Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
The Shopkeeper (2014): A Point-and-Click Adventure with a Twist of Darkness
Introduction
The Shopkeeper is a point-and-click narrative game developed by Cairo-based indie studio Ovosonico. It was released in 2014 for PC, Mac, and Linux. The game follows the story of a desperate man who needs to find the right antique to impress a rich relative, but his choice will have dreadful consequences.
Gameplay
The Shopkeeper is a classic point-and-click adventure game in the vein of LucasArts classics like Monkey Island and Day of the Tentacle. Players control the protagonist, a down-on-his-luck man named John, as he explores a strange and cluttered antique shop in search of the perfect gift for his wealthy uncle.
The gameplay is simple but engaging. Players use the mouse to interact with the environment, examining objects, talking to characters, and solving puzzles. The game’s puzzles are clever and challenging, but never frustrating.
Story
The Shopkeeper’s story is a dark comedy that explores the themes of greed, desperation, and the consequences of our choices. John is a desperate man who is willing to do whatever it takes to impress his rich uncle. He believes that if he can find the perfect antique, his uncle will finally give him the respect and financial support he craves.
However, John’s quest for the perfect gift soon takes a dark turn. The antique shop is filled with strange and wonderful objects, each with its own unique story. As John delves deeper into the shop, he begins to uncover the dark secrets of its enigmatic owner.
Characters
The Shopkeeper features a cast of quirky and memorable characters. John is a complex and flawed protagonist who is easy to root for, despite his questionable choices. The Shopkeeper himself is a mysterious and enigmatic figure who knows more about John and his family than he lets on.
The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed. There’s the eccentric appraiser, the gossipy neighbor, and the enigmatic old woman who seems to know more about the shop than anyone else.
Graphics and Sound
The Shopkeeper’s graphics are simple but effective. The game’s world is rendered in a cartoonish style that is both charming and atmospheric. The character designs are expressive and the backgrounds are full of detail.
The game’s sound design is equally impressive. The ambient music creates a sense of unease and suspense, while the voice acting is top-notch.
Reception
The Shopkeeper was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s clever puzzles, dark humor, and memorable characters. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
The Shopkeeper is a unique and unforgettable point-and-click adventure game. It is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. If you are a fan of classic adventure games or dark comedies, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Shopkeeper.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Shopkeeper
- The game was originally inspired by a real-life antique shop that the developers visited in Cairo.
- The game’s protagonist, John, is based on the developers’ own experiences as struggling artists.
- The Shopkeeper’s voice actor, David Bateson, is also the voice of Agent 47 in the Hitman series.
- The game features a number of hidden secrets and Easter eggs.
- The game’s ending can change depending on the player’s choices.
- The game has been praised for its clever puzzles, dark humor, and memorable characters.
- The game was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
- The game has been ported to a number of platforms, including PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- The game has been nominated for a number of awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Narrative.
- The game is currently being developed for a television series adaptation.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
