• Home
  • Contact
  • Wraithkal?
Wraithkal: The Indie Gaming Corner – News, reviews, previews and game articles
Wraithkal: The Indie Gaming Corner - News, reviews, previews and game articles
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Wraithkal?
  • Follow us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube

Time to Examine the Contents of ‘Shifter’s Box’ (Review)

January 27th, 2012 Wraithkal Free Games, Review
Time to Examine the Contents of ‘Shifter’s Box’ (Review)

“Sally is taking a walk outside one fine day when she comes across a strange box. Curious about who would leave such a strange box lying around, she opens it – only to find herself in a very strange place indeed.” That description is from a post on the AGS forums, but since I’m sure you’re actually here for my opinion on the game, let’s get started with the technical stuff.

It’s a point’n’click adventure title that won’t cost you a cent to play, is made in Adventure Game Studio by Ben304 and has a native resolution of 320×200. That said, however, it played just fine (windowed and full-screen) in 640×400, 960×600 and 1280×800 for me; both with and without anti-aliasing, though I recommend not using anti-aliasing as it puts a massive blur filter on the whole thing, most likely caused by how the AGS engine handles aliasing.. but I’m not entirely certain.

Shifter's Box

As you can tell from the screenshots, this game has a very retro feel to it. From the pixellated graphics to the simple two-button interface – left mouse button is “use” while the right is “look”. While not everyone will enjoy the visual style in this one, I think it’s a good fit. After all, is a game in this genre not supposed to grip the player with its story, not high-res graphics and cinematic cut scenes?

I must say that I didn’t really see the appeal of the story at first, but then suddenly it got me and even though it wasn’t until near the end that I realized there was a deeper story here than I thought at first, it was a fun-filled journey from start to finish. The depth it also aided by the game’s narrator (pictured above), as he does his best to make you feel that you are Sally.

Every puzzle in Shifter’s Box was logical. Never felt like overcoming an obstacle in my path, was a case of trial and error. My first playthrough clocked in at around an hour, probably mostly due to the puzzles not being too challenging, but I tend to prefer story over challenge in a point’n’click (though I do enjoy a challenge!), so I’m glad it didn’t last longer, since it wrapped up nicely.

It’s hard to go wrong with a free game and despite its short length, I’d really recommend giving this one a go. After all, aren’t you curious to solve the mystery that is.. Shifter’s Box?

  • Tags
  • Ben304
  • shifter's box
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Telegram E-mail
Previous article Two Indies Going Retail
Next article Weekly Indie Update (Week 4 of 2012)
Wraithkal

Wraithkal

Whenever a big AAA title claims it'll "innovate with groundbreaking features", it usually turns out to be a snore-fest; one which simply mimics other games (poorly). This is where my interest indie game interest comes from: pick a random title from a pile of these, and chances are you’ll end up with something genuinely unique - often for well less than $60 too.

Related Posts
'Within Her HeArt' Review: Magical Masterpieces

'Within Her HeArt' Review: Magical Masterpieces

March 23rd, 2022
'Bleed 2' Review: No Rest for the Greatest Hero?

'Bleed 2' Review: No Rest for the Greatest Hero?

March 21st, 2022
'Just Shut Up and Drive' Review: Out Run Rivals Like It's 1986... Again

'Just Shut Up and Drive' Review: Out Run Rivals Like It's 1986... Again

March 5th, 2022
About us…
Recent Posts
Brick-breaking Classic Returns This Year as 'Shatter Remastered Deluxe'

Brick-breaking Classic Returns This Year as 'Shatter Remastered Deluxe'

'Spring 2022 Showcase': Reveals, Updates, BTS With Publisher 505 Games

'Spring 2022 Showcase': Reveals, Updates, BTS With Publisher 505 Games

'TTRPGs for Reproductive Rights' Bundles Several Hundred TTRPGs, Proceeds Going to 'Planned Parenthood' and 'National Network of Abortion Funds' Charities

'TTRPGs for Reproductive Rights' Bundles Several Hundred TTRPGs, Proceeds Going to 'Planned Parenthood' and 'National Network of Abortion Funds' Charities

'Citizen Sleeper' Emphasizes Player Freedom for TTRPG Level Flexibility

'Citizen Sleeper' Emphasizes Player Freedom for TTRPG Level Flexibility

At a Glance: Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase (5.11.2022)

At a Glance: Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase (5.11.2022)

  • greenlight
  • greenlight groove
  • bundle
  • greenlight limbo
  • speculating screenshots
  • game jam
  • adventure game studio
  • mags
  • kickstarter
  • local co-op
© Wraithkal 2019-2021.