The Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav

The Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav
by Daedalic Entertainment & Franzisca Reinhard - June, 2012

Series links: The Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav , Memoria

Available at:
Adventure Shop
GamersGate
GOG
Steam



In Andergast, whose inhabitants are considered to be notoriously superstitious, King Efferdan awaits a state visit from high-ranking dignitaries. For centuries the kingdom has been at odds with neighboring Nostria, but now first steps are being undertaken toward a lasting peace. But a plague of crows troubles the king, for the birds are acting with unusual aggressiveness, even attacking humans. Moreover, there are those among the citizens of Andergast who swear that the crows are bringing them dark nightmares. As the belligerent creatures infiltrate even the castle itself, the king seeks a skilled bird catcher - an opportunity for young Geron to prove that the reputation for ill luck that has followed him since childhood is undeserved. Following an audience with the king, the prestigious task is assigned to him. However, not only does his task prove unexpectedly difficult, but it also turns out to be the first step of the greatest adventure of his life, which will lead him to the borders of the charted lands of Aventuria and beyond.

• Experience the world of The Dark Eye as a classic point-and-click adventure!
  
• A breathtaking art style that shows every nuance of Aventuria.
  
• Solve a variety of side quests each with different paths towards a solution.
  
• An epic fantasy soundtrack, as well as high-quality voiceovers to provide an unparalleled gaming experience.
  
• Dive into the fantastic world of Aventuria and experience an epic adventure, written by experienced authors of the popular pen and paper fantasy role-playing game The Dark Eye.
  
• From the makers of A New Beginning, The Whispered World, and the Deponia games
  
• GameBoomers Walkthrough by MaGtRo
  
• GGG Group Play-through
  

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The Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav (Adventure)

Options include Controls (keyboard shortcuts if desired -- I used the mouse), Sound (separate sliders for music, voice, and sound effects), Subtitles, Hotspot Indicator, Combinations Indicator, Action Indicator and many more

MaGtRo's walkthrough shows a bunch of F-key shortcuts, but they didn't work with my game, so I'll explain how to do things below.

This is the second Daedalic adventure that I've played, and the interface is quite different than the one in The Whispered World.

First off, left-clicking (as we usually do) is how we interact with someone/something.  Right-clicking is how you look at or examine things.

Pull your cursor down to the bottom of the screen to find your inventory / task bar.  At the right of your inventory bar are three icons:

• A gear, which will take you to the main menu (or use the Esc key)
  
• Your diary, which tracks your tasks (I didn't use it at all)
  
• A magnifying glass, which will show you all of the hotspots and possible exits (or hold down the space bar)
  

At the left of your task bar are two more icons:

• A yellow jar, which allows you to break fragile items
  
• A blue item that kind of looks like a tornado.  This one allows you to fix things.
  

To save your game, hit the gear icon or the Esc button, then click on Savegames.  There are plenty of save spots here.  Just click on one of the boxes, then click on the Save button.  This screen is also where you load your games from.
Double-click somewhere to have Geron run, or double-click on an exit to leave the scene immediately. 

I was not happy with the beginning of the game -- you'll see why if or when you try it.  The plot was a little strange at the start, but then it takes a turn and gets more and more interesting.  After my initial feeling about the game, I was surprised to find my thoughts lingering on the game and where it was going, and couldn't wait to get back to it.

The early gameplay is doable if you experiment enough, with a limited number of locations to visit at any one time.  The hotspot indicator was a MUST for me -- I often didn't notice things, though admittedly some of them are hard to spot!  Unless you're trying for all of the achievements, you really can't mess things up.  Our character won't let us do anything that will get us killed or end the game prematurely, so you don't have to worry about having missed something.  Once I realized this, I really enjoyed experimenting and figuring things out on my own.  Late in the game things aren't so straightforward.  Oh you still can't ruin your gameplay, but things become MUCH more complex later on... I simply couldn't have gotten through without the walkthrough.  Oh well!  Still great fun!

EXTRAS:

• 9 Concept Art (two of these were still locked for me at the end of gameplay, don't know why)
  
• 12 Videos
  
• 36 Achievements
  

I really enjoyed the game... much more than The Whispered World, which got a lot more attention!  

'Twas this image that first made me want the game

and I wasn't disappointed.  Purely gorgeous once I came upon it myself.  The art style is just lovely, though of course sometimes that which is being depicted is stark and desolate, it's always beautifully-done.

The voices are excellent, with the exception of one character, whom we don't have to deal with for long... Although I'm not in love in our charter's voice.  The music is nicely tone-setting without being overdone.  The story drew me in despite myself, and I'm really looking forward to playing the sequel, Memoria.

If you like adventure games, I recommend checking this one out!  

This game was picked for a group play  for the beginning of March.  I got it on sale
so I could participate.  Thanks to your review,  I am really looking forward to it.

luvtoread wrote:
I know I mentioned this before,  but seeing as you are playing #1,  let me know your thoughts

spoiler:

There are things I do remember,  but

spoiler:

When I  played Memoria,  I just got a totally different perspective about him than in #1.

I just don't want to give too much away,  so once you are moved and settled and
back to playing,  then maybe we could discuss it more.

I finished playing Chains of Satinav back in January, so it's been a few months, and my memory is just a little hazy regarding your first question.  It was explained, but I can't remember

The ravens, however, I can give you my impressions on:

Spoiler:

I remember most of that,  what I cannot remember is

spoiler:

 
Someday will have to replay   

He had to

gameplay spoiler:

OH....  ..OK      I remember that!