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Malakai writes: 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.
http://www.barrow-hill.co.uk/features/therealbarrowhill/therealbarrowhill.htm
The 'making of' Barrow Hill: Is exactly what it suggests.
http://www.barrow-hill.co.uk/makingof.htm
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.
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