The Quest for the BIG KEY
- May 15, 2018
- hOSHI
Get on SteamThe Quest for the Big Key is highly inspired by NES classics that you will no doubt recognize. It focuses more on the exploring part. It comes completely without Enemies and Battles. So if you like finding secret passages and collecting items that allow you to progress in different parts of the map, ...
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and quirky experience that is surprisingly fun despite its short length.
- The retro pixel graphics and simple gameplay provide a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic games.
- Players can enjoy moments of satisfaction and 'Aha!' realizations while exploring and solving puzzles.
- The lack of save points and permadeath mechanics can lead to frustrating replaying of sections after dying.
- Invisible walls and awkward controls detract from the overall experience and can be off-putting for many players.
- The game feels empty and lacks depth, with minimal storyline and repetitive environments.
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game feature a nostalgic pixel art style reminiscent of the 8-bit NES era, which some players find charming while others feel it lacks refinement. While the visuals and accompanying music are adequate for the gameplay experience, they may occasionally lead to minor navigation issues due to their simplistic design. Overall, the graphics evoke a retro feel, aligning with the game's theme, but could benefit from enhancements.
“One definition is that a retro game has the sensibilities and graphic look of an older era in video gaming.”
“The art style you can see from the screenshots on the store page, so you will not be surprised by what you are getting.”
“The artwork and music are just what you would expect from a blocky-pixelated 8-bit NES era game.”
“Both the graphics and music/sounds could be better, but they work well enough for this game.”
“This did not really affect gameplay, but a couple of times I walked away from a wall only to find it again later to realize I was a couple of small graphic blocks off and not able to enter.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story of "The Quest for the Big Key" is described as extremely short and somewhat nonsensical, offering only vague tidbits of lore that lack depth. While the game is fun and features appealing pixel graphics, it ultimately lacks a meaningful narrative, reminiscent of retro games that often prioritized gameplay over storytelling.
“The quest for the big key is a peculiar little game, something I would like to see more often nowadays.”
“Extremely short and weird game with some nonsensical story, but it's also weirdly fun.”
“There is no storyline, just tidbits of lore that are too vague to be meaningful.”
“The quest for the big key is an 8-bit style short dungeon exploration game that takes anywhere between half an hour and an hour, depending on how quickly you can find all of the clues in order to progress.”
“The quest for the big key is a peculiar little game, but it lacks a compelling narrative.”
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a retro 8-bit synth style, reminiscent of the NES era, with minimal MIDI tracks and basic sound effects. However, users have noted the lack of sound or volume controls, making it impossible to turn off the music without adjusting the computer's overall volume. While the audio could be improved, it is deemed adequate for the game's overall experience.
“The artwork and music are just what you would expect from a blocky, pixelated 8-bit NES era game.”
“There is minimal MIDI music with some very single-splash sound effects.”
“There are no sound or volume controls, including no way to turn off the music without turning down your computer's volume.”
“The music loop is synthesized.”
“There is minimal MIDI music with some very basic sound effects.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay in titles like *Alwa's Awakening* and *Princess Remedy* combines retro elements with modern conveniences, enhancing the overall experience. However, some players noted minor frustrations, such as difficulty in navigating due to subtle graphical misalignments.
“There's a reason that, despite their retro sensibilities and gameplay, games like 'Alwa's Awakening' and 'Princess Remedy' still offer quite a few amenities of the modern era.”
“This did not really affect gameplay, but a couple of times I walked away from a wall only to find it again later, realizing I was a couple of small graphic blocks off and not able to enter.”
