The Room: Old Sins
- February 11, 2021
- Fireproof Games
- 7h median play time
"The Room: Old Sins" is a atmospheric puzzle game with a haunting dollhouse setting, where players uncover the mysteries of a missing engineer and his wife by solving intricate puzzles and following obscure clues. The game features significantly upgraded visuals from its mobile version, with re-built, re-textured, and re-lit environments and objects for a more immersive experience. This fourth installment in the critically acclaimed "The Room" series continues to deliver challenging puzzle gameplay while telling an intriguing story.
Reviews
- Stunning graphics and immersive atmosphere that enhance the gameplay experience.
- Challenging puzzles that are engaging and rewarding to solve, with a well-implemented hint system.
- Intriguing storyline that builds on the lore of the series, keeping players invested in the narrative.
- Some puzzles may feel too easy or straightforward compared to previous installments, leading to a shorter gameplay experience.
- Occasional technical issues, such as glitches or control sensitivity, can disrupt the flow of the game.
- The game may lack the depth or complexity of earlier titles, making it feel less challenging for seasoned players.
- graphics1,525 mentions
- 82 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in this game series are consistently praised as stunning, with many reviewers highlighting the intricate details and immersive environments that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the high-quality visuals, which are often described as some of the best seen in mobile gaming, contributing to the game's eerie atmosphere and engaging storytelling. Overall, the graphics are a standout feature, elevating the gameplay and making it visually captivating.
“The graphics are stunning, arguably the best I've ever seen on a mobile!”
“The graphics are absolutely gorgeous and detailed.”
“The graphics are phenomenal, the puzzles are brilliantly thought out, and of course the storyline is really brilliantly intense.”
“The touch response also feels a bit more clunky than before, and there are graphics glitches which weren't present in previous titles.”
“It's a shame that the visuals lag, especially during cinematic moments.”
“The graphics are on par with previous installments, but I felt that this was about half the game of previous ones.”
- story1,337 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received widespread acclaim for its depth, intrigue, and seamless integration with gameplay. Many players appreciate the rich narrative that unfolds through clever puzzles and atmospheric design, often drawing comparisons to classic adventure games. While some found the storyline occasionally confusing or less engaging than previous installments, the overall consensus is that the storytelling enhances the immersive experience, leaving players eager for future installments.
“The story is engaging without becoming tedious, as so many mobile game stories do.”
“The story flows really well - always making me want to complete just one more thing before I put it down.”
“The story is compelling, the visuals are stunning, and the puzzles were neat.”
“The only part that really bothered me is the story - specifically the writing, which has never been strong in these games but here is just painful.”
“The depth to this one was lacking, the plot shorter (wish the alternate ending mechanic had been added again, it had room to improve from the previous game) and the puzzles were too easy, one led to the next in a very straightforward, logical order; I didn't feel particularly accomplished after finishing any puzzles or the game itself.”
“The ending just didn't work well into the story, it felt like the story was so rushed there was no point to having so much work for that.”
- gameplay389 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this series is consistently praised for its smooth mechanics, engaging puzzles, and stunning graphics, creating an immersive experience that captivates players. While many reviews highlight the intricate and satisfying nature of the puzzles, some express a desire for more complexity and innovation compared to previous installments. Overall, the gameplay is described as intuitive and enjoyable, making it a must-play for fans of puzzle games.
“The gameplay is gripping, tough at times but the right level of hints if needed.”
“The graphics are stunning for a mobile game, the touch controls are intuitive, and each game builds off the last's mechanics.”
“The puzzles are fantastic, the visuals stunning and the gameplay thoroughly addictive.”
“The depth to this one was lacking, the plot shorter (wish the alternate ending mechanic had been added again, it had room to improve from the previous game) and the puzzles were too easy; I didn't feel particularly accomplished after finishing any puzzles or the game itself.”
“This 4th game in the series - which I was so looking forward to - is the most expensive yet, but gameplay is quite short and not nearly as entertaining or rewarding.”
“The gameplay can get a bit repetitive sometimes, but it's okay.”
- atmosphere202 mentions
- 78 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its immersive and eerie qualities, enhanced by stunning graphics and effective sound design. Reviewers highlight the balance between a creepy ambiance and engaging puzzles, creating a captivating experience that draws players into its mysterious world. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as a standout feature, contributing significantly to its appeal and enjoyment.
“The atmosphere is incredible and really immersive.”
“This is an atmospheric masterpiece full of Lovecraftian horror, gripping story, and moments of revelation that literally gave me goosebumps.”
“The dark and eerie atmosphere of the game, the familiar music, and the downright blissful handling of story deliverance is masterful.”
“The atmosphere is eerie; I recommend playing in total darkness with headphones on.”
“The game also has a creepy but not frightening atmosphere.”
“Atmosphere so deep in some places had me actually spooked for a moment!”
- music87 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, with many users noting its eerie and immersive qualities that perfectly complement the stunning graphics and engaging storyline. Players appreciate the haunting soundtracks and ambient sounds, which contribute to a captivating experience, although some have expressed a desire for more variety in the music. Overall, the combination of exceptional music and visuals is frequently highlighted as a key strength of the game.
“The music, graphics, and sheer inventiveness of the games are first class.”
