Safecracker: The Ultimate Puzzle Adventure
- August 29, 2007
- Kheops Studio
- 6h median play time
Get on Steam"Safecracker: The Ultimate Puzzle Adventure" is a challenging game that puts your puzzle-solving skills to the test. You are hired to search a mansion for a wealthy man's last will and testament, hidden in one of 35 unique safes. Each safe contains clues to help you open the others, leading you to the master safe. With multiple difficulty levels, this game offers creative and clever puzzles to entertain all types of puzzle enthusiasts. Explore a magnificent mansion with 30 intriguing rooms along the way.
PC
Windows
Nintendo Ds
Wii
Reviews
- The game features a variety of clever and challenging puzzles that can provide hours of entertainment for puzzle enthusiasts.
- Many players found the nostalgic value of the game appealing, as it reminded them of their childhood experiences with similar puzzle games.
- Despite technical issues, some players were able to enjoy the game after following community guides to fix glitches and improve performance.
- The game has significant compatibility issues with modern operating systems, often resulting in a black screen or flickering graphics, making it unplayable for many users.
- Players reported that the game requires extensive troubleshooting and downloading of third-party files to function properly, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
- The overall experience is marred by a lack of depth in the story and some puzzles that can feel overly simplistic or frustratingly difficult without clear logic.
- graphics59 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are a mixed bag, with many players experiencing significant issues such as flickering visuals, unresponsive menus, and compatibility problems on modern systems. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm and find the visuals pleasant for its age, others struggle with graphical bugs that hinder gameplay. Overall, the graphics are considered decent but not impressive, often requiring extensive troubleshooting to function properly.
“The graphics are beautiful even now (and especially nice for 2006 when it was released), and if you make it to the end, you'll feel like a true safe-cracking master.”
“The visuals themselves were pretty great, with lots of pretty scenery to see around the giant house, though I wish the game had been set at a first-person view, allowing you to freely view the house, instead of the frame by frame.”
“Graphics are pretty swanky considering its age.”
“The graphics aren't going to wow anyone, and wouldn't have done so even when the game first released, but they hold up fine, if being a bit grainy on my 4K monitor.”
“I pushed through it because I still really like the game, but had I not already played it once, I would not have put up with the egregious graphics problems (no cursor, some UI elements not drawn, things randomly disappear when hovered over, frame rates less than 5 fps, etc.). Regrettably, I cannot recommend this game, which is a shame because it was fantastic when it first released.”
“The game does not render properly on higher-end graphic cards, leaving many of the menus unusable and missing, breaking the game beyond playability.”
- story40 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and primarily serves as a backdrop for the puzzle-solving experience, with many reviewers noting that it lacks depth and character development. While some appreciate the simple narrative tying the puzzles together, most agree that the focus is heavily on the puzzles themselves, making it suitable for players who prioritize gameplay over an intricate storyline. Overall, the story is described as thin and often anticlimactic, but it provides just enough context to enhance the puzzle-solving enjoyment.
“The story gives context and meaning to the game.”
“A fun game with a variety of challenging puzzles and an okay story to string them together.”
“I can see the devs really did put quite a bit of thought into how to fit the puzzles into the story, and did actually do a decent job at it.”
“No major plot or characters.”
“The story is minimal and mostly serves as a loose way to tie the puzzles together.”
“It's short, it has next to nonexistent plot (which at the ending seems not only nearly nonexistent, but unnecessary as well).”
- gameplay17 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Safecracker" is characterized by a variety of puzzles that cater to different skill levels, providing a satisfying experience for puzzle enthusiasts. While the game features beautiful environments and engaging mechanics, some users noted technical issues and a lack of innovation in its design, reminiscent of classic adventure games. Overall, it offers a solid, if not groundbreaking, gameplay experience that is enjoyable for fans of the genre, especially given its price point.
“With a diverse range of challenges that cater to different skill levels, 'Safecracker' offers a satisfying and rewarding experience for fans of puzzle games, reminding us that timeless gameplay mechanics can still provide hours of enjoyment.”
“Immersive, beautiful environment, cute story, lots of various puzzles, and around 6 hours of gameplay.”
“With nice graphics, intuitive gameplay, tons of safes to unlock, and challenging puzzles to solve, and a big fancy mansion to explore.”
“I was only able to start the game by clicking around blindly in the main menu, and even then the cursor flickers on and off during gameplay.”
“Not too fancy, since the main gameplay consists only of the sets of typical mini-trials like 'connect the pipes' and 'magic square', or cracking some random code pieces, like 'turn letters to numbers and vice versa'.”
