Costume Quest

Do you like endless repetition of the same things? I don't. The endless fights against enemies with only slight variations start to get annoying very quickly and the most of them are not optional. Sadly the quests of the game are no different. Trick or Treat (non-optional), the apple game and finding the hidden children can be done three times. While the story is okay but nothing of note, the costumes and collectables are nicely done though.

It's a nice game, atmospheric and adsorbing, but pretty short. I completed the standard game in one sitting (albeit about a 6 hour sitting). I'd recommend it if you're in the mood for something more based around experiencing a charming little adventure rather than a complex or hardcore challenge. The RPG elements are incredibly light, and while it's not exactly incredibly easy, it's easy to autopilot it if you're into RPGs. It's more like a really cool, interactive cartoon made by Double Fine, and that's pretty good if you ask me.

... only when you use a gamepad. Therefore: A big, big WARNING to all those people, who want to play this game with a mouse and a keyboard. Playable with a m/k combo? Yes, of course. Until ten minutes into the game, when you have to race another child with your roller skates. Nearly impossible with only m/k, very easy with a gamepad. So, do yourself a favor and buy or lend a gamepad for your PC, when you want to play "Costume Quest". Otherwise, you might end up shmashing your keyboard into your monitor and loudly cursing the day you bought this effin, horrible game. Which would be unfortunate, because "Costume Quest" is one of these little charming jewels, where you find yourself uncontrollably smiling for no apparent reason other than its wonderful and lighthearted gameplay and presentation.

Playing this game feels a bit like playing a crossover between a good JRPG (the Mario and Luigi Superstar games come to mind) and the Charlie Brown and Snoopy show. It's colorful, creative, absorbing and incredibly charming. The combat is not very deep, but seeing a cardboard robot costume turn into Optimus Prime is surprisingly engaging and I was looking forward to hunting down another costume. Personally, I do not celebrate Halloween (me being Austrian) but Costume quest holds a dear place in my heart.