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Forum: Stones Forum
Moderated by : Andy B , TimPrevett , coldrum , Klingon , MickM , TheCaptain , bat400 , davidmorgan , Runemage , SolarMegalith , sem
Respond to: Barrow Hill Adventure Game based on a real site?
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Andy B
Joined:
13-02-2001
Messages: 7008
from Surrey, UK
 OFF-Line
|  New Message Posted!2006-05-10 21:36
I've posted the press release and moved your review to there, thanks a lot for posting it
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malakai
Joined:
09-05-2006
Messages: 1
from Cornwall
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| New Message Posted!2006-05-09 18:20
Quote:
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I'd be interested to hear comments.
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I've played through Barrow Hill a couple of times now, before writing a review for an online game store.
I'm a fan (always have been) of point and click style adventure games, which feature good stories. Barrow Hill is not only a great adventure game, it also features a cracking story and a meticulously detailed square mile of (a slightly fictionalised) Cornish landscape. Stone circle enthusiasts are represented intelligently, with the player being left to decide whether the archaeologists are right to disturb the site, or whether the protesters are hopelessly misguided. Pagans, techno-pagans and the completely sceptical are all featured, making Barrow Hill a detailed and intelligent effort.
The flora and geology feels very accurate, the ancient site (the barrow of the title) is eerily atmospheric and the puzzles are logical, integrated and satisfying. Puzzles and story are what helps the adventure genre differentiate itself from the action orientated games of the FPS or RPG genre.
All game genres can have highlights, and Barrow Hill is definitely an example of great adventure gaming. The USA and Australia are huge fans (and buyers) of adventures, while the games disappear slowly from UK stores. This is a pity, as UK gamers really are missing out on some super games. The US adventure game forums have been raving about Barrow Hill for some weeks now, since the game went on-sale via the Shadow Tor Studios online store.
Those seeking the mad pace of an action game, or the expansive grandeur of Oblivion, will probably find Barrow Hill rather slow, but the atmosphere, story and...most importantly...archaeology are spot on, well researched and detailed. Matt Clark's love of ancient sites, folklore and adventure games shines through the slightly 'low tech' approach to game construction, but as a debut effort from a single individual this is less than important. It's a super game, with lots of puzzles, great sound design and centres on an ancient barrow and stone circle on the Autumn Equinox.
Malakai
Some useful links:
The 'Real' Barrow Hill : Fun online feature looking at East Cornwall.
The 'making of' Barrow Hill: Is exactly what it suggests.
P.s. Slight spoiler. The demo features a site located outside the ancient barrow and stone circle. It's a fun location, but is low on archaeology. It's best that way, as it doesn't give too much away.
[ This message was edited by: malakai on 2006-05-09 18:25 ]
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Andy B
Joined:
13-02-2001
Messages: 7008
from Surrey, UK
OFF-Line
| New Message Posted!2006-05-07 23:27
Hello, I've got a press release from them I've not had time to post yet. I've heard the game is very good, indeed it was created by the son of one of our top contributors bec-zog (find him in the list, left).
There is a playable demo you can download. I'd be interested to hear comments.
[ This message was edited by: Andy B on 2012-04-17 17:36 ]
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Klingon
Joined:
08-08-2004
Messages: 758
from Germany
OFF-Line
|  New Message Posted!2006-05-07 09:18
Maybe our article to this game is of interest for you. See Barrow Hill Game Project Announced Stone Circle
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Anonymous
User not Registered |  New Message Posted!2006-05-06 14:14
Hi all,
I have recently become very interested in stone circles, megalithic sites and barrows, while playing the computer adventure game known as Barrow Hill. Barrow Hill It's a good, creepy, thriller which I ordered from the UK. Stone circles and ancient sites are very popular in the US.
The story, which drives the game, seems very well researched, which has led me to wonder whether the game is based on a real site, or a collection of sites in Cornwall.
The barrow, as seen in-game, is about 8 meters across, with a decorative circle of 7 stones. The location, which is suggested through documents and maps, would be East Cornwall. I'm hoping to visit Cornwall in the Fall, so would love to know if there's a real-life inspiration behind this detailed, and exciting, work of interactive fiction.
Preliminary findings have turned up a site known as 'Duloe Stone Circle', but it doesn't seem to have a barrow. There are some nearby, in a village known as Pelynt, so perhaps the two areas was the inspiration behind the setting? I'd be interested to hear any other theories, or thoughts, especially from those who have visited the sites.
Thanks in advance.
Cornovia
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