The Room Three Review (CorvusCorax)
I played the first two games last year and gave both a thumbs-up. I appreciated the clever puzzles both Room episodes had to offer and that the PC release received updated graphics. It didn't take long for me to purchase the other two sequels but, unfortunately, they ended up on my backlog list. I'm glad that I've been able to work on this list recently and the number of games is getting lower by the minute.
Now, moving on to episode 3. The first thing you'll notice is the moving train where we find ourselves and the mysterious person who appears in front of us. This initial section is the tutorial in the game and you'll appreciate a familiar device returning: the Eyepiece. Not long after we are transported to a completely different location (just as the train heads into a tunnel) which is an island and this area called Grey Holm will be the main setting for this episode.
What makes Room 3 interesting is how the various chapters are all connected. At the end of each (meaning 4 main puzzle rooms) we get to receive a shard that must be used in the central chamber. In this hub-like area we can always open up new locations. Initially, we always use the same devices to ensure there's electricity and that we find the right waveform. This is all to open a doorway to a new location. Sometimes, as we look outside the window, we can see that we need to, for instance, light up the clock tower as it will be our next destination.
The 4 puzzle rooms are big. As we complete puzzles there are lots of cinematics showing how the various contraptions open up, rotate, switch, assemble, disassemble, come apart and fall into their desired places. Watching this following a successful (and difficult) puzzle-solving sequence makes you feel great. What's more is that this episode offers you several endings.
Following the first cinematic (possibly that of the bad ending) the game takes us back to the main menu where a new option tells us we can "change our fate". Interestingly, clicking on this option does not take us back to the final location but we find ourselves in the hub area just before the last doorway. Why not transitioning further? Because some endings require additional items we can get in the already familiar rooms around the estate. Hinting is also disabled moving forward.
I was satisfied with Room 3. Once again we have messages (letters) placed throughout the chapters but they are from a different person this time. You are in for a surprise when finding out who this person is. Normally, puzzle-solving would be fine but putting a backstory only makes the series more interesting.