Uninvited
Reviewed by Larcen Tyler
An all time favorite game of mine has to be Uninvited for the original Nintendo
Entertainment System (NES) Originally a PC game, the game lost only a few minor
details, but actually looks and sounds a lot better than it's original computer
counterparts! And to think that we used to deem NES inferior to PC's!
Graphics 4 out of 5
For such an old system, the graphics on this game are very good! Even though this
and it's other two similar games (Deja Vu and Shadowgate) didn't have very much
for animation, the animations that you see in this one are all right. Most of the
moving creatures, like the blob and the blue creature, are just shown moving up and
down in the same pose. However, the scene when you burn the ice in the cave and the
body is shown floating away is amazing!
Also, the detail of the characters you meet are interesting. Sure, Scarlett O'Hara
may look nice from behind, but get too personal and you meet her face-to-skull as
she reaches to rip you apart! Each monster has their own "close up" that you see when
they kill you, all of which are truly amazing in details! It was so detailed, that the
scene where Dracan killed me scared me!
Music and Sound 5 out of 5
It's NES, of course, but the sound is great. There are many different songs that play
during the course of the game, complete with music theme for danger, death, and
suspense. It may not be an orchestra, but whoever composed it did a good job! Check
out the record player in the game room and you'll hear a familiar song played like it
was actually on an old record, not like someone who couldn't play music at all!
Sound effects are present in various forms, all of which are very well detailed.
Although you still have the "doodle-dee-doodle-dee" sound when the scene shifts,
and the familiar "beep" for clicking, there are many other sound effects, such as
mirrors cracking, dogs barking, explosions, and even sounds of magic. Truly, this
game is a treat for ears and eyes.
Game Challenge 2 out of 5
Most puzzles shouldn't give professional players any trouble. Unlike Deja Vu and
Shadowgate, Uninvited didn't spend enough time on puzzles and traps, although it
did include a nice garden maze to get lost in, complete with a compliment of flesh
eating zombies! This isn't to say, however, that everyone will just pick it up and
whiz right through it. Some things can boggle players at first. Scarlett O'Hara can
be a real stumper if you don't know what to use on her. Some spells can be a real
pain in the neck if you're wandering around chanting them and getting nothing
expected. Once you figure it out, though, you're on your way.
Game Play-Fun 4 out of 5
You'll have lots of fun exploring the mansion and seeing what kind of interesting
stuff you can find. Whoever thought of guarding their chapel with dogs? Ever tried
looking at the tombstones in the maze? Ever been in the attic? Who puts a jail cell
in their attic? (Whoever it is, I'm just glad I don't know them!)
With all the stuff you find, you can try all sorts of fun and interesting stuff. Ever
tried putting cologne and perfume on? Or tried on that small hat you found in the
closet? How about that vial? Ooops! It's mercury! Just make sure you save before
you try anything!
Frustration
Beginners may be frustrated at first, but most gamers shouldn't be too frustrated
with this game. Once you've read and seen everything, you should know what to do
and where to go. It's just a matter of mapping out the maze.
Replayability 3 out of 5
Although there is lots of interesting stuff to try each time you play, there is only
one ending, and only one path to reach the ending with. There are no hidden things,
no secret quests, none of that. Unless you like interactive horror stories, you may
only enjoy this game for one session.
Game Value 4 out of 5
You can only find this at used game stores (ie Funcoland, etc.) It usually shouldn't
cost more than $20, which is a good price. It's got good graphics and sounds, a nice
story, battery back up for up to three different game players, and a price that just
can't be beat.
Overall 4 out of 5
Overall, people who enjoy horror stories and/or interactive fiction may find some
life in this fairly old title, which features a few interesting surprises and puzzles.
However, if you're the type who wants to play things over and over and get different
results, then don't buy this unless you really want it.