So, we’ve got this pretty unique game here called The Crimson Diamond from Julia Minamata. It’s an EGA text parser mystery adventure that definitely got me intrigued. The user reviews seem quite positive too. What did you guys think about it?

Well, from a speedrunning perspective, it’s obviously a very different kind of game. The emphasis on narrative and exploration over fast-paced action is a refreshing change. This game is all about its pacing, I’d say it’s more about the journey rather than how quickly you can reach the finish line.

That’s true! As someone who’s into open-world exploration, I found Crimson Lodge and its surrounding wilderness pretty engaging. It kept me hooked with its secrets and mysteries.

Absolutely! The game gives a feeling of satisfaction when you find those hidden clues or stumble upon a secret passage that you missed earlier. And speaking of mysteries, didn’t you love the murder mystery-like narrative? It felt very Agatha Christie-like to me.

No doubt, the story is high on mystery and suspense. But, let’s talk about the gameplay mechanics. What did you guys think about that?

For me, as someone who pays attention to every detail, the text parser element was really interesting. It encourages players to think, experiment, and piece together information gathered from different interactions. The puzzles aren’t so frustrating that they cause you to lose interest, they’re quite well signposted!

I agree, the text parser might seem daunting at first, but the game handles it brilliantly. You never feel overwhelmed by it and the protagonist Nancy gives you gentle hints on what she needs to do, which I think is a great touch.

Definitely, it’s more about a thoughtful approach than being too specific. The game balances this really well.

And we must talk about the pixel art visual and the audio aspect! It really adds to that nostalgic, retro feel of the game, doesn’t it?

Yes! The EGA colour palette adds an old-school charm to the game. The animations aren’t flashy but are smooth and do their job perfectly. It certainly contributes to the overall atmosphere.

The mostly silent audio but with impactful musical interludes, show up just at the right times, making the game more atmospheric. It certainly enhanced the overall gaming experience for me.

Guess we all agree that the character development is also pretty significant, especially Nancy’s character. She’s not just an avatar for the player but a character in her own right. I think her personal journey added another layer to the gameplay.

I found Nancy quite relatable. You feel invested in her ambitions and the decisions you make as her really feel like they carry weight.

Agreed. The secondary characters also add flavor to the narrative and their different personalities and motivations make it even more interesting.

So, how rewarding is replaying The Crimson Diamond? Are there secrets or branching paths that can keep players coming back?

Well, the game seems more linear in structure, but I believe if you missed a clue or a secret passage, you would have enough incentive to replay and discover those.

And don’t forget, some of the charm in replaying such games also comes from experiencing the story again, noticing details you may have missed the first time around.

All right, some final thoughts. How does The Crimson Diamond compare with other games in the genre? What makes it unique and what might you want to see improved in any potential sequel?

The uniqueness of The Crimson Diamond lies in its EGA text parser system, the lovable characters, engaging narrative, and its vintage vibe. Looking forward, I’d like to see more complex puzzles and challenges for adept gamers.

As a fan of open-world games, I’d love to see even more exploration and a larger world in a potential sequel. I believe Julia Minamata has a lot of creative narratives to be explored.

For me, the game lives up to the legacy of classics like the Laura Bow Mystery series, while bringing its own distinct charms. I would love to see more depth in terms of collectibles and achievements in future installments.

Agreed. The Crimson Diamond is truly a gem in its genre and a testament to Julia Minamata’s creativity and craftsmanship. With more additions and enhancements, future games from her can only shine brighter.

Add The Crimson Diamonds to your Steam Library today!