A Lively Haunt

A pleasing horror-themed take on classic Sierra adventure games. Graphics and sound are perfect throwbacks, right down to the walking animations, and the puzzles are enjoyable (besides one particular music-themed puzzle that I found tedious -- but the game gives you an option to skip any "skill based" puzzles you want) It has one tech issue the developer has in fact acknowledged, but I believe needs more work to resolve. Namely, the game sometimes fails to identify keyboard inputs. This is apparently a side effect of the dual keyboard support. The issue happened to me, and my fix was to log off and back on to my windows profile before starting the game. Another workaround the developer recommended was to use an external keyboard instead of a laptop one. All of these workarounds are a pain in the neck, and I hope someday the issue can be resolved completely.

This game brought me back to when i was a kid and played Sierras old AGI games. I love the concept that you can switch between two characters and use them to help each other out. I myself had no luck in convincing my girl to play this with me, and so can happily inform you that it works great playing alone as well!

A nice little adventure game that reminded me of Uninvited for the NES. There are a couple of overly difficult skill-based sequences, but they can thankfully be skipped with a toggle in the options. Most of the puzzles are solvable enough to trip you up for a moment and then make you feel clever when you figure them out, but a few are obtuse and need a glance at the official walkthrough to get past. Overall, good work for a single dev!

Really good & fun text parser game. Great co-op experience.

I love the concept and the setting, but someone has to be the "bad guy" I suppose, so here I go: This game is meant to be a 2-player experience. Your partner is required to plug in an additional keyboard. If you want to play solo, you can just switch between the two characters with "Tab". However, my keyboard has the issue mentioned in the description. I can't type anything, so basically I can't play the game. The solutions range from replugging to deleting the keyboard(s) in device manager. (?) I've tried them all + other options I googled. Nothing. I don't think this is acceptable. Not for a finished product with this retail price. I'm sure the guy spent a lot of time and heart to make it. But then, instead of solving this issue he just left a description. Given that the game barely has five reviews, how bad must this issue be that they already had to add a troubleshooting section? Would it have been impossible to modify that 2-keyboard extension or bypass it for people who want to play solo? Just a bizzare decision to leave it like this. It's like making a tasty cake with perfect frosting, but instead of a cherry on top you dump a lump of coal. One should take more pride in one's work. I guess I'll have to watch a playthrough.

A Lively Haunt, developed and published by Kevin McConnell, is a deliberately old-school adventure that fully commits to the design sensibilities of classic text parser games. Rather than modernizing the genre, it embraces its roots almost completely, combining simple pixel visuals with a command-based input system that requires players to type out their actions. This choice defines the entire experience, shaping both its strengths and its limitations in equal measure. The setup is straightforward but effective. What begins as an ordinary roadside mishap quickly shifts into something more unsettling, leading the player into a mysterious estate filled with supernatural elements. From there, the game unfolds through exploration and puzzle-solving, with the story revealed gradually through descriptions, environmental clues, and player interaction. The narrative itself is intentionally sparse, relying more on atmosphere and implication than direct storytelling. This creates a sense of mystery, but it also means that much of the engagement depends on the player’s willingness to interpret and piece together what is happening. Gameplay revolves around the text parser, which requires players to input commands manually to interact with the environment. Actions such as examining objects, moving between locations, or using items must be typed out, often with specific phrasing. This system creates a deeper sense of involvement, as players are not simply selecting options but actively deciding how to approach each situation. However, it also introduces friction, particularly when the game expects precise wording. Progress can sometimes hinge on finding the exact command the game recognizes, which can lead to moments of trial and error that feel more mechanical than logical. The puzzle design follows the same traditional approach. Challenges are integrated into the environment and often require careful observation and experimentation. Some puzzles are satisfying to solve, especially when the solution aligns clearly with the game’s internal logic. Others can feel more obscure, reflecting the design tendencies of older adventure games where clarity was not always a priority. This creates an experience that alternates between rewarding insight and occasional frustration, depending largely on the player’s familiarity with the genre. One of the more unusual features is the inclusion of a local cooperative mode, allowing two players to interact with the game simultaneously using separate keyboards. This adds a collaborative dimension that is rarely seen in text-based adventures, encouraging communication and shared problem-solving. While the idea is interesting, its practical use is limited, as it requires a specific setup and does not include online functionality. As a result, it feels more like an experimental addition than a central part of the experience. Visually, the game adopts a minimalist pixel art style that reinforces its retro identity. The environments are simple but readable, providing just enough detail to support exploration without distracting from the text-based interaction. This aesthetic choice is consistent with the game’s overall design philosophy, though it does little to create a strong visual impression. Audio design is similarly understated, offering basic sound cues and ambient elements that support the atmosphere without standing out. The pacing is slow and deliberate, reflecting the nature of its gameplay. Progress often requires careful thought and repeated experimentation, which can make the experience feel methodical. For players who enjoy this style, the pace can be immersive, allowing for a deeper engagement with the environment. For others, it may feel overly sluggish, especially when combined with the lack of modern conveniences such as hint systems or streamlined interfaces. Ultimately, A Lively Haunt is a highly focused and niche experience that prioritizes authenticity over accessibility. It successfully recreates the feel of classic text parser adventures, offering a style of gameplay that is rarely seen in modern releases. However, its strict adherence to that design also limits its appeal, as it requires patience and a willingness to adapt to older mechanics. For players who appreciate traditional adventure games and are looking for a faithful throwback, it provides a consistent and engaging experience. For those accustomed to more modern design, it may feel cumbersome and restrictive. It is a game that knows exactly what it is trying to achieve and delivers on that vision, even if it does not attempt to broaden its reach. Rating: 6/10