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Amanda the Adventurer is another horror title that’s been around for a while. Sadly I missed the original release, but I’m happy I’ve picked it up regardless of my tardiness to the party. The creepy gameplay and simple core loop keep you hooked throughout. However, its short playtime may leave you wanting. Accordingly, this deliciously nostalgic title is a bit of a mixed bag.
This rudimentary horror game was developed by MANGLEDmaw Games and published by DreadXP. Moreover, it is a single-player endeavour with many interesting and absurd puzzles. Consequently, you will test your grey matter and push yourself as you uncover every creepy and chilling truth.
Amanda the Adventurer should have been adorable.
No matter the decade, children’s entertainment follows a simple formula. Grabbing the attention of its audience is a must, and a cute sidekick always goes down well. Yet, when the protagonist is slightly unhinged, things take a dark turn. This is exactly what happens in Amanda the Adventurer.
You play the role of Riley Park. Riley has inherited their Aunt Kate’s house. As you explore the property, you discover a retro TV and VHS tape player. These simple dated tools shouldn’t be the catalyst for a dark adventure, but they are. Each tape contains an episode of the titular hero’s uncomfortable TV program. Moreover, as the episodes unfold, things become menacing and disturbing. However, this doesn’t put Riley off as each solved puzzle unlocks new tapes and a deeper dive into the uncomfortable TV program.
Simple gameplay.
Amanda the Adventurer explores well-trodden themes and ideas. This should have been underwhelming, but I liked the story and the harrowing relationship that unfolds. Amanda appears calm and cute, but things quickly change. Her adorable sidekick, Wooly the Sheep is shy but loving. As the game evolves he becomes increasingly fearful and agitated.
Things take a turn for the worse as injuries and fear stand at the fore. The sinister twist juxtaposes the sickly sweet children’s TV program. Additionally, things escalate as you begin to interact with Amanda. Her fuse is painfully short and any wrong answer pushes her over the edge. Subsequently, you must be careful if you wish to appease the sinister TV star.
Basic puzzles.
If you love complex puzzles, this won’t be for you. The basic problem-solving and nicely designed progressive elements work well. However, some confusing elements will leave you scratching your head. I’m not sure if this was a deliberate move from the developer, but it didn’t quite work.
The blend of linear problems and more outlandish ideas should have been better explained. Had this happened, the action and gameplay experience would have been improved.
Amanda the Adventurer has a dated aesthetic.
The dated aesthetic won’t appeal to everyone. However, I liked the classic look and the nod to late 90s entertainment. The garish colours, rudimentary set design, and basic character models leave a lot to the imagination, but this was a great choice. Furthermore, some rough but well-designed video cuts leave you filling in the blanks. This adds a sinister edge to an already creepy experience.
The audio is cringeworthy but skin-tingling. The blend of haunting acting and simple but effective dialogue works well. Moreover, the basic ambient sounds enhance the horror edge.
Great controls.
Exploring the small world was a cinch. Furthermore, completing each puzzle was child’s play. Though accuracy was occasionally an issue, it didn’t undermine the enjoyable puzzles or the dark atmosphere.
Longevity and replay value are sadly lacking, however. This is a short horror game that requires more depth. Though some of the puzzles can test you, you’ll fly through each problem with relative ease. Additionally, once you witness each uncomfortable video, you soon switch off to the madness.
Amanda the Adventurer is good but not great.
I liked my time with Amanda the Adventurer. The dated appeal works well and I “enjoyed” the evolution of each character and the plot. Yet, the lack of depth and replay value holds it back. Additionally, some of the puzzles were frustrating. Accordingly, despite the shortcomings, I recommend buying it here! Can you find every tape and uncover the mystery? Solve the puzzles, explore the loft, and pray for Wooly.
