Concierge Review
Summary: Concierge is a creepy, narrative-driven puzzle adventure game that mixes elements of surrealism with thrilling visuals to bring you something truly special. Utilizing point-and-click controls, puzzle lovers or horror enthusiasts can find much enjoyment out of this title.
4.6
Uhmm... housekeeping?
Intro
When you first start Concierge, you might be a little put off by the lack of upfront story or unfamiliarity with the point-and-click puzzle genre. This is how I was too. But when you really give it a chance, continue playing and experience this moving art piece, you’ll be tensing up and looking over your shoulder without even realizing.
Gameplay
As mentioned before, Concierge is a point-and-click puzzle game that all takes place within an old hotel. The bulk of the gameplay features you exploring, interacting and solving things around the hotel in hopes of finding out your connection to the many mysteries that lie about the withering building. You will go around six different levels, each having their own different art styles and themes, while figuring out the story and deciphering exactly how to get out of there.
Controls are simple, obviously, albeit with a tad hint of jank, as sometimes the cursor isn’t exactly accurate or responsive with what you do. The inventory system also carries a bit of frustration, as you have to hover up to access it, meaning you have to be careful if you want to click on something near that space. Other than that, pointing and clicking is incredibly effective with this title.
The true strength of the gameplay comes in its difficult puzzles. You get absolutely no tutorials, nor guidance to what you need; only your intuition will allow you to progress. Although, you aren’t entirely left to the wolves. The game provides a sort of hint system in the form of a payphone you can find on the first floor. The only problem is that it takes coins; a currency that you have to find and one that is as finite as it is difficult to encounter. Each puzzle is crafted expertly to ensure they’re logical with good pacing as to make sure you’re not frustrated or totally lost a majority of the time. The game doesn’t hold your hand, but it doesn’t leave you totally bare either.
Each level, or chapter, provides something different also. You’ll have to adapt in order to continue, but it never makes you feel that you’re missing something or that you’re incapable of solving it. Perseverance and thinking outside the box are key, and while some puzzles may be easier than others, most of them provide a good enough challenge that’ll let the hours run by while you focus on what to do with that knife you find in the kitchen. (Seriously, what’s the deal?)
Graphics
It goes without saying that the main draw of this game is the art. It’s drawn to look like a painting, and that means looking just as creepy as real-life paintings do. While I’m not an art buff by any means, the closest thing I could compare it to is Expressionist paintings, most notably the Scream by Edvard Munch, with its distorted and creepy visuals that tackle philosophical topics like the human condition.
The art really allows the horror aspect to shine through. There are no traditional monsters in this game; only humans that you encounter or get mentions of within the hotel itself. But the atmosphere and scene the art style has built provides a sense of unease and apprehensiveness you can’t find anywhere else. This piece ensures that you can appreciate the art while remaining troubled simply experiencing it. Many games attempt to use paintings to drive home a sense of familiarity, anxiety or simplicity. This game does all of that with its animations, dark and grimy color palette, and close-up shots that rival any art museum. It even changes the style from time to time to show how versatile and erratic the game can be.
Audio
While not a standout feature, the soft, gramophone-filtered music, combined with audio cues that’d make anyone jump, add to the importance of puzzles and having you question what that loud piercing noise was. The music is creepy while the audio isn’t anything to shoot-up about. Regardless, an important part of the game.
Conclusion
Concierge is a perfect title if you’re looking to find a tough puzzle game with horror elements. It certainly feels more like a moving painting than a video game, but that works in its favor, providing you with a hair-raising, goosebump-inducing chills down your spine when solving puzzles, while also remaining incredible to look at. While I can’t imagine it winning any gameplay awards anytime soon, this piece might possibly find its way into your heart through sheer beauty alone.
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