Our grand kids have loved the computer adventure
stories that are strong on colorful storybook graphics, tinkling sound effects,
simple controls, and do not have any voice or text narration. This style of
story telling allows the player’s imagination to take a role in developing the
details of the story. I’ve
reviewed several of these games and a list appears at the end
of this post. Now, on to The Old Tree.
One
of the first challenges our hero meets is a caterpillar that parks itself over
the hole that is the entrance to the tree. A bee, drops of water, and a
flexible flower stem are the tools available to our hero. The clever use of
these tools (by clicking on them) will chase away the caterpillar.
After successfully solving a few problems, our hero, upon leaving the previous room clinging to the ceiling, enters a kitchen where
another unnamed character is boiling water for a stew. Unfortunately, the
ingredients for the stew aren’t there. Ah! There’s a button on the wall.
Press it and a carrot is transported into the room. But
look out, if you are not quick, a critter will steal it!
Unlike the other creative games I’ve reviewed, this
one is short. After about thirty minutes of play, you reach the end of the tale and wave goodbye to the hero.
And here’s the best part. The Old Tree is free! The Old Tree is a free download on Steam (go to www.steampowered.com) or can be played in your browser on the Red Dwarf
Games web site at
Here’s a list
of creative computer games with great stories that kids will enjoy.
Machinarium
Quest of the Questionaut
Tiny Bang Story
Botanicula
Samorost 1 and 2
Alchemia
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