You know who Ben “Yahtzee” Croshaw is, right? The Zero Punctuation guy? Well, before he became the well-known video game critic/cynic he made his own independent titles. One of these is 5 Days a Stranger.
Made using the Adventure Game Studio, 5 Days a Stranger is the first game in the Chzo Mythos (also known as the DeFoe series), a series of adventure games. The story revolves around Trilby, a gentleman thief who, when intending to burgle the DeFoe Manor finds himself locked in with four others. Throughout the game Trilby attempts to find out what is going on in the manor and tries to escape from the horror within.
The writing is solid and really draws you into the story. The characters feel real and Trilby is extremely endearing. Yet what helps the story is the atmosphere. For the most part the game is silent, with music only playing at dramatic points in the game. However, every now and then you will hear a creak in the house that will grab your attention and unsettle you slightly.
The game as a whole is more character driven than puzzle based. There isn’t much need to think too much when trying to proceed, however there are a few parts where you may find yourself stuff. However, if you keep track of what is written in the books and diaries that you pick up along the way then you should be fine. This creates rewarding gameplay without feeling frustrating, but nor does it feel like the game is holding your hand.
Definitely give this game a go. Even if you don’t play many adventure games you should find the game enough of a challenge whilst still being fun. For people who do play these point-and-click adventure games then you’ll still get enough of a challenge, but it’s really the story that drives the game forwards. Either way, you’ll enjoy 5 Days a Stranger no matter who you are.
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