Strange Antiquities

The main pros of the game

• Atmosphere and Art Design: Many users praised the dark yet cozy atmosphere, enhanced visuals, and sound design, creating an immersive experience that evokes feelings of warmth and intrigue.
• Engaging Puzzles: The puzzles are described as clever and satisfying, with a rewarding sense of accomplishment when solved. The game encourages deductive reasoning and careful observation.
• Expanded Mechanics: Players appreciated the new mechanics introduced in this sequel, such as the ability to examine items in greater detail and the addition of multiple reference books, which made the gameplay feel richer and more engaging.
• Story and Lore: The narrative, filled with mythology and dark mysteries, kept players hooked. The multiple endings and decision-making aspects added depth to the story.
• Character and Cat Interaction: The presence of the shop cat, Jupiter, and the interactions with various characters were highlighted as charming elements that enhanced the overall experience.

The main cons of the game

• Increased Difficulty: Some players found the puzzles to be more challenging than in "Strange Horticulture," which could be overwhelming for newcomers.
• Interface and Quality of Life Issues: Users expressed frustration with the interface, including the inability to view multiple books or items simultaneously, which slowed down gameplay and made it tedious to cross-reference information.
• Vague Clues: Several reviews mentioned that some item descriptions and clues were too vague, leading to frustration and a feeling of guesswork rather than logical deduction.
• Game Over Mechanic: The new dice game introduced as a consequence for failures was viewed negatively by some players, as it felt disconnected from the game's overall theme and atmosphere.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Improved Hint System: Users suggested that the hint system could be more helpful, particularly for players who had already accessed hints but were still stuck.
• Better Organization Tools: Players expressed a desire for features that would allow for better organization of items, such as auto-sorting or pinning items for easier reference.
• More Coherent Storytelling: Some reviews indicated that the narrative felt less engaging compared to the first game, with a desire for deeper character development and more context for the choices made.
• Enhanced Exploration: A few users noted that the exploration felt limited compared to the previous game, with some maps being underutilized and exploration being punished by rising dread.

Summary

• Overall, "Strange Antiquities" is viewed positively, with many players enjoying its expansion on the original game's mechanics and atmosphere, despite some critiques regarding its complexity and interface.

Summary generated on: October 16, 2025