The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1

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The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 is a single player action game with a mystery theme. It was developed by Julia Minamata and was released on February 24, 2020. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

The first chapter of The Crimson Diamond, released for free. Follow amateur geologist and reluctant detective Nancy Maple to the fictional ghost town of Crimson, Ontario to investigate the discovery of a massive diamond in this retro-inspired, EGA text parser mystery adventure.

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Play Modes

Single-Player

The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 screenshot

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97%

Audience ScoreBased on 35 reviews

graphics8 positive mentions

character development1 negative mentions

The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 successfully captures the nostalgic feel of classic Sierra-style adventure games, offering a rich narrative and engaging characters.
The text parser is modernized and user-friendly, allowing for a smooth gameplay experience while encouraging players to think critically and explore their surroundings.
The game's retro pixel-art style and atmospheric soundtrack enhance the immersive experience, making it a visually appealing and enjoyable adventure.

Some artwork appears rushed or incomplete, leading to inconsistencies in visual quality that can detract from the overall experience.
Players unfamiliar with text-based mechanics may find the initial learning curve challenging, and some clues can be subtle enough to be easily overlooked.
The game lacks background music during gameplay, which can create a sense of silence that feels odd and may detract from the overall atmosphere.

graphics
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
42%
16%
The graphics of "The Crimson Diamond" are characterized by a nostalgic retro pixel-art style that pays homage to classic EGA-era adventure games, featuring bold colors and expressive character portraits that enhance the game's atmosphere. While many players appreciate the charming artwork and its faithful representation of 1980s Sierra-style games, some have noted that certain graphics appear rushed or incomplete, with hopes for further polish in future updates. Overall, the visuals successfully evoke a sense of nostalgia while contributing to the game's engaging storytelling.
- “Visually, the crimson diamond embraces a retro pixel-art style reminiscent of classic EGA-era adventure games, using bold colors and expressive character portraits to convey mood and personality.”
- “This aesthetic is not merely nostalgic; it is carefully applied to enhance clarity and atmosphere.”
- “The graphics are amazing and totally capture the Colonel's Bequest vibe.”
- “As others have mentioned, the artwork seemed rushed or incomplete in places but overall was a fun walk down memory lane.”
- “The game is still in development and it can be seen by some placeholder graphics.”
- “- Game backgrounds and artwork are hit or miss in terms of detail quality.”
story
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
62%
19%
The story centers on Nancy Maple, an amateur geologist investigating diamond rumors in the fictional Canadian town of Crimson, offering a blend of rich character interactions and a compelling narrative that balances self-contained storytelling with broader intrigue. While the first chapter serves as a promising introduction with satisfying depth and character development, some players feel it lacks the enthralling experience expected from a full game, with gameplay mechanics that may frustrate those unfamiliar with retro styles. Overall, it captures the essence of classic adventure games, appealing to fans of the genre while hinting at greater potential in future chapters.
- “The story follows Nancy Maple, an intelligent and inquisitive amateur geologist sent to a remote Canadian mining town to investigate rumors of valuable diamonds.”
- “Conversations are particularly rich, with characters responding dynamically to what you have learned and what you choose to ask, creating the impression of genuine personalities rather than static quest dispensers.”
- “While it clearly serves as the opening act of a larger story, it provides enough depth, character development, and plot progression to feel satisfying on its own.”
- “Although I feel there is a lot of potential for the story and gameplay in this series, this chapter feels more like a glimpse as to what it could be versus an enthralling gaming experience.”
- “But searching through every location for something that randomly appeared since the last chapter so you can move the story along can quickly turn a 'Colonel's Bequest' into a 'Cruise for a Corpse' and have the players running for the nearest walkthrough!”
- “Tbh, I think many will look at this game and think firstly, 'WTF are these graphics?' then despair at what looks like another female protagonist mystery. For those gamers who do think that, then they are better off staying well away from this because they won't appreciate how effectively 'Julia Minamata' has captured the time period both in retro gameplay and the story design approach, for it is a true love letter to the long-forgotten VGA text-parser game.”