“Beautiful throughout, background music that perfectly matches the mood of the game, thought-provoking puzzles, and an excellent storyline.”
“The dark and eerie atmosphere of the game, the familiar music, and the downright blissful handling of story delivery is masterful.”
“Being able to disable the music while having the other sound effects would be lovely!”
“Something is off with the music (artifacts, crackles, pops) but very polished overall game.”
“Just update the background music, it's the same music since Room 1!”
- monetization46 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 39 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is highly praised, with users appreciating the absence of ads and in-app purchases, allowing for a seamless and immersive gameplay experience. Many reviewers highlight the value of a one-time purchase that grants full access without the frustration of microtransactions or energy limits, making it a refreshing alternative in a market often plagued by intrusive monetization strategies. Overall, players feel that the game is worth the price, emphasizing its quality and enjoyment without the typical financial pitfalls found in other mobile games.
“It's worth the price and I love that it is a flat fee with no ads.”
“You pay your money and you get the game, no microtransactions, no waiting for energy.”
“It's nice to still be able to find games that don't rely on constant in-game purchases to move the story forward.”
“I'm sorry but I paid for the game and you still have ads?!”
“Well worth the money for such a quality game, particularly when you consider all the other games with hidden charges or energy refills or incessant ads.”
“I don't usually pay for games but I've learned you get what you pay for, one simple price then no ads, no need for diamonds or coins or any other in-app purchases that will drain your wallet or prevent you from completing a game.”
- grinding18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- -11 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience. While some describe the backtracking and navigation as tedious, many agree that the engaging story and immersive puzzles often compensate for these moments. The balance between enjoyment and tedium varies, with some players feeling that certain puzzles and room transitions can detract from the overall experience, yet most still appreciate the game's compelling nature.
“The grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding, making every effort feel meaningful and worthwhile.”
“I love how the grinding mechanics are balanced; they keep me engaged without feeling like a chore.”
“The progression system encourages grinding in a way that feels satisfying and enhances the overall experience.”
“I understand the never-ending search effect at the end, but it was a little tedious and a bit of a letdown.”
“The first was astounding, and the others, while longer, lost their luster a bit: the storylines got complex, multiple endings, and overall tedious.”
“Without spoiling, there is a fair bit of in and out and back and forth that I found a bit tedious.”
- stability17 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 76 % negative mentions
Overall, user reviews on stability are mixed; while some players report a smooth experience with no glitches and great graphics, others encounter significant issues such as freezing, crashes, and graphical glitches that hinder gameplay. Many users express frustration over these bugs, particularly in the latest episodes, suggesting that stability has declined compared to previous titles.
“Again, beautifully made, bug free, and atmospheric.”
“Beautiful graphics, no glitches, smooth transitions.”
“No glitches, played perfectly on a Samsung Tab A.”
“The touch response also feels a bit more clunky than before, and there are graphics glitches which weren't present in previous titles.”
“I was glad that despite the glitches I was able to finish, but these mess ups gotta go.”
“Normally I would rate this 5 stars but for some reason the game bugs out and the screen freezes and I can't even make a profile.”
- emotional17 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be an emotionally immersive experience, with a compelling backstory that evokes a range of feelings from delight to heartbreak. The narrative is described as a beautiful emotional rollercoaster, drawing players in and leaving them wanting more, while the puzzles enhance the overall journey. Many reviewers emphasize the unexpected depth of the story, making it a memorable and impactful experience.
“They're so compelling, and this game gave backstory to the first that was simply delightful, bittersweet, and a little heartbreaking.”
“A beautiful and emotional rollercoaster, a rush to the end that leaves you wanting for more.”
“I didn't expect to become so emotional at the ending, but here we are.”
- replayability14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it highly replayable due to engaging gameplay and the desire to improve completion times, others criticize it for limited replay value stemming from static puzzles and a lack of alternate endings. Suggestions for additional content or DLC to enhance replayability have been noted, indicating a desire for more depth in this aspect.
“I've played each game in the series at least 4 times and it still retains its replayability.”
“High replayability.”
“The replay value is great for those who want to beat their times!”
“Replay value is limited as puzzles don't change.”
“The only letdown I would say is the lack of replay value, as unlike The Room 3, there appears to be but a single ending; in a spellbinding (and relatively expensive) Android game, that's a real shame.”
“Good game, but very easy and with no replayability.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is highly praised, with users noting its smooth performance even on older devices, although some mention it can be graphically demanding on certain models. Overall, the developers have consistently delivered exceptional performance across the series.
“I can't recommend the Room series enough; even the optimization of the game is amazing, so smooth.”
“And it even runs smoothly on my older phone!”
“As always, the developers of 'The Room' series have well and truly delivered on performance.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the humor in the game engaging and enjoyable, often leading to amusing misunderstandings about the game series' order. The lighthearted tone contributes to their overall excitement and anticipation for future releases from Fireproof Games.
“Greatest puzzle makers ever! Fireproof is the best game developer. I was hooked from part 1, and for part 2, I couldn't wait for part 3. The funny thing is, I thought 'Old Sins' was part 3 until I looked in my history and realized I had already completed part 4. Now I have to go back and play part 3! LMAO... Can't wait to see more games from Fireproof Games!”