The Sentient Box
- December 21, 2022
- Hybriona Labs
"The Sentient Box" is a story-driven ARG that blends real life and science fiction, and explores alternate history through the investigation of John Doe's lost memories. Players interact with the game "BoxOS," an amateur operating system, to solve puzzles and uncover the reasons behind its creation and the intentions of its creator. The game promises a modern take on the ARG genre, with immersive text, graphics, sound, and video elements that guide players through a complex and thrilling plot.
Reviews
- Great for beginners or those looking to get into ARGs, with an enjoyable story and interesting lore.
- Puzzles are simple yet fun, making it a good way to introduce someone to puzzle-solving mechanics.
- The game creates an immersive experience, making players feel engaged and satisfied when solving ciphers.
- Puzzles are too easy for experienced ARG players, leading to potential boredom.
- Hints can be overly helpful, reducing the challenge and making it frustrating for those seeking a more difficult experience.
- Some puzzles may not work as intended, causing confusion and frustration for players trying to progress.
- story4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its creativity and engagement, making it suitable for beginners and fans of SCP lore. Players appreciate the intriguing narrative and the incorporation of ciphers and codes, with a recommended playtime of around 3-5 hours for those who focus on the story. Overall, it offers a compelling mystery that enhances the gameplay experience.
“Very creative, good and enjoyable story and gameplay.”
“Played this in 5 hours across 2-3 days; puzzles are easy but interesting. The story was great, and I loved learning about ciphers and codes I've never heard of before. Recommended if you like ARGs or puzzle games, or just want a good mystery.”
“Around 3-4 hours of content if you pay attention to the story, which was fine!”
“The story feels underdeveloped and lacks depth, leaving many plot points unresolved.”
“Character motivations are unclear, making it hard to connect with the narrative.”
“The pacing is inconsistent, causing important story elements to feel rushed or dragged out.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its creativity and enjoyment, complementing a well-crafted story that enhances the overall experience.
“Very creative, good, and enjoyable story and gameplay.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its seamless integration with real-world locations and elements, enhancing the overall experience while complementing the challenging puzzle-solving gameplay.
“Blending real-world locations, people, music, and so much puzzle solving, it'll have your head spinning, made this game an amazing experience!”