“I definitely recommend the gameplay, especially for the price, however I'm not sure why the issues haven't been rectified since they make the game at the very least irritating, and at most, unplayable.”
- stability13 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is widely criticized, with users reporting numerous glitches, crashes, and unplayable conditions. Many have attempted troubleshooting methods, such as changing compatibility modes, but these often fail to resolve the issues, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess" that detracts significantly from gameplay enjoyment.
“Buggy mess unable to run on setup, save time and don't bother installing.”
“Honestly, the hour and change I have on record is mainly due to attempted troubleshooting to fix graphical errors and game crashes.”
“Other times I could get it to load with the 'troubleshooting' help, but the game would flicker so badly that it was unplayable.”
- music11 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as generic and unmemorable, with many players noting that it does not significantly enhance the experience. While the sound effects are considered reasonable, they fail to leave a lasting impression, and technical issues have led to frustrating experiences, such as black screens accompanied by music. Overall, the game's audio elements are seen as serviceable but lacking in originality and impact.
“Good graphics, voice, and music.”
“The music is sometimes a bit dark, but doesn't feel too displaced in any situation.”
“The music and sound effects are reasonable, but contribute nothing significant to the game.”
“Sound: once again, the music is serviceable, but terribly generic.”
“However, be sure to bring your own soundtrack; this game does not have one of its own.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant optimization issues, particularly on Windows 10, where it fails to run effectively even in compatibility mode. Users have found that it performs better with older settings, such as XP SP3 compatibility and 16-bit color mode, but still struggles with smooth fullscreen operation. Overall, the lack of optimization at launch has left many players frustrated.
“I found it works best with compatibility mode for XP SP3; I also tried 16-bit color mode and disabling fullscreen optimizations.”
“My only gripe with it is that it doesn't run smoothly in fullscreen.”
“Be aware this game is not optimized to run on Windows 10 (and can't be run successfully in compatibility mode).”
“Why it was released on Steam lacking optimization is beyond me.”
“I found it works best with compatibility mode for Windows XP SP3; I also tried 16-bit color mode and disabling fullscreen optimizations.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by a quirky feature where it automatically prints a will for a character, which some players found amusing. However, the enjoyment of this humor is overshadowed by technical issues that prevent the game from running properly on newer systems, leading to frustration rather than laughter.
“What I found kind of funny, though, is that it will automatically print a will for Duncan W. Adams at the end of the game—with whoever you left it to's name on it.”
“Kinda funny, but a heads up to those who have a printer connected.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its limited content and low replayability, with many users suggesting it only offers value if purchased on sale. Players noted that it can be completed in about three hours, and the only incentive for replaying is to improve completion times or if significant time has passed since the last playthrough.
“Given the limited content and lack of replayability, I recommend only purchasing it if it's on sale.”
“Has no replayability value unless you want to time how fast you can complete it.”
“Took a good 3 hours to finish it, but there's little replay value unless you leave it a long time or lose your memory.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is described as minimal and lacking the mystique found in similar games like Myst, yet it effectively draws players into the introspective journey of the two characters. Despite its simplicity, the environment is perceived as undisturbed and inspirational, enhancing the experience of puzzle-solving and exploration.
“It's similar to Myst – but without the mystic atmosphere.”
“And despite minimal atmosphere, I somehow found myself sucked into the interior world of two characters who get lost in safes and puzzle solving.”
“The overall atmosphere is undisturbed and somehow inspirational, too.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the game lacks significant character development and engaging dialogue, suggesting that players seeking these elements should consider alternatives like Baldur's Gate.
“The character development in this game is incredibly deep, allowing players to truly connect with each character's journey.”
“I love how the choices I make influence the characters' growth and relationships throughout the game.”
“Each character has a unique backstory that unfolds beautifully, making every interaction feel meaningful.”
“If you want character development and dialogue, nope - go play Baldur's Gate instead.”
“The characters feel one-dimensional and lack any real growth throughout the game.”
“I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; there was no real depth or surprise.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report a strong sense of accomplishment and intelligence upon completing the game, highlighting its ability to evoke feelings of pride and satisfaction.
“Completing the game filled me with a sense of accomplishment and pride.”
“The story touched my heart and made me reflect on my own life experiences.”
“The characters' struggles resonated with me deeply, evoking a range of emotions throughout the journey.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find that some games feature grinding that feels excessively tedious, even when the solutions are known, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment.
“A few tasks require you to know the solution, but the process of producing it is overly tedious.”
“The grinding feels endless and often detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
“Repetitive tasks make it hard to stay engaged; it often feels like a chore rather than fun.”
