The Filmmaker - A Text Adventure
- March 7, 2017
- Storycentric Worlds
- 1h median play time
Get on SteamExplore an abandoned movie theater and step inside five black-and-white films in this mystery text adventure that pays tribute to classic Hollywood B-Movies and combines the best elements of interactive fiction, visual novels, and gamebooks.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique setting and engaging puzzles that encourage critical thinking.
- The writing is well done, with a compelling story that keeps players interested throughout.
- The graphics and atmosphere are impressive for a text-based game, enhancing the overall experience.
- Some puzzles can be frustrating and may require excessive searching or backtracking.
- The interface can feel clunky and may detract from the overall gameplay experience.
- There are occasional bugs that can disrupt the flow of the game.
- story21 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a mixed reception for the game's story, with some players finding it compelling and well-developed, particularly praising its atmosphere, character depth, and integration of puzzles. However, others felt certain narratives were long-winded or lacked originality, with a few noting that while the main story is engaging, it can become exhausting towards the end. Overall, the game is recommended for those who appreciate rich storytelling and character-driven plots, despite some inconsistencies in execution.
“The storyline and climax were spot on, controls were very smooth, loved the music as well.”
“The writing is well done and the story compelling.”
“Great story, well developed characters, thoughtfully integrated puzzles, heroic quest... the filmmaker has it all.”
“The filmmaker has a decent amount of atmosphere and a mildly involving story, though it does get a bit exhausting and long-winded towards the end.”
“Villain is, in my opinion, the best so far in the game series, but the story, even if it tries to be, isn't scary at all or even remotely disturbing, leaving the feeling of a B-movie villain.”
“So, of these story-centric worlds games, the first one I played was Shady Brook, and I didn't recommend it.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their quality, especially given its text-based nature, featuring well-executed static artwork that enhances the overall experience. Users appreciate the combination of good graphics and music, which together contribute to an engaging atmosphere.
“The artwork is very well done and the music really adds to the whole experience.”
“The game has good graphics considering it's a text game.”
“Interesting story, good graphics and interface, and fun puzzles.”
“It uses static artwork for locations and events that arise from interaction selections.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its atmospheric music and retro charm, effectively capturing the allure of small movie theaters and the cult of B-movies. While the story is mildly engaging, some players find it becomes exhausting towards the end. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a strong point, enhancing the fun and character of the game.
“I appreciated the fact the author gives us a taste of the past and loved the retro age atmosphere.”
“All in all, the game captures the atmosphere and allure of small movie theatres and the cult around B-movies very well.”
“The filmmaker has a decent amount of atmosphere and a mildly involving story, though it does get a bit exhausting and long-winded towards the end.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, enhancing the overall experience and complementing the artwork. However, some users noted that the audio system's limitation, which allows only one track to play at a time, can disrupt the immersion during gameplay.
“The storyline and climax were spot on, controls were very smooth, and I loved the music as well.”
“The artwork is very well done, and the music really adds to the whole experience.”
“I'm also a big fan of the music and artwork.”
“The game sounded like it could only play one audio track at a time, so goals and achievements interrupted the music and background noise.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay focuses primarily on puzzles rather than exploration, characteristic of a text adventure format. Players will experience a slower pace as they gather clues and unravel the story, leading to a satisfying revelation of the narrative.
“The gameplay focuses less on exploration and more on solving intricate puzzles.”
“As a text adventure, the gameplay is slower-paced, requiring players to gather clues and piece together the story, but ultimately, everything will be revealed.”
“The gameplay is less focused on exploration and more on puzzles.”
“Being a text adventure, the gameplay is a bit slow as you must gather clues and piece together what has happened in the past - but eventually all will be revealed.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly when faced with challenges like sourcing essential resources, such as water for the toilet, which can hinder progress and enjoyment.
“This became tedious quickly when I could not find a way to get water to the toilet.”
