Cadaver

The Good
This is a game made of love by the programmers. There's so much variation - so many small details, that I simply don't know where to start.

Most important; this game is so full of puzzles that you are in for a long-time experience. And I found must of them having just the right balance between logic and frustration. Every single time you think, a puzzle can't be solved and turn off the computer in despair, your suddenly realize that there were still one thing you didn't try. And there you are, back at the computer,turning it on again, just to try out if your idea was right.

The variation in the puzzles are unbelievable and the fact that it also involve jumping, shooting and other arcade oriented ways of solving them, just add to the experience. None of the arcade elements dominates. At the end of the day, each step of progress is done by thinking.

Graphically there is so many small details, (especially after the first level) that it end being an important part off the experience. The longer you get in this game the more your wondering what is behind the next door. This isn't a scrolling game, but it only add to the urge to get to the next room, so you can see what it has to offer.

The game follow the usually Bitmap Brothers design - meaning it starts out a little boring. But the effect later on is worth it. You will be more and more involved as the you progress. And should you come as far as to the third level, there is no way this game will let you go, before it's completed.

I adore the save system, where you must spend some of the treasures found, to be able to save. Personally I hate save systems that allow you to save constantly without penalty. Saving should be part of the game too - Making you consider if the benefit will be worth the cost. And it is just prove this game main point - everything is build around gameplay.

And that's why this game still oozes quality. It's all about how busy you mind is puzzling with decisions, solutions and new challenges during the exploring of the castle. Believe me, your brain will be working overtime - and you will enjoy it all the way. The gameplay of Cadaver has class - and that's why it still holds - more than 15 years after it has been released.

The Bad
Well there is a couple of annoying bits, but most of them can't destroy the experience. The control of the character take quite some time getting used to. And without a joystick, don't even bother! But If you got an old fashion arcade oriented joystick, like the ones for the old Amiga-computers, then you will get used to the controls if you give it a go.

The game is from 1990/1991 and it shows in the presentation. The intro and worse the end game sequence is nearly non-existing. The animation (graphic) - and the sound is horrible. But the rooms are okay, and in their own peculiar way atmospheric - mostly because of the variation.

But that's it. Besides the control its only the cosmetic (presentation, graphic and sound) which aren't to my satisfactory. Every element of substance (variation, challenge, depth), is as it should be.

The Bottom Line
If puzzles is your way of gameplay, then this game will deliver. Probably to the point, where you will be in over your head.