The House of Da Vinci 3 marks the conclusion of Blue Brain Games’ puzzle-adventure trilogy, bringing players back into the Renaissance world of art, science, and intricate mechanics. In this final installment, players once again step into the shoes of Giacomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s apprentice, to unravel a story that blends historical intrigue with time-bending puzzles. The PlayStation 5 version, arriving after the PC launch in 2022, provides a fitting conclusion to the trilogy, with a few noteworthy refinements tailored for console play.
Narratively, The House of Da Vinci 3 picks up right where the previous games left off, diving deeper into conspiracies involving some of the most powerful figures in Renaissance Italy. The use of time travel via the Oculus Perpetua is still central to the experience, offering a unique twist on both the story and the puzzle mechanics. This device allows players to influence the past to affect their surroundings in the present, creating a clever interplay between the two timelines. As a result, the narrative feels rich and engaging, though the dense plot can occasionally become overwhelming for players who aren’t familiar with the intricate twists from the earlier games in the series. We suggest playing the entire trilogy, as there is far more story here than you get in the average escape room game.
The gameplay remains focused on the escape room-like puzzles that the series is known for. Fans of the franchise will feel right at home with the new and original puzzles, which challenge players to closely observe their surroundings, examine mechanisms, and uncover hidden secrets. The complexity of the puzzles is balanced well, with moments of satisfaction when you finally unlock a particularly tough mechanism. The game’s reliance on logic and mechanical understanding feels true to the era of the inventor that was Da Vinci, and the introduction of new puzzles ensures that the gameplay remains fresh, even for veterans of the series.
In terms of controls, the PlayStation 5 version has adapted well from its original PC design. While some puzzle interactions can feel slightly less intuitive with a controller compared to a mouse and keyboard, the transition is smooth enough not to disrupt the overall experience. The addition of tactile feedback via the DualSense controller also adds an extra layer of immersion, giving players a subtle but satisfying sense of connection with the in-game mechanisms.
Visually, The House of Da Vinci 3 is a standout. The handcrafted environments are stunning, with richly detailed locations that evoke the Renaissance era beautifully. Each new area, whether it’s an ornate Italian palace or a shadowy workshop, is filled with tons of little details, making exploration a joy. The PlayStation 5’s hardware ensures that the game runs smoothly, with no noticeable performance issues, and the atmospheric lighting and textures further enhance the overall immersion.
On the audio front, the fully voiced characters and ambient soundscapes help to breathe life into the world. The cutscenes, in particular, are well-executed, providing cinematic moments that punctuate key story beats. However, while the voice acting is generally solid, it can occasionally feel flat during less pivotal moments, detracting slightly from the emotional weight of the story’s conclusion.
Ultimately, The House of Da Vinci 3 is a fitting end to the trilogy, offering a satisfying mix of challenging puzzles, captivating visuals, and an engaging story. The time-travel mechanics continue to be a standout feature, keeping the gameplay innovative and ensuring that the puzzles remain unpredictable. While there are a few minor hiccups, such as the occasional trial-and-error moments and a slightly overwhelming narrative for newcomers who skipped the first two games, fans of the series will likely find this conclusion to be a rewarding experience.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 