Whateverland

Whateverland is a prime example of why I feel that we are currently living in a real golden age of point-and-click adventure style games. While this game features many of the tropes that make this genre so much fun for those that are into it. What really grabbed my attention with this game was the way that it was trying a few new tricks and twists to make the overall experience much more fun, and memorable and also give you a reason to jump back in and play through the game again.

Never Steal From A Witch!

The plot of Whateverland is a whole lot of fun and very witty with the way that it is written. The main character is a thief called Vincent and he is one of the best around. Well, one day his luck runs out as his latest score happens to be from a witch! He is caught and she punishes him by sending him to a magic prison. Here, he meets a strange ghost who agrees to help him get out of this magical prison that he has found himself in. The story has different outcomes so you have a reason to play through the game more than once.

What Way To Go?

One of the more unique aspects about the gameplay of Whateverland is that you can complete each level in different ways. The developer has said that each level can be completed in at least two ways. Each “level” usually has you dealing with a specific person, you can either try and help this person or you can just steal and take what you need. Depending on the way you do it, things will change as the game has a non-linear progression system. This also helps add to the replay value of the game. In many ways, it is your typical high-quality point-and-click adventure-style game, but with a few fun twists to make it stand out.

Nothing Mini About This Game!

As well as the point-and-click adventure aspect of the game, Whateverland keeps you on your toes by having a selection of mini-games that you will have to play during your adventure. There are 19 different ones which along with the other stuff you have to do in the game ensures that you are kept busy and never sure what is going to happen next. I have already talked about how the game gives you a reason to play through it more than once and the mini-games are another example of this. You see, there is no way that you can see them all during a playthrough!

If Tim Burton Made Don’t Starve

You know, I like to use Tim Burton a great deal when I am trying to describe the way a game looks, but I really do think that Whateverland has a kind of “Burton-Esq” look to it. Actually, it kind of reminds me of Beetlejuice when they go to the afterlife. Anyway, the game has a lovely hand-drawn art style that looks fantastic and brings this world to life in a very imaginative and fun way. It has these excellent cut scenes that move the story along and the soundtrack and the voice acting are the cherry on top.

Pros:

• I love the witty and charming story that the game is telling
• There are a whole bunch of interesting characters
• It has 19 mini-games that keep things fun and unique
• The game has a very non-linear way of playing through it

Cons:

• You really do have to appreciate point-and-click adventure games to get into this
• Perhaps some of the puzzles may be a wee bit too hard for some people