The Cabinets of Doctor Arcana
- October 5, 2018
- The Hideout
Get on Steam"The Cabinets of Doctor Arcana" is a challenging puzzle game set in a spooky gothic manor, where you must solve over 50 riddles, mazes, and conundrums to escape. The game features an original soundtrack and eerie artworks, immersing you in a mysterious atmosphere filled with magic and illusion. Accept the deadly challenge and uncover the secrets that lie within the mansion. Be prepared to face the consequences once you begin.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features excellent music and a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
- Puzzles are engaging and range from pleasantly fun to challenging, providing a satisfying experience for puzzle enthusiasts.
- The visuals are stunning, reminiscent of classic 90's games, and the storyline is compelling, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Some puzzle types, particularly door unlocking puzzles, are repetitive and can lead to boredom.
- The hint system is largely ineffective, offering little assistance in solving puzzles, which may frustrate players.
- The game is relatively short, leaving some players wanting more content and complexity in the gameplay.
- music19 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to create a captivating and atmospheric experience, enhancing the overall sense of spookiness and immersion. Many reviewers highlight the contributions of Nox Arcana, noting that the soundtrack is both calming and inspiring, making it suitable for meditation and puzzle-solving. Overall, the combination of unique gothic music and art significantly elevates the game's appeal, making it a standout feature.
“The music fits the mood, the graphics are fine, the play is smooth and not buggy at all, and finding your way around isn't a chore.”
“Excellent music enhances the sense of spookiness and impending doom.”
“And let's not even get started on the music.”
“Much of the music is new, but at least two tracks come from 'Legion of Shadows.' The puzzles range from pleasantly fun to excruciatingly difficult.”
“Evidently the main draw here is the art and music of Nox Arcana, and the soundtrack in particular is gorgeous.”
- graphics13 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning aesthetic, drawing heavily from gothic artwork and reminiscent of classic 90s styles. Reviewers highlight the fantastic visuals and smooth gameplay, noting that the artwork enhances the overall atmosphere and engagement of the puzzle experience. The combination of beautiful graphics and fitting music creates a unique and immersive environment that stands out in modern gaming.
“Killer aesthetic, and fantastic artwork.”
“A very engaging game with fantastic visuals.”
“The graphics are spot on, reminiscent of classic 90's games of this genre.”
“The graphics are fine, but they don't stand out in any significant way.”
“The art style feels outdated and lacks the polish expected from modern games.”
“While the atmosphere is interesting, the graphics fail to fully immerse the player.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its unique gothic style, compelling music, and immersive storytelling, creating a rich and satisfying experience. Reviewers highlight the excellent integration of puzzles within this atmospheric setting, making it feel both classic and distinctively engaging. Overall, the combination of aesthetic elements and lore contributes to a deeply atmospheric gameplay experience.
“Especially since it draws heavily from a style of gothic artwork, music, aesthetic, and general atmosphere that is definitively classic and feels almost lost and truly unique in this modern day.”
“A very satisfying and atmospheric puzzle game, with a compelling story.”
“Dark atmosphere, lots of puzzles, few hops.”
“The atmosphere, the music, storyline, challenging puzzles and clues, and the difficulty of the game in general are spectacular.”
- story7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The story is described as simple yet engaging, with a well-thought-out plot that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the atmospheric elements and the integration of challenging puzzles that contribute to a compelling narrative. Overall, the game successfully combines a satisfying storyline with intricate gameplay, making it a memorable experience.
“A very satisfying and atmospheric puzzle game, with a compelling story.”
“Everything this group does is very well thought out and planned, and everything tells a story.”
“The quests and tasks, to be honest, are becoming more complex as the night grows longer.”
“The atmosphere, the music, storyline, challenging puzzles and clues, and the difficulty of the game in general are spectacular.”
- stability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, users report a high level of stability in the game, noting smooth gameplay with no bugs and an intuitive navigation system that enhances the overall experience. The graphics and music also contribute positively to the game's atmosphere.
“The music fits the mood, the graphics are fine, the gameplay is smooth and not buggy at all, and finding your way around isn't a chore.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by somewhat outdated mechanics reminiscent of the 90s, which, while contributing to a short experience, intentionally enhances the game's nostalgic charm.
“The mechanics may seem somewhat outdated and reminiscent of the 90s, but this intentional design choice adds to the nostalgic charm that permeates the game.”
“The gameplay is engaging and offers a unique blend of challenges that keeps you coming back for more.”
“I love how the game balances simplicity and depth, making it accessible for newcomers while still providing enough complexity for seasoned players.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the narrator's witty commentary, which adds a comedic layer to the experience, particularly in relation to the surroundings and Vargo's artwork.
“I love the narrator's hilarious commentary on their surroundings and on Vargo's artwork.”
“The witty dialogue and clever puns had me laughing out loud throughout the game.”
“The humor is perfectly timed, making even the most mundane tasks entertaining.”
