The Crimson Diamond Review: A Retro Mystery That Shines Bright

The Crimson Diamond is a captivating blend of classic adventure gaming and modern mystery storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the text parser games of yesteryear, it’s a true homage to the past, while still offering fresh and engaging gameplay. But, like any good mystery, it has a few puzzles that might leave you scratching your head.

A Retro Puzzle Adventure with a Modern Twist

Developed and published by Julia Minamata, The Crimson Diamond is a 2D pixel art game that takes you back to the golden age of EGA graphics. The limited color palette and old-school design are deliberate choices, paying tribute to the classic Sierra games like King’s Quest. You control the game using a text parser, where instead of clicking buttons, you type out commands—just like the adventure games that older gamers might fondly remember.

For those new to text parsers, there’s a tutorial to get you up to speed. It’s a system that might seem tedious at first, but The Crimson Diamond makes it accessible with a host of shortcuts. For example, typing "LOOK" will give you a description of your surroundings, and from there, you might type "LOOK AT DESK" to get a detailed rundown of the items on it. The game is designed with flexibility, accepting various inputs, and even has a shortcut system that helps streamline some of the more repetitive tasks.

A Story Rich in Mystery and Character

The game is set in 1914 Canada, where you play as Nancy Maple, an amateur geologist with dreams of making it big in the field. Nancy’s journey takes her to Crimson, Ontario, where a diamond was once found in the belly of a fish. Her adventure begins at Crimson Lodge, where a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own motives and secrets, are gathered. From Ethan, the landowner with a mysterious past, to Kimi, a researcher investigating rare birds, each character adds depth to the unfolding mystery.

When a murder occurs, Nancy quickly becomes the reluctant detective, using her skills to uncover clues and solve puzzles. The plot is engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked until the end.

Puzzles That Challenge and Frustrate

The Crimson Diamond is full of puzzles that range from straightforward to downright perplexing. Early in the game, you’ll engage in more traditional geology-based challenges, but as the story progresses, the puzzles become more complex and intertwined with the murder mystery.

The text parser, while impressive, can sometimes be frustratingly specific. For example, simple commands like "USE" are not always available, and you might find yourself stuck because you didn’t type the exact phrase the game was looking for. In one instance, I spent an hour searching for adhesive, only to discover that the solution was as simple as finding a roll of plasters hidden in a drawer—something that wasn’t visually obvious in the game’s pixel art.

These moments of frustration are few and far between, though, and for the most part, the puzzles are well-designed and satisfying to solve.

A Beautifully Crafted World

The game’s setting, Crimson Lodge, is meticulously designed. The indoor environments are richly detailed, with each room boasting unique features that make them memorable, whether it’s the ornate wallpaper or the mystery lurking in the study. The outdoor areas, while more maze-like and dangerous (beware of the river!), add to the overall atmosphere, making the world feel alive and immersive.

The EGA art style works wonderfully, evoking a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh. It’s clear that a lot of care went into creating a world that is both visually appealing and functionally designed for exploration and puzzle-solving.

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Crimson Diamond is a gem of a game. It’s a loving tribute to the classic adventure games of the past, wrapped in a modern mystery that’s as engaging as it is challenging. While some puzzles might test your patience, the game’s charm, depth, and thoughtful design make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Plus, you’ll even learn a few geology facts along the way.

If you’re a fan of retro-inspired games or just love a good mystery, The Crimson Diamond is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a few head-scratching moments along the way.