Broken Age: A Beautiful Return to the Point-and-Click Adventure

Broken Age: A Beautiful Return to the Point-and-Click Adventure

Introduction

Broken Age is a point-and-click adventure game that marks the triumphant return of game director Tim Schafer to the genre he helped define. Developed and published by Double Fine, Broken Age is a modern take on the classic adventure game formula, offering a rich narrative experience that spans across two seemingly disparate worlds. With its vibrant art style, engaging story, and clever puzzles, Broken Age has earned its place as a standout title in the adventure game genre.

Story and Characters

Broken Age tells the story of two protagonists, Vella Tartine and Shay Volta, who live in very different worlds yet share a common desire to break free from the expectations and constraints imposed on them. Vella is a young woman chosen as a sacrifice to a monstrous creature in her village's ritual, but instead of accepting her fate, she decides to fight back. Shay, on the other hand, is a young man living on a spaceship, where he is cared for by an overprotective AI. He longs for adventure and the chance to make his own decisions.

The game's narrative is split between these two characters, allowing players to switch between their stories at will. This dual narrative structure is one of Broken Age's strengths, as it keeps the player invested in both stories while gradually revealing the connections between them. The writing is sharp, witty, and often poignant, with plenty of humorous moments that harken back to Schafer’s previous work in games like Grim Fandango and The Secret of Monkey Island.

Gameplay

As a point-and-click adventure, Broken Age stays true to the genre's roots, offering players a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and dialogue-based interaction. The puzzles are well-designed, striking a balance between being challenging and fair. They often require lateral thinking, but never to the point of frustration. The game also avoids the infamous "pixel hunting" of older adventure games, making for a more streamlined experience.

The interface is intuitive, with players able to click on objects and characters to interact with them or combine items in their inventory to solve puzzles. The game also offers hints through dialogue, ensuring that players don’t get too stuck on any one puzzle.

Visuals and Sound

Broken Age is a visual treat, featuring a hand-painted art style that gives the game a storybook quality. The characters and environments are beautifully crafted, with each location bursting with color and detail. The art direction is consistently strong throughout the game, from Vella's quaint, pastoral village to Shay's sleek, futuristic spaceship.

The voice acting is another highlight, with a stellar cast that includes Elijah Wood, Jack Black, and Jennifer Hale, among others. The performances are top-notch, bringing the characters to life and adding depth to the story. The soundtrack, composed by Peter McConnell, perfectly complements the game’s whimsical yet emotional tone, enhancing the overall experience.

Challenges and Replayability

Broken Age offers a relatively straightforward experience in terms of difficulty. The puzzles, while clever, are generally accessible to players of all skill levels. However, the game’s charm lies more in its story and characters than in its challenge. Once you’ve completed the game, there’s little reason to return unless you want to revisit the narrative or enjoy the art and voice acting again.

Broken Age FAQ

1. What is Broken Age?

• Broken Age is a point-and-click adventure video game developed and published by Double Fine Productions. Directed by Tim Schafer, it marks his return to the genre after his work on Grim Fandango in 1998.

2. On which platforms is Broken Age available?

• Broken Age is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Xbox One platforms.

3. What is the story of Broken Age?

• Broken Age tells the story of two teenagers, Vella Tartine and Shay Volta, who live in very different worlds but share similar struggles. Vella is chosen to be sacrificed to a monster, while Shay is trapped on a spaceship under the control of an overprotective AI. The game explores their journeys as they attempt to break free from their respective fates.

4. Is Broken Age split into episodes?

• Yes, Broken Age was originally released in two acts. Act 1 was released in January 2014, and Act 2 followed in April 2015. The full game is now available as a complete package.

5. How is the gameplay in Broken Age?

• Broken Age is a point-and-click adventure game where players interact with the environment, solve puzzles, and talk to characters to progress the story. The gameplay is classic in nature, focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than action.

6. Who are the main characters in Broken Age?

• The main characters are Vella Tartine, a young woman who resists her role as a sacrificial maiden, and Shay Volta, a boy living on a spaceship controlled by a maternal AI. Players can switch between their stories at will, which eventually converge.

7. How long is Broken Age?

• The full game, including both acts, typically takes around 8 to 12 hours to complete, depending on the player's familiarity with adventure games and puzzle-solving skills.

8. Does Broken Age have voice acting?

• Yes, Broken Age features voice acting from a talented cast, including well-known actors like Elijah Wood, Jack Black, and Masasa Moyo.

9. What kind of art style does Broken Age have?

• Broken Age is known for its beautiful, hand-painted art style that gives the game a unique, storybook-like appearance. The visuals are vibrant and detailed, adding to the game's whimsical and surreal atmosphere.

10. Are there any difficult puzzles in Broken Age?

• Broken Age’s puzzles are designed to be challenging but fair. Some may require creative thinking, but the game avoids overly obscure solutions typical of older adventure games. Players who enjoy problem-solving will find the puzzles rewarding.

11. Can I switch between the characters’ stories at any time?

• Yes, players can switch between Vella’s and Shay’s stories at almost any time, allowing them to experience both narratives simultaneously. This feature also allows players to take a break from one storyline if they’re stuck on a particular puzzle.

12. How does Broken Age compare to Tim Schafer's previous games?

• Broken Age retains the charm and wit of Tim Schafer’s earlier games, such as Grim Fandango and Day of the Tentacle, but with a more modern and accessible approach. It’s considered a spiritual successor to those classic games, with a focus on storytelling and character development.

13. Is there a physical edition of Broken Age?

• Yes, Broken Age is available in physical form for certain platforms, and there have been special editions that include additional content, like art books and soundtracks.

14. How was Broken Age funded?

• Broken Age was one of the first major video games to be successfully funded through Kickstarter. The crowdfunding campaign raised over $3.3 million, far exceeding its initial goal, and helped kickstart a new era of crowdfunded game development.

15. Does Broken Age have a sequel?

• As of now, there is no sequel to Broken Age. The game tells a complete story within its two acts, and Double Fine has not announced any plans for a follow-up.

16. Is Broken Age suitable for children?

• Broken Age is generally appropriate for older children and teens. The game has some darker themes, particularly in Vella's story, but it is presented in a way that is not overly graphic or violent.

17. Where can I buy Broken Age?

• Broken Age is available for purchase on various digital storefronts, including Steam, GOG, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Apple App Store. Physical copies may be available through certain retailers.

18. What are the system requirements for Broken Age on PC?

• Broken Age has relatively modest system requirements and should run on most modern PCs. Specific requirements can vary depending on the platform, so it’s recommended to check the game's store page for detailed specifications.

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Conclusion

Broken Age is a beautiful, well-crafted adventure game that successfully brings the point-and-click genre into the modern era. Tim Schafer’s return to the genre is a welcome one, as he and the team at Double Fine have created a game that is both nostalgic and fresh. With its compelling dual narrative, gorgeous visuals, and memorable characters, Broken Age is a must-play for fans of adventure games and anyone looking for a heartfelt, engaging story. While it may not offer much in terms of replayability, the journey it offers is one that’s well worth taking.