In Shardlight for PC, players are introduced to Amy Wellard, a determined protagonist who finds herself in a post-apocalyptic city plagued by a deadly disease known as Green Lung. Set twenty years after a catastrophic event, the city is on the brink of collapse, and the government rations the limited supply of vaccine, favoring the wealthy while leaving the majority to suffer. It is in this bleak setting that Amy embarks on a mission to find a cure, fueled by hope and a desire to save her community.
As seasoned retro gaming enthusiasts, we can appreciate Shardlight's commitment to capturing the essence of classic adventure games. Developed and published by Wadjet Eye Games, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Blackwell mysteries, A Golden Wake, and numerous other indie adventures, Shardlight embraces a familiar point-and-click gameplay style that harkens back to the golden age of the genre.
The game's visuals, reminiscent of classic pixel art, effectively convey the desolate atmosphere of the city and the struggles of its inhabitants. The attention to detail in the environments and character designs adds depth to the overall experience, immersing players in a world plagued by decay and desperation.
However, while Shardlight excels in certain aspects, it falls short in others. The gameplay can feel repetitive, as players navigate through a series of puzzles that sometimes lack the complexity and depth expected from a retro-inspired adventure. Additionally, the pacing of the narrative can be sluggish at times, hindering the sense of urgency that should accompany a plot centered around finding a cure for a deadly disease.
Despite these shortcomings, Shardlight does possess moments of brilliance. The voice acting is superb, conveying the emotions and motivations of the characters with authenticity. The writing, although occasionally disjointed, manages to capture the grim reality of a society on the brink of collapse, exploring themes of class disparity and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Shardlight for PC is a game that successfully pays homage to the classic adventure games of the past, transporting players to a post-apocalyptic world with its retro-inspired visuals and compelling story. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessors from Wadjet Eye Games, it offers a glimpse into a dying city teetering on the edge of hope and despair. For those seeking a nostalgic experience with moments of genuine brilliance, Shardlight is worth a playthrough. However, it falls short of achieving greatness, leaving players longing for a bit more complexity and urgency in its gameplay and pacing.
