(We Celebrate the "Day Of The Dead"!)
Who would resist the opportunity to visit Mexico — a country that's known for its Pacific and Gulf of Mexico beaches; its diverse landscapes of mountains, deserts, and jungles; its ancient ruins; and, of course, Mexican food and tequila — during a time of extraordinary celebrations of culture and life. It's the "Day of the Dead" — a special holiday in which dead ancestors are the guests of honor, as the people celebrate the memories of deceased relatives. So, pack your bags — and don't forget your sombreros — because we are off to "The Land of the Dead" to participate in the festivities.
As far as the storyline goes, it started off well, delivering an exciting introduction to the "Day-of-the-Dead" theme, thus maintaining my keen interest in how the plot would unfold. But, by the middle of the game, the intriguing subject became thrown on the back burner. The plot lost focus on the celebratory concept and took a left turn towards the typical "chasing-after-a-supernatural-entity" idea plaguing many HOAs.
The artwork is stunning, capturing the true essences of Mexico's rich history and heritage. The environmental details are fashioned to showcase the jovial spirit of this holiday: festive face paints, in the form of skeletal make-up; floral hair pieces, Catrinas, decorated with marigold flowers; and colored flags, strewn across the buildings. Some particular traditions and customs authentically illustrate the "Day-of-the-Dead" theme — endless seas of candle-lit altars, set around the graves of loved ones; offerings to the dead, such as their favorite foods (e.g., sugar skulls); and fancy ornate-embroidered dresses, worn by las mujeras (the women). The omnipresent skeletons are portrayed in a myriad of bright and colorful patterns, and they provide a playful, mischievous vibe with their lampooning gestures and garb. I love the skeletal trio of musicians.
The theme of the storyline blends into the artistic designs of the HOSs. They are diverse in format, although they do not present any original elements. The puzzles are thematically rendered to suit the storyline. They are creatively executed, as well as sometimes challenging. There are a few collectibles, including discovering morphing objects within the HOSs.
Most HOAs take us to Europe, where the societies and settings are often indistinctly depicted. However, this time I enjoyed traveling to a less-visited country, one that is admired for close family bonds, a strong foundation for unity, and a unique flair for honoring their ancestors. This game is a pleasant surprise; however, I did deduct a star for the digression of the storyline.
catalina5
Howard the Doc
KimTwilight69
