The Fall Reviews
The first instalment in a planned trilogy, The Fall does a respectable job at feeling complete while setting up upcoming entries. Although shorter than most adventures, the length does work in its benefit, as the slow pacing would likely overstay its welcome in a longer journey. Worth noting, the pacing is by no means perfect, with the ending coming off feeling especially rushed, but the rest of the experience makes good use of a slow, methodical approach. Atmospheric and appropriately lonely, with enough narrative weight to think on, this makes for some enjoyable point-and-click fun.
Ultimately, The Fall feels like you're playing your way through a movie. Aside from a few control hiccups, it's a playable movie in a genuinely good way.
The Fall is a compelling piece of storytelling in a medium that usually struggles to engage players beyond the surface spectacle. More importantly, it's a very good game in its own right but with both aspects combined it makes for a compelling case to dust off your Wii U pad.
The Fall is still a great, unique title on the eShop, but you need to know what you're getting into before you play it. In terms of gameplay, The Fall struggles to deliver anything special. But if you're looking for a game with a genuinely dark sci-fi setting and an intriguing story, then you'll definitely enjoy exploring as ARID.
The Fall attempts to pose the same questions that some of the most well-known classical science fiction writers did, tackling the very notion of what it means to be alive, to have a conscience and purpose, touching on themes that Phillip K. Dick and Isaac Asimov played with, and attempting to explore the consequences of the realization of free will within the boundaries of a complex but ultimately very finite system such as the one found inside a machine.
The Fall is the poster child for indie game development, and the start of what is sure to be an interesting trilogy. Over The Moon has successfully merged two genres and exceeded all expectations; all this from a Kickstarter campaign that raised 40,000 Canadian dollars. Yes, that's right; there is not a zero missing. Wii U owners hungry for Metroid Prime's atmosphere or Monkey Island's puzzle solving really can't go wrong with this one.
ARID is a wonderfully interesting character, although she has little opportunity for personality within the space of this game (the first of a trilogy).
'The Fall' is a great story and interesting discussion of synthetic morality, but ironically has some problems with its own mechanical side. It is possible that these issues were caused by the port to the Xbox One, but things like checkpoint saving are fundamental and cannot be overlooked. Regardless, I am happy that Over The Moon is continuing with the series, and hopefully we can expect the second episode before too long.
The Fall is a relatively short game, just a few hours long depending on how many puzzles stump you. The story is the most engaging thing, providing a unique take on the Three Laws of Robotics (although the laws themselves have been changed). There are really only three characters, but they're all well developed
Now available on the Nintendo Switch, The Fall is a neat tribute to old-fashioned point and click, but also an engaging narrative and deep adventure that should be worth your time.
If you're looking for a thoughtful sci-fi story and/or a point-and-click adventure in the LucasArts mold, and can tolerate the short running time, this is a good pick.
If you enjoy a decent sci-fi yarn and exploring concepts around AI, its limitations, and how systems designed to protect humans could conceivably also get in the way The Fall may be worthwhile for you. However, if that isn’t a pull and you don’t have a particularly high threshold for frustration it can be tough to recommend. With a relatively diverse set of adventures already available on the system this feels a bit more awkward than most.
Overall, The Fall has me intrigued and scared and amazed at how the twists and turns are presented. The gameplay could use a bit more smartsy action, but the whole narrative pulled me through. It was a shame ARID’s adventure ends in just a couple of hours. Hey, at least The Fall Part 2: Unbound is now available, right? Just be prepared to cash out for Part 2. You’d definitely want more of ARID’s adventures. Hey, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The Fall is the first game of a trilogy where the subject of artificial intelligence - what it means and its consequences - are a heavy focus of. Over The Moon excels in this department. For a point & click genre with shooting, they've done the job quite well providing a believable atmosphere and notable plot surprises. It's a pretty short game, but it is sweet. It's worth seeking out its playtime for those interested getting into this series. If you enjoy The Fall, you'll want its sequel as well.
In order to aim, cover, aim and shoot I have to make a total of 5 button presses over 3 buttons. It’s ridiculous.
The Fall has a lot to say for a game that doesn't want to tell you what it is.
Over the Moon presents this great science fiction story that will give us a lot to think about, seasoned with a classic gameplay of graphic adventures, and although not so well resolved, an action and platforms component that, although they do not feel necessary , if they give a little variety to the development. Highly recommended title for all lovers of science fiction from the 80s and 90s, they will not be disappointed.
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In the end, while the puzzles are fun, and combat is simple, what really sells The Fall is the story, even if you’re not a huge fan of adventure games. I feel that this one captures a good balance between combat and puzzles so it never feels tedious and can work as a good introductory game to the genre. This review is based on the Switch version which doesn’t add anything new to be honest. If anything you lose the achievements available on other versions. But if you want portability it’s a good option over the PC, PS4 or Xbox versions. The game is out for $10 and as mentioned above, give it a try even if adventure games aren’t your thing, the story is worth it.