
“I mean, it does end the story, but after everything we've done in the last 4 chapters (including the prologue), I thought the ending might be a bit more, I don't know, spectacular?”
“Wish there was more visuals connecting the story.”
“The story's ending might not be everyone's cup of tea, though.”
- graphics19 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 26 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received widespread praise for their quality and design, described as sharp, beautifully realized, and perfectly complementing the storyline. While the game follows a prototypical point-and-click adventure format, it excels in delivering visually appealing artwork that enhances the overall experience. Some users noted minor technical issues related to high graphic settings, but overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the enjoyment of the game.
“The graphics are first rate.”
“The graphics are sharp.”
“The environment and graphics are beautifully realized but not overstated, and the breezy point-and-click gameplay is a retro delight.”
“Wish there was more visuals connecting the story.”
“Similar enough to the Room series and the House of Da Vinci series for me to recommend, although the graphics, gameplay, and story aren't at the same level perhaps.”
“My only issue is at the very end my computer was unable to see the ending because of the high graphic.”
- atmosphere13 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and engaging qualities, blending elements of peace, eeriness, and a brooding sense of mystery. Reviewers highlight the effective use of music and storytelling to enhance the overall experience, creating a captivating environment that complements the gameplay and puzzles. Despite minor technical issues, the atmospheric depth and emotional resonance leave a lasting impression on players.
“They absolutely nailed the story, atmosphere, puzzle engagement, pace, and most of all music.”
“Loved this from start to finish... atmospheric, poignant, dark and occasionally some black humor too... just wish I could play it again with no knowledge of it so I could enjoy it over.”
“All the slight negatives from the other chapters remain (blurred transitions, clunky movement) but the story and atmosphere was more than compensating.”
“Very eerie and sometimes spooky atmospheres throughout.”
“The atmosphere is suitably brooding with an air of doom (but no cheap jump scares or the like).”
- music8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for enhancing the atmosphere and complementing the gameplay, with many reviewers noting its relaxing and creepy qualities. While some players feel that certain parts could benefit from more impactful music, the overall score is considered well-designed and engaging, contributing positively to the puzzle-solving experience. There is a strong desire among users for more background music in future titles.
“They absolutely nailed the story, atmosphere, puzzle engagement, pace, and most of all music.”
“Well designed, clever and thoughtful puzzles, good balance, nice music score....definitely worth my time!....I expect great things from the land of Stys.”
“It's creepy, has a good soundtrack and the puzzles are stimulating and well thought out.”
“Also, the music could have been more moving in certain parts, but overall good game.”
“Also, more background music please.”
“The puzzles are challenging and the music is very relaxing.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is engaging and reminiscent of the Room and House of Da Vinci series, featuring enjoyable mechanics and a compelling story, though it may not reach the same heights in graphics or depth. Puzzles strike a good balance between challenge and accessibility, while the beautifully realized environments and breezy point-and-click style enhance the overall experience. However, some players wished for a longer playtime.
“Music, sound, and a few animated cutscenes all complement gameplay well.”
“The puzzles are sufficiently challenging but not too hard, the story is compelling but not too complicated, the notes and journal readings are informative but not too burdensome, the environment and graphics are beautifully realized but not overstated, and the breezy point-and-click gameplay is a retro delight.”
“Wish it was a little longer but really enjoyed playing; good mechanics and story.”
“The story is interesting, but has not a lot to do with the gameplay itself.”
“Similar enough to the Room series and the House of Da Vinci series for me to recommend, although the graphics, gameplay, and story aren't at the same level, perhaps.”
“The puzzles are sufficiently challenging but not too hard; the story is compelling but not too complicated. The notes and journal readings are informative but not too burdensome, the environment and graphics are beautifully realized but not overstated, and the breezy point-and-click gameplay is a retro delight.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players found the game's ending to be both unexpected and emotionally impactful, evoking sadness despite some disappointment with repetitive puzzles. The sense of accomplishment from solving challenging puzzles added to the overall emotional experience, making the conclusion resonate more deeply.
“The ending was unexpected and sad. I think the game reused some previously used puzzles towards the end, which was a little disappointing, but I actually felt emotional when 'the end' came up on the screen.”
“I had a hard time with several puzzles, enough to watch walkthroughs or rely on hints, but the ones I solved on my own made me feel smarter than I am.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive over time, leading to a sense of fatigue.
“This gets tedious after a while.”
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive.”
“I find myself doing the same tasks over and over just to progress.”