Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click, Puzzle
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation
- Developers: The Neverhood, Inc.
- Publishers: Dreamworks Interactive, Riverhillsoft
The Neverhood (1996): A Claymation Masterpiece
Released in 1996, The Neverhood is a point-and-click adventure game that stands out for its unique claymation art style and quirky humor. Developed by DreamWorks Interactive, the game follows the adventures of Klaymen, a claymation character who awakens in a strange and wonderful world made entirely out of clay.
Story
The game begins with Klaymen waking up in a mysterious land called The Neverhood. He soon discovers that he is the chosen one of a prophecy, and it is his destiny to save The Neverhood from the evil Klogg. Klaymen sets out on a journey to find the five missing pieces of a magical amulet that will allow him to defeat Klogg and restore peace to The Neverhood.
Along the way, Klaymen meets a cast of colorful characters, including Willie Trombone, a trumpet-playing skeleton; Hoborg, a giant clay monster; and Big Abe, a wise old tree. Each character has their own unique personality and story, and they all play a role in Klaymen’s quest.
Gameplay
The Neverhood is a point-and-click adventure game, meaning that players use the mouse to interact with the environment and solve puzzles. The game features a variety of puzzles, from simple inventory puzzles to more complex logic puzzles. Players must use their wits and creativity to solve the puzzles and progress through the game.
In addition to the puzzles, The Neverhood also features a number of action sequences. These sequences require players to use their reflexes to avoid obstacles and enemies. The action sequences are a nice change of pace from the puzzles, and they help to keep the game feeling fresh and exciting.
Art Style
The Neverhood is known for its unique claymation art style. The entire game world is made out of clay, and all of the characters are claymation models. The claymation gives the game a unique and charming look, and it helps to create a truly immersive experience.
The claymation in The Neverhood is incredibly detailed and expressive. The characters are all full of personality, and their movements are fluid and lifelike. The environments are also beautifully rendered, and they create a believable and cohesive world.
Music
The music in The Neverhood is composed by Terry S. Taylor, and it is one of the most memorable aspects of the game. The music is a mix of jazz, blues, and folk, and it perfectly captures the game’s quirky and whimsical atmosphere.
The music in The Neverhood is not just background noise. It is an integral part of the game experience, and it helps to create the game’s unique atmosphere. The music is also very catchy, and it will stay with you long after you finish playing the game.
Legacy
The Neverhood was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best point-and-click adventure games ever made. The game’s unique art style, quirky humor, and memorable characters have made it a cult classic among gamers.
The Neverhood has been praised for its innovation and creativity. The game’s claymation art style was groundbreaking at the time, and it still looks impressive today. The game’s puzzles are also clever and challenging, and they provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment when solved.
The Neverhood has influenced a number of other games, including Psychonauts and Tim Schafer’s Brütal Legend. The game’s unique art style and quirky humor have also been cited as inspiration for the animated film Coraline.
Conclusion
The Neverhood is a true classic of the point-and-click adventure genre. The game’s unique art style, quirky humor, and memorable characters have made it a cult classic among gamers. If you are a fan of point-and-click adventure games, or if you are just looking for a unique and charming game to play, then I highly recommend checking out The Neverhood.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
