Loved it From the Beginning!
I can't remember when I first stumbled upon Tri-Achnid, but I was immediately sucked into it, and that doesn't happen with me very often; I may play, but getting me to love a game enough to replay it a ridiculous number of times is some feat!
The artwork's simplistic, smooth, and pleasing style drew me in. I like two things in game art: stylized and intricate realism, and simple eye-candy. The art and animation made the perfect atmosphere for the story.
Which leads me to the atmosphere of the music. Music can make or break anything it's associated with - and that includes games. The gentle, rolling, melancholy tones of the strings in the soundtrack really gave a rhythm to the overall gameplay and story.
Ah, story. I'm a sucker for good story lines behind games - I'll take a simple game with a creative plot over a pointless shooter in a heartbeat. No questions here - the story line is pretty darn unique, but with maybe a few familiar themes. I was impressed how the story propelled the game, but as the player you weren't "too" wrapped up in the story to simply enjoy the game and it's unique style of play.
It took me a while to get used to the slightly awkward but intriguing controls of this game, and I know I'm no master at it still, after a good 10 full playthroughs. And it doesn't help that this game can play horribly slowly (to the point of it being pointless to try it) on a slow internet connection or older computer. But thankfully, my PC can take pretty much anything. The controls made the pace of the game slow down, and forced you to really consider each painstaking step before it was taken - whether you realize it or not. This slower pace fit the character and story of the game quite well, in my opinion - although I could see it as being a huge turn-off for anyone with Gamers' ADD.
So, to sum it all up:
It's not a game everyone will enjoy. You proceed through the game/story with calculated slowness and methodical consideration. The controls are difficult to get used to, and lack the sudden urgency of the favorite button-mashing, quick-dashing shoot-em-up. The story is simple but driving, appealing, and - dare I say it - endearing.
In any case, I've been waiting for the second installment of Tri-Achnid's story ever since I first finished this one! Many applause to the creators from a finicky and appreciative capricious gamer.