gameplay
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
40%
30%
Gameplay primarily revolves around exploration and inquiry, appealing to players who appreciate thoughtful mysteries and a deliberate pace. While newcomers to text-based adventures may face initial challenges, the game offers a smooth introduction with helpful tutorials, emulating classic Sierra adventure mechanics. However, some players find the gameplay experience somewhat bland and short, with a lack of music contributing to a dated feel.
- “Gameplay is driven almost entirely by exploration and inquiry.”
- “Its commitment to investigative gameplay, strong writing, and cohesive atmosphere makes it a rewarding experience for players who enjoy thoughtful mysteries and deliberate pacing.”
- “If you've never played any classic Sierra adventure, this game is a smooth and fun glide into that style of game featuring helpful and unintrusive tutorials into the gameplay.”
- “Players unfamiliar with text-based adventure mechanics may initially struggle with phrasing commands or identifying the next logical step.”
- “Overall though, I found this chapter to be kind of bland when it comes to gameplay.”
- “However, there is no real music during gameplay.”
music
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
30%
30%
The music in the game is generally praised for its atmospheric quality and retro charm, effectively enhancing the setting and tension during cutscenes. However, many players express disappointment over the lack of background music during gameplay, which can lead to a feeling of emptiness while exploring. Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated, there is a strong desire for more consistent musical accompaniment throughout the game.
- “The soundtrack and ambient audio further reinforce the setting, supporting the slow-building tension of the mystery without overwhelming the experience.”
- “From the loud graphic colors (VGA apparently is limited in its color options), the retro music and the recurring polite conversations all reflect this game's period.”
- “- Music during cutscenes is good and atmospheric.”
- “I love all the little details, but one of the only cons I can pick out is how there isn't background music.”
- “However, there is no real music during gameplay.”
- “That being said, it can feel kind of stale just walking around with no music playing.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its nostalgic yet clear aesthetic, which enhances the investigative gameplay and strong writing. Players appreciate the cohesive atmosphere, complemented by good artwork and atmospheric music during cutscenes, contributing to a rewarding experience for those who enjoy thoughtful mysteries.
- “This aesthetic is not merely nostalgic; it is carefully applied to enhance clarity and atmosphere.”
- “Its commitment to investigative gameplay, strong writing, and cohesive atmosphere makes it a rewarding experience for players who enjoy thoughtful mysteries and deliberate pacing.”
- “The music during cutscenes is good and atmospheric.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by its old-school graphics complemented by occasional witty remarks, adding a lighthearted touch to the overall experience.
- “The old school graphics are charming, and the funny comments sprinkled throughout really enhance the experience.”
- “I love how the humor is woven into the gameplay; it keeps things light and entertaining.”
- “The witty dialogue and hilarious situations had me laughing out loud while playing.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 is praised for its emotional depth, serving as a heartfelt homage to classic adventure games while thoughtfully reinterpreting their core themes. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke nostalgia and connect with its narrative.
- “The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 is a carefully crafted mystery adventure developed and published by Julia Minamata that feels both like a heartfelt tribute to classic adventure games and a thoughtful reinterpretation of their core ideas.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The character development in the game is praised for its depth and progression, offering a satisfying experience even as it sets the stage for a larger narrative.
- “While it clearly serves as the opening act of a larger story, it provides enough depth, character development, and plot progression to feel satisfying on its own.”

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2h Median play time

2h Average play time

2-2h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 is a action game with mystery theme.

The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 is available on PC, Mac OS and Windows.

On average players spend around 2 hours playing The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1.

The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 was released on February 24, 2020.

The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 was developed by Julia Minamata.

The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its story.

The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1 is a single player game.

Similar games include The Blackwell Legacy, Rosewater, Between Horizons, Lacuna, Neyyah and others.

The Crimson Diamond: Chapter 1

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