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Broken Age: Act 1

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Broken Age: Act 1
Item: Broken Age: Act 1
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2014

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Trivia, Third Person Perspective, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, RPG, Point & Click, Single Player

AvailableJan 28, 2014

PlatformPC

DeveloperDouble Fine Productions

Overview

Broken Age is a point-and-click adventure telling the stories of a young boy and girl leading parallel lives. The girl has been chosen by her village to be sacrificed to a terrible monster--but she decides to fight back. Meanwhile, a boy on a spaceship is living a solitary life under the care of a motherly computer, but he wants to break free to lead adventures and do good in the world. Adventures ensue. Broken Age development began when we asked our community if they would help us create a classic-style adventure game without needing to rely on traditional publishers. It turns out they did. And ever since day one, 2 Player Productions has been recording the whole process in an ongoing series of in-depth episodes documenting the creation of a game. Stay tuned for details on how to get your hands on it.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Broken Age: Act 1 dazzles with inventive dual narratives, emotional resonance, and whimsical depth, balancing absurdity and heart to craft two compelling coming-of-age tales. While critics praise its wit, thematic richness, and creative world-building, others lambaste its fragmented structure, underdeveloped characters, and abrupt cliffhanger ending—framed as a bold but incomplete first act.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

82%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Broken Age: Act 1 is widely praised for its inventive dual narratives, emotional depth, and creative storytelling. Critics like ActionTrip and Destructoid highlight the game’s unique blend of absurdity and heartfelt themes, with Vella’s surreal sacrifice and Shay’s monotonous spaceship life offering distinct yet complementary coming-of-age journeys. IGN and Edge Magazine commend the narrative’s balance of humor and poignancy, noting how it explores loneliness, growth, and rebellion through whimsical world-building and imaginative dialogue. The interconnected stories, as noted by AusGamers and Eurogamer Germany, are described as charming and thought-provoking, with a focus on character-driven moments that avoid clichés. Many reviewers, including EGM and GameWatcher, praise the writing’s wit and emotional resonance, emphasizing how the game’s playful tone coexists with deeper themes of self-discovery and societal conformity. However, several critics point to structural and narrative shortcomings. DarkStation and Gamer.nl note that the split campaign leads to underdeveloped characters and a lack of memorability, while GamesBeat and GamingTrend criticize the abrupt cliffhanger ending as rushed and unsatisfying. Level7.nu and VideoGamer express concerns about the story’s simplicity, with the latter calling it “simplistic” and focused on basic puzzles rather than deep storytelling. Additionally, JeuxActu and Multiplayer.it mention that Act 1’s limited character connections and unresolved plot threads leave some questions unanswered, though these are framed as deliberate setup for Act 2. The fragmented structure, while praised for its creativity by Gamers’ Temple, is seen by others as diluting narrative cohesion and directorial control, as noted by God is a Geek. Despite these critiques, the majority of critics view Broken Age: Act 1 as a strong, inventive story that successfully balances humor, emotional depth, and thematic complexity. The dual narratives are consistently highlighted as a standout feature, with IGN, Destructoid, and Hardcore Gamer praising their elegance and originality. While some issues with pacing, character development, and unresolved endings are acknowledged, these are often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise compelling experience. The game’s ability to blend absurdity with sincerity, along with its focus on adolescent struggles and self-discovery, resonates across reviews, making it a memorable and ambitious entry in narrative-driven gaming. As PC Gamer notes, the story’s “rich world-building” and thematic parallels between Vella and Shay’s journeys underscore its broader appeal, even if Act 1 feels like an enticing but incomplete chapter.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Polished, nostalgic point-and-click adventure with intuitive mechanics and dual-narrative charm, but criticized for simplistic puzzles, brevity, and lack of depth—ideal for newcomers, underwhelming for veterans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Broken Age: Act 1 is widely praised for its accessibility, intuitive design, and nostalgic charm. Critics highlight its polished point-and-click mechanics, which blend traditional adventure game elements with modern refinements. IGN commends the "polished puzzle design" that balances classic mechanics with contemporary touches, while Gameblog.fr notes the lack of frustration due to logical, well-structured puzzles. The dual-character system—allowing players to switch between Shay and Vella’s narratives—is frequently lauded for its flexibility and creative use of narrative progression (IGN, GamingTrend). Additionally, the game’s emphasis on storytelling over complexity is seen as a strength, with Eurogamer Germany noting its "polished experience reminiscent of LucasArts adventures" and Hooked Gamers comparing it to The Curse of Monkey Island in terms of nostalgia. The streamlined interface, absence of pixel-hunting, and focus on organic puzzle-solving (IncGamers) further contribute to its appeal for both newcomers and fans of the genre. However, several critics criticize the game’s lack of challenge and depth, arguing that its puzzles are overly simplistic or repetitive. AusGamers and GameOver Online describe the mechanics as "linear" and "overly simple," with puzzles relying on basic deduction rather than complex problem-solving. DarkStation and Gamer.nl note that the split campaign limits inventory management and fails to create tension, while Games.cz points to an awkward PC control scheme that detracts from immersion. The brevity of Act 1 is another recurring issue, with Gameblog.fr completing it in under three hours and PC Gamer noting its "minimal challenge" and short playtime. Critics like Multiplayer.it and Riot Pixels also mention repetitive or tedious sequences, such as Shay’s "three trials" structure, which some find lacking in innovation. The game’s reliance on straightforward interactions and absence of fail states (ActionTrip) further diminishes the sense of risk or urgency. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Broken Age: Act 1 succeeds as a polished, accessible adventure game that honors classic tropes while offering a streamlined experience. While many acknowledge its simplicity—such as Destructoid’s observation that "puzzles are intuitive but occasionally unclear"—they also recognize its strengths in narrative integration and design. The dual-character system (IGN, GamingTrend) and nostalgic appeal (Eurogamer Germany, Hooked Gamers) are frequently cited as standout features, even if some feel the game underutilizes its potential for complexity. Ultimately, critics agree that Broken Age is a charming, well-crafted entry in the point-and-click genre, though its lack of challenge and brevity may leave seasoned players wanting more depth. The balance between accessibility and tradition, as noted by GameWatcher and The Escapist, ensures it remains a memorable, if not groundbreaking, experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics hailed Broken Age: Act 1's hand-painted, whimsical visuals as a masterclass in creativity, blending surreal environments, expressive animation, and nostalgic charm to craft a dreamlike experience that steals the show despite minor technical hiccups.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

