The Wardrobe - Even Better Edition

Un gioco meraviglioso, con tante citazioni, ottimamente scritto; se devo trovargli due difetti, finale un filo frettoloso e alcuni enigmi non proprio logici. Sicuramente lo porterò nel cuore e mi dispiace averlo scoperto solo ora, così come dispiace che questo team non abbia fatto altre avventure grafiche.

quando deve cantare il drago e buggato e non posso farlo, e inoltre molti passaggi "logici" per andare avanti nel gioco sono completamente insensati. decisamente impossibile andare avanti senza guardare la soluzione su yt

The Wardrobe - Even Better Edition, developed by CINIC Games and published by Gamera Interactive, is a modern revival of classic point-and-click adventure design that fully embraces the eccentricity, humor, and puzzle philosophy of its inspirations. It doesn’t attempt to modernize the genre in a significant way; instead, it doubles down on its roots, delivering a dense, reference-heavy experience that feels like it could have come straight out of the 90s—just with a more contemporary layer of polish. The story follows Skinny, a teenage boy who meets a bizarre and tragic end after eating a plum he was allergic to, only to return years later as a skeletal figure tied to his best friend Ronald. His goal is to save Ronald from eternal consequences by pushing him toward a long-overdue confession. This unusual premise sets the tone for everything that follows, blending dark humor with absurd situations and emotional undertones. The narrative unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, often branching into side conversations and comedic detours that expand the world and its characters without always directly advancing the main plot. Gameplay adheres closely to traditional point-and-click mechanics. Players explore environments, interact with objects, collect items, and solve puzzles by combining inventory pieces or using them in specific contexts. The design is intentionally old-school, which means that it often favors unconventional logic over intuitive solutions. At its best, this leads to satisfying “aha” moments when a solution finally clicks. At its worst, it can result in extended periods of trial and error, where progress depends more on experimentation than deduction. This duality is central to the experience—rewarding for those who enjoy classic adventure design, but potentially frustrating for those accustomed to more modern accessibility. One of the game’s most prominent features is its humor, which is deeply rooted in pop culture. Nearly every scene is packed with references to films, games, comics, and internet culture, creating a constant stream of jokes and visual gags. This approach gives the game a strong sense of personality and makes exploration feel rewarding in its own right. However, the sheer density of references can be overwhelming, and not all of them land equally well. Some moments feel genuinely clever and memorable, while others come across as forced or overly reliant on recognition rather than originality. Visually, the game presents a colorful, hand-drawn aesthetic that complements its comedic tone. Characters are exaggerated and expressive, and environments are filled with small details that reinforce the game’s playful nature. The art style is not technically groundbreaking, but it is consistent and full of charm, helping to bring the world to life. Voice acting and music further enhance the experience, adding energy to both the comedic and narrative elements without overshadowing the gameplay. The “Even Better Edition” builds on the original release by introducing additional content, improved controls, and various quality-of-life enhancements. These updates make the game more accessible and polished, but they do not fundamentally change its structure. The core experience remains the same, meaning that players will still encounter the same strengths and frustrations tied to its classic design philosophy. Pacing is heavily influenced by the puzzle design. When solutions are clear or logically constructed, the game moves at a satisfying rhythm, balancing exploration, dialogue, and progression. When puzzles become obscure, however, the experience can slow considerably, with little guidance to help players move forward. This lack of direction is intentional, echoing older adventure games, but it can test patience, especially during more complex sections. Despite these challenges, The Wardrobe - Even Better Edition succeeds in delivering a distinctive and memorable experience. It commits fully to its identity, offering a game that is unapologetically niche and tailored to fans of classic point-and-click adventures. Its humor, world design, and dedication to its influences give it a unique charm, even if its design choices occasionally limit its broader appeal. In the end, the game stands as both a tribute and a continuation of a genre that has largely faded from the mainstream. It offers a rich, joke-filled journey that rewards persistence and curiosity, even if it sometimes demands more patience than modern players might expect. For those who appreciate its style and are willing to embrace its quirks, it provides a deeply enjoyable experience that captures the essence of classic adventure gaming. Rating: 7/10

Cosa mi è piaciuto: Easter Egg ovunque: È un paradiso per i nerd. Passi metà del tempo a guardare gli sfondi per trovare citazioni a film, serie TV e altri giochi. E' un bel lavoro. Skinny e i dialoghi: Il protagonista è fantastico. Cinico, cattivo al punto giusto e con la battuta sempre pronta e mai scontata. Anche i personaggi secondari sono carini e molto stravaganti. Stile grafico: Molto curato, sembra di giocare dentro un cartone animato. Cosa mi ha convinto meno: La trama: Carina, fa il suo dovere, ma non è nulla di rivoluzionario. Diciamo che sta nella norma delle avventure grafiche. Enigmi da mal di testa: Qui arriva il tasto dolente. Alcuni puzzle sono veramente troppo astrusi. La logica dietro certe soluzioni è così assurda che spesso mi sono ritrovato a dover consultare una guida su internet perché non ne uscivo vivo.

I absolutely loved The Wardrobe — this game is a hidden gem and deserves way more attention! The humor is fantastic, especially if you enjoy dark comedy and tons of pop culture references. It constantly made me laugh, and you can really feel the passion the developers put into every joke and detail. The writing is sharp, clever, and never boring. The art style is beautiful, with hand-drawn graphics that give the game a unique personality. Every scene feels alive and full of little things to discover. Gameplay-wise, it’s a classic point-and-click adventure, but it stays engaging thanks to its creative puzzles and funny interactions. Some puzzles can be tricky, but they’re always satisfying to solve. And the fact that it’s an Italian game makes me even prouder — it shows how much talent there is in the indie scene. Overall: 10/10 (or 100000/10 😄) If you like adventure games, you must play this!

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