Timelapse
- January 21, 2016
- GTE Entertainment
Get on Steam"Timelapse" is a puzzle-adventure game set in five stunning 3D worlds, where you must solve over 50 challenging puzzles to find your missing friend and uncover the secrets of the lost city of Atlantis. With non-linear gameplay and multiple endings, the game blends historical facts with intriguing fiction for an immersive experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Timelapse offers a vast array of puzzles that vary in difficulty, providing a satisfying challenge for puzzle lovers.
- The game features beautiful graphics for its time and a compelling story that explores ancient civilizations, enhancing the overall experience.
- Despite its age, Timelapse runs smoothly on modern systems, allowing new players to enjoy it without technical issues.
- The game includes mini-games that lack puzzle elements and rely on luck, which can feel misplaced in a puzzle-focused game.
- There is an excessive amount of text to read, which may be off-putting for players who prefer more interactive gameplay.
- Compatibility issues with modern operating systems can lead to frustrating technical problems, making it difficult for some players to enjoy the game fully.
- graphics30 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised as beautiful for their time, particularly given its 1996 release, with many reviewers noting the charm of pre-rendered scenes and fixed angles. However, there are frequent mentions of graphical issues, such as black boxes and screens, which detract from the experience and may hinder playability. Overall, while the visuals evoke nostalgia and appreciation for the era's artistry, they do not hold up to modern standards and can be clunky at times.
“Even now I enjoy coming back to it; the graphics are gorgeous (for their time) and the puzzles still have some punch.”
“One of the classic adventure games, Timelapse combines beautiful graphics with a compelling story.”
“Oh yes, the graphics are splendid especially given it was made long ago.”
“Graphics issues and frequent black screens make it nearly unplayable.”
“Decent enough game but clunky and outdated graphics.”
“Even then, there were a couple of graphics issues such as black boxes during certain video events.”
- story18 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The story in both games is engaging and enhanced by exploration and puzzle-solving, though it leans on familiar tropes, such as the "aliens helped us build civilizations" theme. While the narrative is detailed with journal entries and videos that provide context, it ultimately lacks originality, offering an interesting experience but not a groundbreaking one. Overall, the storytelling is complemented by beautiful graphics and a nostalgic atmosphere, making it appealing for fans of classic adventure games.
“Both games are great in storytelling and exploration.”
“One of the classic adventure games, Timelapse combines beautiful graphics with a compelling story.”
“- The plot is nothing special; it is the same old 'aliens helped us build civilizations' gimmick.”
“However, it is detailed with a lot of journal entries and videos, which helped a lot in giving context and motivation to the story.”
“Overall, this game is definitely worth the money if you are yearning for that trip into the sweet land of nostalgia, but the story lacks depth and originality.”
- music10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its nostalgic quality and ability to enhance the atmosphere, contributing to both relaxation and moments of tension. However, some players noted that the tracks can become repetitive over time, and while the sound effects are basic, the overall soundtrack is considered well done and adds depth to the gameplay experience.
“The soundtrack and visuals were excellent for its time, and they make playing the game feel very relaxing. However, there were several points in the game that legitimately spooked me, made me breathe very heavily, and feel fear as if my life was in danger. This is a good thing though, and part of the appeal of the game!”
“Overall, this game is definitely worth the money if you are yearning for that trip into the sweet land of nostalgia, and if you like various puzzles that encourage you to explore the land to find solutions, point and click type games similar to Myst, a story that deals with fascinating cultures with some creative lore that ties them together, and a stellar soundtrack that adds a nice layer of life to an otherwise abandoned and desolate world.”
“The music is well done.”
“The music and sound effects were more basic.”
“I did find the music tracks to become rather repetitive as I played.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Egypt focuses on interacting with mechanical contraptions and solving puzzles related to Egyptian deities and their symbols. Each chapter offers a unique gameplay experience and atmosphere, contributing to an engaging and enjoyable overall experience that can provide many hours of playtime.
“Each chapter really felt distinct in both gameplay and overall vibe, which was very enjoyable.”
“Many hours of gameplay.”
“Egypt is mainly about playing around with mechanical contraptions and figuring out which Egyptian deity matches to which symbol.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of Timelapse is reminiscent of the Atlantis and Journeyman series, creating a captivating sense of time and place. Reviewers praise its fantastic ambiance, which enhances the experience alongside the challenging yet satisfying puzzles.
“The sense of time, place, and atmosphere is fantastic, and the less obtuse puzzles are challenging and satisfying.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is hit-or-miss, with some players finding moments that elicit genuine laughter, while others may feel a mix of amusement and disbelief. Overall, it seems to provide occasional comedic highlights that stand out amidst the gameplay.
