Down Under Dan
The game is reminiscent of Access Software's games: digitized graphics, third-person point-and-click, and numerous pixel-hunting headaches. The puzzles are not difficult, but the extent of pixel-hunting required for some of them makes the game frustrating in many spots. Some puzzles also must be solved in real-time, adding to the frustration. Fortunately, there is a useful on-line hint function which you can use, although it has limited usage (again similar to Access' games, in particular Amazon: Guardians of Eden).
The plot is decent enough and wacky enough to keep your interest, although various jabs at Australian stereotypes (albeit tongue-in-cheek) can get tiresome. Developer PowerVision deserves applause for attempting to incorporate as many neat facts about their country into the game, and I did learn quite a bit about the land Down Under while playing. So all in all, while Down Under Dan certainly won't be the best adventure game you have played, it will hold your interest through to the end - thanks to a decent premise and a unique focus on Australian culture. Better voice acting, less pixel-hunting puzzles, and more creative puzzles would lift this game into the Top Dog realm. Recommended for all adventure gaming fans, as long as you don't expect too much - although you can expect to see at least one kangaroo :)
Average Rating: | 7.21 [14 votes] |
Genre: | Adventure |
Designer: | |
Developer: | PowerVision |
Publisher: | PowerVision |
Year: | 1995 |
Software Copyright: | PowerVision |
Theme: | Humorous, Grand Adventure |
Multiplayer: | |
Related Links: | |
More Info: | Mobygames | The Web |
System Requirements: | DOS |
If you like this game, try: | Amazon: Guardians of Eden, Armaeth: The Lost Kingdom, Riddle of Master Lu |
Thanks to... | Ben |
Technical Notes: | Another full CD-ROM release thanks to Ben, our fearless ripper :) |
Screenshots © The Good Old Days