Level-and-click, hidden object puzzle adventures are pretty commonplace on Xbox these days, particularly with Artifex Mundi churning out titles frequently. There’s a brand new pretender to the throne now although, as builders Far Mills have rocked up with a vibrant fairy-tale befitting of the style. So, put together to be whisked away to a fascinating world filled with magic and puzzles galore in A Story for Anna.
Anna – the titular heroine in A Story for Anna – has had a moderately unusual upbringing, being raised by a speaking feline named Tail. Life is about to get much more difficult for her upon discovering she’s the final remaining sorceress and possesses magical skills. It’s not gone unnoticed both, because the evil Queen of the dominion has been conserving a watchful eye on Anna. Ought to the Queen handle to steal these newfound powers, then her depraved plan to convey darkness to all of the land will come to fruition. After poor Tail is kidnapped, Anna begins the journey to fulfil her long-awaited future.
So there’s an enormous unhealthy villain, an underdog with a recent goal to their existence, and previous sprinkling of peril to get issues began. It’s hardly an unique narrative. In reality, the storytelling by no means comes near charming, however serves the journey properly sufficient to attract a youthful viewers in to see its wares. It additionally suffers from an absence of voiceovers, which may breathe character into the terribly bland characters met on the journey.
The setting itself could be very nice, whether or not traversing the cosy and heat environments like Anna’s house or traipsing by the unique and barely darker locations. Artwork-wise, Far Mills have completely nailed the youngsters’s storybook type and lighting is used excellently all through. Which is right, since you’re going to spend most of your time engrossed in the whole lot A Story for Anna presents visually. For it’s important in overcoming the numerous puzzling conundrums forward.
You see, each location is successfully an enormous hidden object scene filled with trinkets and gadgets of use. Interacting with one thing inside Anna’s neighborhood that’s obligatory to maneuver forwards or conjure up a spell, will add the lacking elements to the stock. This may very well be a easy damaged piece of cutlery to open up a door or as unusual as half a dozen blue moths. It’s then a case of scouring the world to seek out them with a purpose to advance and presumably purchase one other merchandise of significance.
Having such a setup implies that you’re at all times working in the direction of an goal, sometimes a number of targets, and so that you’re constantly engaged on this planet. And do you have to need extra stuff to seek out, precise jigsaw items are littered throughout the 4 important story chapters in addition to the bonus one. Placing them collectively could be very simple, however discovering them is one other matter. The pure sneakiness in how properly most objects are blended into the environment is spectacular; it’ll be difficult even for eagle-eyed players. Not almost as difficult because the mini-games although, which border on irritating.
The variety of mini-games isn’t a problem, that includes very often throughout the journey, however I do query the standard and recurring theme. In too many conditions it’s not completely clear what the puzzle is asking of you or how one can go about fixing it. There’s one specifically involving a fishing internet and untangling the strings by transferring rings round. Which of the rings can and can’t be repositioned isn’t apparent, so half the time you’re simply seeing what’s manoeuvrable, as an alternative of specializing in the crossed strings. My different downside is with the plethora of mini-games the place, on the crux of the idea, focuses on simply shifting varied parts right here and there till the whole lot is lined up completely. For instance, you’ll must swap all of the frogs and mosquitos from one facet of a board to the opposite, a single transfer at a time. Sadly, these sorts of sections are mundane and really feel like a chore.
Within the curiosity of equity, there are enjoyable mini-games too, extra in line with the general relaxed tone. Rotating a maze to launch a ball, portray by numbers whereas mixing colors, a little bit of Pipe Mania type potion making, and a few Sokoban utilizing gems, are positively extra satisfying. There’s really a cool maze puzzle involving the balancing of acorns with a purpose to flip it both clockwise or counter-clockwise, and though not completely executed, the concept is sound.
Must you be frightened about getting caught on any of the mini-games, worry not as a result of after a particular period of time, assistance is at hand. Each single mini-game is skippable if it’s too troubling to beat and that’s an actual blessing. Moreover, a helpful trace system can be in place to information you in the direction of any gadgets it’s possible you’ll be in search of throughout the hidden object side. So there’s completely no motive to present in or lose hope in reaching the top of the story.
In the end then, A Story for Anna undoubtedly nails the hidden object side and has an enthralling look, however is barely hampered by irritating mini-games and a bland narrative. It’s extremely participating, with tons of eureka moments whenever you find these laborious to seek out gadgets. The mini-games are very hit or miss nevertheless, struggling to steadiness between enjoyable and problem. With out the hints and choice to skip puzzles, it’d be a far much less chilled journey for certain.
A Story for Anna is a should for hidden object lovers who can put up with tedious mini-games.
