Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
" Stylish adventure indie with unique puzzles and eerie atmosphere but cumbersome controls "
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Review
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a distinctive puzzle-adventure set in the mysterious Hotel Letztes Jahr, offering players a blend of intricate puzzles and an enigmatic narrative. The game is celebrated for its stylish, atmospheric visual design reminiscent of old-school survival horror games like Resident Evil, but without combat. Players explore a sprawling mansion filled with puzzles that require observation, note-taking, and lateral thinking. The narrative is complex, fragmented, and esoteric, weaving a tale of mystery and art that is both intriguing and emotionally impactful.
However, the game is not without flaws. Many players found the controls cumbersome, especially with a single-button interaction scheme and lack of a back button, which can impede smooth navigation. Puzzle design received mixed reactions; while some puzzles are clever and satisfying, others are criticized for being repetitive, overly reliant on backtracking, or requiring obscure "moon logic". The story, though atmospheric, can feel disjointed or underdeveloped for some. Despite these issues, the game offers a rewarding experience for players who enjoy deep puzzle-solving and atmospheric storytelling.
Highlights
Players widely praise the game's unique and stylish visual presentation, which effectively creates a spooky, surreal atmosphere. The puzzle mechanics are often described as clever, varied, and engaging, with many appreciating the old-school escape room vibe and the satisfaction of solving intricate riddles.
The story, while complex and open to interpretation, is compelling and emotionally resonant for many, enhanced by the game's immersive sound design and Lynchian influences. The non-linear exploration and the ability to tackle puzzles in any order add to the game's appeal, allowing for a personalized experience.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the game's tedious backtracking and navigation difficulties, exacerbated by slow movement speed and unintuitive controls lacking a dedicated back button. Some puzzles are seen as filler or overly dependent on memorizing scattered clues rather than logical deduction, leading to frustration.
The story delivery can feel obscure or pretentious, with some players finding the narrative reveals predictable or insufficiently connected to the puzzles. Additionally, the lack of a helpful hint system and occasional inconsistency in puzzle design contribute to moments of player confusion and disengagement.
Pros
- • Unique, stylish visuals create a compelling and eerie atmosphere throughout the game.
- • Varied and clever puzzles provide satisfying moments of discovery and challenge.
- • Non-linear puzzle progression allows players to explore and solve at their own pace.
- • Engaging story with emotional depth and artistic, surreal influences.
- • Quality-of-life features like maps and objective lists assist navigation and tracking.
- • Immersive sound design enhances the mysterious and unsettling mood.
- • Encourages note-taking, adding to the authentic escape room experience.
Cons
- • Controls are cumbersome, with a single action button and no back button.
- • Slow movement and tedious backtracking can disrupt gameplay flow.
- • Some puzzles rely on obscure or moon logic rather than clear reasoning.
- • Repetitive puzzle mechanics and filler tasks detract from overall enjoyment.
- • Story can feel disjointed, pretentious, or underdeveloped to some players.
- • Lack of a useful hint system leads to player frustration.
- • Certain puzzles gate progress unfairly, causing bottlenecks.
Rating Criteria
The stage is set. Imagine an old baroque manor, perhaps a hotel or a museum, somewhere in central Europe. A woman wanders in search of answers.
