April 2006

Shadow Tor Studios
Shadow Tor Studios

First Person

"Barrow Hill has a wonderful creepy feel to it. Perhaps not as intense as Scratches or Fatal Frame, but there is enough going on to remind you that this isn’t just a moonlit walk to go picking gooseberries.

"While several people get killed...there is no gratuitous violence. You simply come across their bloodless remains.

"The graphics are lovely...The sound effects are spot-on from the chirping of an authentic Cornish cricket to the rustling in the bushes which doesn’t quite line up with your movement...Voice acting was good, if a little stretched.

"Game play is the good old fashioned 2D slide show. Usual complaints about not being to look in every direction I would like are balanced by the wonderful resolution that is used...During most of the game it is fairly obvious what to do next...The puzzles are all reasonable. They fit in perfectly with the story.

"I really enjoyed this game and expect you will too...It is thoroughly enjoyable and doesn’t turn south on you half way through. Add all that to the fact that it’s an independent developer and I would be remiss if I didn’t give it an A-. This deserves a place on your shelf."

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A-

• The Making
• Interview with developer Matt Clark
• Another interview with developer Matt Clark
• A Chat with Independent Developers (including , of course, Matt Clark)
• More Info (Official website)

PC REQUIREMENTS:

• Windows® 98/SE/ME/2000/XP
• Pentium® III 450 MHz or Better Processor
• 128 MB RAM (256 MB Recommended)
• DVD-ROM
• SVGA Graphics Card or better with 32-Bit Colour (32-Bit Colour at 800x600)
• DirectX® 9 Compatible Sound Card