Rusty Lake Hotel Review (bottolo)
Short-length game, micro review
Rusty Lake is a not so hidden gem which stands on its own, with this being the first main game, followed by Roots and Paradise. The Cube Escape series is also related to this title, so... if this game catches your attention, you're in for quite a ride.
It's an interestingly eerie and strange puzzle game, reminiscent of what flash games were, at least according to my personal impressions. Things are pretty straightforward: you're at this Rusty Lake Hotel, and your quest is to welcome your guests, talk to them during the day before going into their rooms at night.
And it's at night where things get interesting, since you're free to pick whichever guest you want to meet. Beware though that when selected, you'll not be able to turn back and you'll have to complete the "escape room".
Art style is recognizable, and I like the various sound elements, even if you can clearly tell this is one of their first projects... but I've already seen the sequels, and they've become better, so no problems here. At times it can feel a little clunky, but nothing critical.
Puzzles unfold one after another, without being that difficult, at least for me. Overall I think it manages to surprise you pretty well, keeping you interested for what's to come. I definitely recommend it. Estimated duration is a couple of hours, if not less.
If I could sum up what this game makes me feel, it would be: Salad Fingers and flashgames.
I'll be playing the entire series. This is just the first of many reviews to come on Rusty Lake.
If you're interested, check them out when they'll come.
More reviews:
https://steamcommunity.com/id/bodolovsello/recommended/