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Editors’ Review
SPECTACLE is a free retro-inspired action-adventure game developed by GrahfMetal. It places players in a magical desert kingdom, with only their wits for survival. Blending puzzle-solving with exploration, it challenges players to use creativity and timing to overcome deadly traps, uncover secrets, and advance through its mysterious world.
In SPECTACLE, players encounter fantastical creatures, dangerous monsters, and unexpected allies while piecing together the history of a doomed land. With its combination of combat, puzzles, and time-based mechanics, the game provides an experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative. The developer has crafted a world that rewards patience, curiosity, and experimentation.
Challenging journey with lasting depth
SPECTACLE offers more than 100 game screens filled with puzzles, traps, and enemies to overcome. Players can save progress between sessions, making the adventure more approachable. Time itself plays a central role: puzzles often require not only knowing how to solve them, but when. Spells can advance or stop time temporarily, adding strategic depth to exploration, though its retro visuals may not appeal to everyone who prefers modern graphics.
Each playthrough offers unique challenges thanks to randomized elements that affect puzzle solutions. Even dungeons have layouts that change each time you enter or die, ensuring replayability. Meeting creatures and allies along the way helps shape the journey, while deadly monsters test combat skills and persistence. However, the steep learning curve for new players and randomization that can make puzzles unpredictable can frustrate those seeking a more consistent experience.
For those seeking similar experiences, games such as La-Mulana, Fez, and Zelda-inspired adventures may appeal. However, this game’s focus on time manipulation and randomized dungeons sets it apart from its peers. Its retro feel, combined with modern mechanics, makes it a distinctive choice for players who enjoy both exploration and challenge in their adventures, though its demanding nature can discourage those preferring a more relaxed playstyle.
Pros
- Over 100 screens with puzzles and traps
- Time manipulation adds unique gameplay depth
- Randomized dungeon layouts enhance replay value
- Save feature for continued progress
Cons
- Retro visuals may not appeal to everyone
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Randomization can make puzzles unpredictable
Bottom Line
A timeless adventure worth playing
SPECTACLE is more than a retro throwback — it’s a carefully designed adventure that blends puzzles, exploration, and survival in a magical desert kingdom. With over 100 screens, time-based mechanics, and randomized elements, it delivers fresh challenges on every playthrough. Fans of classic adventure games will find it both demanding and rewarding, a distinctive quest that feels timeless, challenging, and truly unique.
What’s new in version 1.1.2
- Set the default window size to 3X on first-time play (if there's no save data)
- Fixed some cases of missing text on EXAM interactions
- Fixed a crash on an item interaction (using OPEN on the item TORN NOTE)
- Fixed a small issue where the controller was unresponsive on the title screen
- Fixed some spelling errors in the game text
- Added Shortcut keys for playing in Keyboard/Mouse mode
- Added an Action Shortcut for Controller mode
- Updated the in-game Controls Menu to display these new inputs
Used SPECTACLE for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.
