Blackwell Unbound

Some obtuse puzzles, but overall ok. Not as good as the first game. Doesn't overstay its welcome

Solid Adventure game. This is the installment where I knew I would finish the entire series.

블랙웰 시리즈의 두번째 작품. 로즈엔젤라의 이모 스토리를 만나볼 수 있는 프리퀄이다. 조이도 조종할 수 있게 된 점이 재미있고, 두 가지 이야기를 동시에 진행하려는 시도도 좋았음. 근데 어디 갈 때 조이를 선택하면 이동이 안되고, 인벤토리에서 직접 아이템을 누르면 취소가 안되어 불편.. 그거 외엔 무난하게 재미있었음 역시나 어렵지 않고, 풀더빙되어 있어서 굿. 중간에 세계무역센터 드립과 마지막에 조이가 얻어맞은 횟수 알려주는 게 참 기묘한 유머감각이다 싶었음

The Blackwell Unbound takes a step back in time compared to the first game, shifting the focus away from Rosa and placing you in the shoes of Lauren Blackwell. That change alone gives the game a slightly different tone — more confident, a bit more direct, and less introspective than what comes later in the series. Lauren and Joey have a dynamic that feels more functional than emotional at this stage. There’s still personality in the dialogue, but it’s clear that the deeper bond seen in later games hasn’t fully formed yet. That actually works well in the context of the story, reinforcing the idea that this is part of a longer evolution rather than a fully matured relationship. The gameplay remains very straightforward. Classic point-and-click structure, simple inventory interactions, and puzzles that are generally logical and contained. It’s not trying to challenge the player mechanically — the design is clearly focused on pacing and narrative flow. What stands out here is the structure of the cases. They feel a bit more episodic, almost like short self-contained stories, which helps maintain a steady rhythm throughout the game. At the same time, there are small narrative threads that hint at a larger arc, even if they’re not fully explored yet. Compared to later entries like *The Blackwell Deception* or *The Blackwell Epiphany*, this one feels more restrained, both narratively and emotionally. But that restraint is part of its role within the series — it builds context, establishes tone, and expands the universe without trying to resolve it. It’s a simpler entry, but still a solid one. More importantly, it reinforces the feeling that the Blackwell series is meant to be experienced as a whole, with each game adding another layer rather than standing entirely on its own.

Just finished the game, I enjoyed it more than the first one overall. It's a bit more awkward with needing to remember names and information to look up people in the phone book, but that didn't really bother me. The characters and writing are enjoyable, and the story felt a bit more fleshed out than the first game's. Like the first title, the atmosphere and ost are great. The voice acting, overall, was consistently more well done in this one compared to the first as well.

Ha sido mi favorito de la saga por ambientación y personaje. Sin embargo, al igual que ocurrió con el anterior (y con el resto de videojuegos de Wadjet Eye Games), el hecho de que haya pasado ya una década y no se hayan dignado a propiciar una localización oficial lastra la experiencia para quienes no se sienten cómodos jugando en inglés. Por suerte hay traducción de fans que alivia tal hecho; pero me parece terrible que tengan que ser los fans de la saga quienes hagan el trabajo sucio y de una compañía que, justamente, no deja de sacar juegos cada poco tiempo. De hecho este año, 2026, acaba de sacar una y al igual que el resto está en inglés. En resumen, si te da igual leer y jugar en inglés, adelante. Si por el contrario te cuesta y quieres ahorrarte el dinero que se ahorró Wadjet Eye Games en localizar a tu idioma este título, dedícaselo a otra compañía que SÍ se preocupe. Un experto lo explica mejor aquí: https://youtu.be/PdIGVDKf3Hk?si=7ucl05WRHSowKFUj&t=835

Just completed the series and it was great - wonderful story, moving characters, humor and tragedy, and everything I want out of a detective noir game. I cannot recommend this series enough.