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 can be surprisingly fun despite its short length.
- Players can enjoy engaging puzzles that require logical thinking and exploration, leading to satisfying 'Aha!' moments.
- The retro pixel graphics provide a refreshing aesthetic, reminiscent of classic gaming while allowing for a relaxed gameplay experience.
- The game suffers from significant design flaws, such as invisible walls and a lack of save options, which can frustrate players.
- There is a notable absence of modern conveniences like sound controls, screen resizing, and a meaningful storyline, making the experience feel empty.
- Permadeath mechanics and the requirement to complete the game in one sitting can deter players from fully enjoying the experience.
- story8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story in "The Quest for the Big Key" is described as extremely short and nonsensical, offering only vague tidbits of lore that lack depth. While some players find the quirky narrative fun, the overall lack of a meaningful storyline detracts from the experience, reminiscent of less favorable aspects of retro games.
“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.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by appealing pixel art that evokes a nostalgic retro aesthetic, though some players feel this also brings back less favorable elements from older gaming eras. Overall, the visuals are seen as a refreshing homage to classic styles, despite some drawbacks.
“The pixel graphics are nice and refreshing, capturing the essence of retro gaming.”
“A retro game has the sensibilities and graphic look of an older era in video gaming.”
“The graphics evoke a nostalgic feeling, reminiscent of classic video games.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a synthetic loop but lacks sound and volume controls, making it impossible to turn off the music without adjusting the computer's overall volume.
“The music loop is synthed.”
“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.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The gameplay of titles like *Alwa's Awakening* and *Princess Remedy* successfully blends retro sensibilities with modern conveniences, enhancing the overall player experience while maintaining a nostalgic feel.
“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.”
“The gameplay feels outdated and lacks the polish that modern games offer.”
“The controls are clunky and make it difficult to enjoy the experience.”
“There are frustrating mechanics that hinder the overall enjoyment of the game.”
