Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard

Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard is an old-school point-and-click adventure game inspired by LucasArts and Sierra classics. Set in a fantasy world where a celestial event centuries ago granted animals intelligence, the game follows a young deer named Finn and his shadow-like companion Gwen. They embark on a perilous journey beyond their village to save Owlsgard from a cursed eternal winter and a mysterious blue fog threatening to transform its inhabitants, blending fantasy with sci-fi elements.

Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard: A Masterpiece of Modern Adventure Gaming

Introduction

Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard is a triumph of modern adventure gaming, a love letter to the classic point-and-click adventures of the 1990s while carving out its own unique identity. Developed by German indie creator WatchDaToast, this game is a testament to the enduring appeal of pixel art, clever puzzles, and rich storytelling. Released on December 23, 2022, it quickly garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, proving that the adventure genre is far from dead. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and its lasting impact on the industry.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Its Vision

Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard was developed by WatchDaToast, a solo developer who handled the game’s scripting, graphics, music, and sound design. The game was created using the Adventure Game Studio (AGS) engine, a tool that has been instrumental in the revival of classic point-and-click adventures. WatchDaToast’s vision was to create a game that captured the charm and nostalgia of 90s adventure games while introducing modern sensibilities and storytelling techniques.

Technological Constraints and the Gaming Landscape

The game’s development was constrained by the limitations of the AGS engine and the solo nature of its creation. Despite these challenges, WatchDaToast managed to create a visually stunning and atmospherically rich world. The gaming landscape in 2022 was dominated by AAA titles and indie darlings, but Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard stood out for its unique blend of nostalgia and innovation. The game’s success can be attributed to its ability to tap into the collective nostalgia of players who grew up with classic adventure games while offering a fresh and engaging experience.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The game follows Finn, a young roebuck, who returns home to find his family missing. As he investigates, he uncovers a dark secret involving ancient robots and a hidden world. Along the way, he teams up with Gwen, an owl, and Jarlena, a wolf, to save their world from annihilation. The narrative is rich with twists and turns, subverting expectations and keeping players engaged.

Dialogue and Themes

The dialogue in Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard is a mix of humor, wit, and emotional depth. The voice acting is excellent, with each character having a distinct personality. The game explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of technological advancement. The relationship between Finn and Jarlena, in particular, is a highlight, showcasing the game’s ability to create compelling and believable character dynamics.

World-Building and Atmosphere

The world of Velehill is brought to life through detailed pixel art and atmospheric sound design. The game’s setting is a blend of fantasy and sci-fi, with ancient ruins and advanced technology coexisting. The atmosphere is enhanced by the game’s soundtrack, which is inspired by the midi classics of the 90s. The world feels alive, with characters going about their daily routines and reacting to the player’s actions.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard is a classic point-and-click adventure game, with players solving puzzles and interacting with the environment to progress. The game features a SCUMM-style nine-verb menu, allowing for a variety of interactions. The puzzles are challenging but fair, requiring players to think creatively and pay attention to detail.

Combat and Character Progression

There is no traditional combat in Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard. Instead, the game focuses on puzzle-solving and exploration. Character progression is tied to the narrative, with players unlocking new areas and abilities as they progress through the story.

UI and Innovative Systems

The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, with a modern mode that highlights hidden items and makes timed puzzles more forgiving. The game also features a “Notice This” system, where certain collectibles sparkle to guide the player. This balance between classic and modern design elements makes the game accessible to both veteran adventure game players and newcomers.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting is a fantastical world populated by anthropomorphic animals. The art style is a blend of pixel art and hand-drawn animations, creating a visually stunning and immersive world. The atmosphere is enhanced by the game’s sound design, with ambient noises and a subtle musical score that complements the gameplay.

Visual Direction

The visual direction is inspired by classic animated movies and adventure games of the 90s. The game’s pixel art is meticulously crafted, with detailed backgrounds and character animations that bring the world to life. The use of color and lighting creates a sense of depth and mood, enhancing the game’s atmosphere.

Sound Design

The sound design is a crucial aspect of the game’s atmosphere. The ambient noises, such as the rustling of leaves and the sound of water, create a sense of immersion. The musical score is inspired by the midi classics of the 90s, with a mix of upbeat tunes and somber melodies that complement the game’s narrative.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard received critical acclaim upon its release, with critics praising its narrative, puzzles, and art style. The game has a Metascore of 87% on Adventure Game Hotspot and a player score of 96/100 on Steam. It was also nominated for several AGS Awards, including Best Animation, Best Background Art, and Best Character Art.

Influence on Subsequent Games

The game’s success has inspired a new wave of adventure games, with developers drawing inspiration from its blend of nostalgia and innovation. Its influence can be seen in games like Return to Monkey Island and The Longest Journey, which also aim to capture the spirit of classic adventure games while introducing modern elements.

Conclusion

Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard is a masterpiece of modern adventure gaming, a game that successfully captures the spirit of classic point-and-click adventures while carving out its own unique identity. Its rich narrative, compelling characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a standout title in the adventure genre. While it has its flaws, such as some unfair puzzles and a lengthy final chapter, these are minor criticisms in the face of the game’s many strengths. Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard is a game that every adventure game fan should play, a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre and a beacon for future developers. It is, without a doubt, a modern classic and a worthy successor to the adventure games of yore.