PRIM is a brand new and well-crafted classic point-and-click adventure that merges dark humor with a touching story of family and self-discovery. Developed by Common Colors and published by Application Systems Heidelberg, the game introduces us to Prim, a girl whose life changes after discovering her father is none other than Death himself. Living under his strict and somewhat awkward parenting style, what Prim really wants is to break free from his control. On her sixteenth birthday, she finally makes a daring escape, but her special powers bring unforeseen consequences, and she’s forced to confront the delicate balance between life and death. This premise, filled with supernatural twists and emotional depth, is brought to life with a cast of characters as haunting as they are endearing.
The gameplay centers around traditional point-and-click mechanics, where players solve puzzles and navigate dialogues that shed light on both Prim’s internal struggles and the world around her. The puzzles are generally well-integrated into the story, with a good mix of classic logic challenges and mini-games that keep the gameplay dynamic. While some puzzles can be quite challenging, they generally add to the immersion and give players a sense of accomplishment, even if a few may occasionally feel a bit obtuse – par for the genre, really. Overall, these elements maintain an enjoyable balance between challenge and progression, though players less familiar with the genre may experience occasional frustration.
Visually, PRIM stands out with hand-painted graphics that capture the nature of the Underworld. The environments are meticulously detailed, offering a mix of eerie and whimsical elements that make each screen a visual treat. This meticulous art design is complemented by the game’s atmospheric orchestral soundtrack, recorded live by the Film Orchestra Babelsberg, which heightens the emotional moments and adds a certain resonance to the eerie landscapes Prim traverses. The sound design, combined with full English and German voice acting, lends a professional polish that enhances immersion. Some scenes are more dialogue-heavy than others, but the voice acting helps maintain engagement and depth, making up for occasional pacing lulls in the story.
One of PRIM’s strongest points lies in its storytelling. It tackles themes of family and independence in a dark yet humorous way, deftly blending wit and emotion to create an experience that feels both intimate and rich in adventure. Prim’s interactions with her father and other quirky characters bring layers to the narrative, providing moments of warmth and humor that counterbalance the game’s darker aspects. Switching between the Realm of the Dead and the Land of the Living adds complexity to the plot, introducing characters who range from ghostly allies to antagonistic demons. As Prim’s journey unfolds, players are left to consider the larger questions of life, death, and what lies in between – a philosophical undertone that adds substance to the otherwise mostly light-hearted style.
On the downside, PRIM’s pacing can be slow at times, especially during dialogue-heavy sections or more intricate puzzle sequences. However, these moments are often offset by the game’s richly developed world and Prim’s relatable coming-of-age story. The variety of puzzles and character interactions keep the experience fresh, even if certain parts might test the patience of players seeking a more straightforward adventure.
In sum, PRIM is a heartfelt journey through a gorgeously realized supernatural world, presenting a rare combination of humor, emotion, and philosophical musing that sets it apart in the adventure genre. With attractive visuals, a beautiful soundtrack, and a storyline that resonates on multiple levels, it offers a memorable experience that’s as entertaining as it is thoughtful. For fans of point-and-click adventures, PRIM stands as a testament to the genre’s potential to convey rich narratives through interactive storytelling.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 