Nikopol: Secret of the Immortals

The release of a new classical quest Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals created by White Birds Productions has produced a deep resonance in the gamer circles. Of course, we cannot keep aloof from this discussion.

The scene is laid in France, which at this time is governed by a dictator who rules by religious absolute power. The storyline focuses on Nikopol who sets out in search of his father and struggle against oppressive rule. In typical adventure game fashion, Nikopol will walk where guided and pick up and examine all sorts of things. He comments on these things, and many times these comments are helpful hints as to what he may need to do with these items. These are subtle hints, though, and players will still need to exert quite a bit of brain power to solve the current puzzles. Most are inventory-based in traditional point-and-click adventure style.  Honestly, the game’s style is not friendly as there are a lot of timed tasks that kill you if you don’t complete them lickety-split. It is rather pity fact as more than once you will feel lack of time.

As for the atmosphere of the game, it is futuristic completely, and combines reality with fantasy. Furthermore, the artwork is superb, in comparison to most adventure games. The scenes are filled with familiar and also strange objects, all clearly drawn and asking to be investigated. The camera is free-moving, and can be disorienting at first as it whips around, but players have the option to slow down the mouse speed, which helps.

The music is nicely done as always fits the scene and sets the mood. There are places where there will be no music, and then music will begin. However, the sound effects are alright, but could have been better. The only real drawback is the shortness of this title. Nevertheless, Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals can be evaluated as a good adventure game.

20, November 2009