It's probably just the rats... | Scratches: Directors Cut ...

pc & video games: Scratches: Directors Cut

pc & video games:


	• Scratches: Directors Cut Windows \| Got Game, 2007 view larger image
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Creepy, dark, and flakey...not in a good way...

Know that I love to watch people play point and clicks because I love the graphics and like the feel of the game being like a movie. I buy point and clicks so that both my wife and I can enjoy them. We also like a game that has a good mystery and a jump factor like any good thriller should. In scratches we were very pleased with the graphics, music, & overall mood of the game. There are two major drawbacks though. The first was that even though we had a screaming PC to run the game on, we still had several crashes that taught the meaning of Save-Try-n-Die. The second problem was the clues and content that would allow the game to move forward. Had we not found a walkthrough to assist with the overwhelming puzzles & clues, this game would've been a complete bust. On the positive side of things, we loved the dark content and turned off the lights for this game. A storm was brewing outside one night and we found ourselves jumping with several scenes - great creep out factor and a wonderful scare factor. Horror enthusiasts - need not apply; this game is for sure dark, but not a game that will make you jump. Just turn up your speakers and get ready for the creepy audio. A nice feature that was also displayed was the ability to mandate whether the player wishes to use the director's cut version or the standard version - very nice and thank you to whoever setup the game in such a way!

Here's how I conducted my start rating:
1) Scripting & dialog was mediocre; however the ambient & background sound track is excellent
2) Graphics performed well; see next item though
3) Overall performance was less than good; several crashes. Be sure to keep saving after each accomplishment, this was a topic that lost a star for my review
4) Storyline was good and will keep you guessing.
5) Clues, hints, and adaptability basically will require a walkthrough this aspect also lost a star in my review

Know that this game is way worth the $20 and the game play options listed in the beginning are heaven sent; did I happen to mention how cool that option is and that other game companies should model after that?...anyway...good creepy game, the crew just needs to work on stability and playability.

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It's probably just the rats...

"Scratches" is my first horror game and to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure if I like it. I hoped I would, but hoping doesn't make things happen. "Scratches" takes place in England during three strange days inside an old house. You take on the role of a writer who becomes intrigued with the strange stories surrounding the place.
When I first started playing, I was disappointed. I didn't think the game was scary. You were exploring an old house where you found dark accounts in some diaries. I didn't think it was much of a horror game. But now...
The house has a strange atmosphere. Spooky...maybe...but that's not all. Whatever it is, it can be uncomfortable. There are some strange...and downright evil...pictures on the walls (and some more in an old room.)
The first day is a bad start, because nothing really happens and it doesn't give a good first impression of the game; especially if you're looking for something scary. The first night is when you first hear scratching. However, the scratching wasn't emphasized enough in the game. [WARNING! Spoilers ahead!] Inside, the game focuses on an evil mask. A word of warning; near the end of the game, you must make an amulet out of some ingredients found around the manor. I had a problem with this since it seemed sort of like performing witchcraft; so if that's going to bother you, don't buy the game. To finish it, you must make the amulet.
The "scare factor" depends on what kind of atmosphere you play in. If you're playing in a room with other people during the daytime, the game will have a different effect on you then if you play it alone in a dark house at night. There are a couple surprises in the game that make you jump, and sometimes you're afraid of what might be coming next. It isn't a gross-fest, it's more physiological. If they had added things like doors mysteriously slamming and getting locked in rooms at just the right moments, that might have made the game scarier.
By the way, if you're going to buy "Scratches" you might want to get the director's cut version. There is a bonus "short" called "The Last Visit" which explains more of went on in Blackwood Manor. If I hadn't seen "The Last Visit" the ending would have been very confusing. And even then, there are unanswered questions.
One thing I don't like about most adventure games is trying to find objects to advance. This can be frustrating, and I'll generally go just to a hint site and find the answer. I like more obvious "puzzles" like the one in the greenhouse where you have to wash something out of a grate. In this game you didn't have to look for many objects but you had to complete "puzzles" that could be a pain, such as trying to figure out how to let down a rope so you could get through a window. I like how the creators of Titanic - Adventure Out of Timedid their game. Yes, there are some things in it that are unobvious, but it's a very unique kind of adventure game.
I didn't find this game terrifying, but it deserves to be classified as a horror game. But if you want to be scared, turn off the light and play alone in the dark.

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Scratches is a terrifying story where a story from the past emerges to haunt the present. You control famed horror writer Michael Arthate as he explores Blackwood Manor, a Victorian house near an English market town. It's a quiet and pleasant existance, until odd noises in the basement keep him up at night. As they grow louder, you'll explore the house and unlock the strange tales that echo through its walls.Special Director's Cut includes:Alternate ending and 2 additional hours of gameplay.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3