94%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics celebrated Broken Age: Act 1’s graphics and visual design as a standout achievement, emphasizing its hand-painted, whimsical aesthetic that evokes a sense of nostalgia and creativity. Reviewers like ActionTrip and AusGamers praised the "beautiful" and "gorgeous" art style, noting its zany, surreal environments such as a cake-themed village and a space ship, which feel both imaginative and cohesive. DarkStation highlighted the game’s "surreal, varied environments" and sharp animations, while Destructoid admired the "captivating" camera perspectives, like falling through clouds or viewing scenes through a cleaned window, which added freshness to the gameplay. The painterly details, stop-motion-inspired animation, and childlike charm were frequently lauded, with EGM calling the visuals "breathtaking high-definition rendering" and Eurogamer Germany noting their "animated children's book aesthetic." These elements collectively created a unique, dreamlike atmosphere that resonated with many critics. While most reviews were overwhelmingly positive, some noted minor technical or stylistic limitations. Merlin'in Kazanı pointed out the game’s "low detail levels," and SpazioGames mentioned "minor technical issues in close-ups" and occasional visual bugs, though these were described as negligible. Gamers’ Temple acknowledged the art style as "simple" and "not highly detailed," suggesting it prioritized charm over graphical fidelity. Additionally, JeuxActu noted that while the pastel colors and childlike illustrations were praised, the contrast between Vella’s fantastical world and Shay’s more subdued setting occasionally felt stark. These critiques, however, were overshadowed by the general consensus that the visual design was a core strength, with even these minor flaws failing to detract from the overall appeal. The overwhelming majority of critics agreed that Broken Age: Act 1’s graphics and visual design were a defining highlight, contributing significantly to its charm and narrative. IGN and PC Gamer both emphasized the "gorgeous" and "lovely" hand-drawn visuals, while GameWatcher called the animation "astounding" for its expressive characters and creative details. Even critics who noted minor shortcomings, like Riot Pixels or The Escapist, acknowledged the art style’s uniqueness and emotional resonance. The game’s ability to blend surrealism with functionality—whether through Gamer.nl’s "distinct, beautifully crafted worlds" or Hardcore Gamer’s "iconic visuals"—underscored its success in creating a memorable, visually rich experience. Despite varied perspectives on detail levels, the consensus was clear: Broken Age’s art direction was a masterclass in creativity and storytelling through visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics hailed Broken Age: Act 1's orchestral score and sound design as a masterclass in surreal atmosphere, with Peter McConnell’s whimsical compositions and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra contributions earning widespread acclaim for their emotional depth and immersive charm—though some noted the music occasionally took a backseat to voice acting.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Broken Age: Act 1 received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting their ability to enhance the game’s whimsical and surreal atmosphere. DarkStation praised Peter McConnell’s orchestral score for its "quirky and nostalgic vibe," noting that it complements the narrative without overpowering it. Eurogamer Germany and GameWatcher both emphasized the integration of orchestral music and sound effects, with the latter describing the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s contributions as a "strong atmospheric backdrop." JeuxActu called the soundtrack "irréprochable" (flawless), while God is a Geek lauded its "contemplative musical score" and top-tier voice acting. Riot Pixels added that the varied orchestral arrangements effectively immerse players in the game’s world, underscoring the emotional depth of the experience. These reviews collectively underscore the music’s role in reinforcing the game’s tone and storytelling. While most critics celebrated the audio elements, some noted minor reservations or areas where details were less emphasized. Level7.nu acknowledged high audio quality but did not delve into specifics about the music or sound effects, suggesting a focus on voice acting instead. GameWatcher observed that while the sound design was "high-quality," it was "not as prominent as voice acting," implying a slight imbalance in how different audio components were prioritized. Additionally, VideoGamer’s review, though cut off, likely aligned with the broader positive sentiment. These critiques are largely minor and do not detract from the overall praise, instead pointing to the game’s strengths in other areas like vocal performances. The consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all highlighting the soundtrack and sound design as integral to Broken Age: Act 1’s charm and emotional resonance. DarkStation, Eurogamer Germany, JeuxActu, and Riot Pixels each emphasized the music’s ability to elevate the game’s surreal aesthetic, while God is a Geek and GameWatcher praised its subtlety and integration into the experience. Though some reviews mentioned the music’s understated nature or lack of detailed analysis, these points were overshadowed by the general acclaim. The combination of orchestral scores, voice acting, and sound design created a cohesive auditory experience that many critics felt was essential to the game’s identity, solidifying its reputation as a standout in terms of audio presentation.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Broken Age: Act 1's stellar voice acting, with Elijah Wood, Jack Black, and Jennifer Hale delivering standout performances that bring emotional depth and humor to the game’s quirky world. While some note minor issues like underused talent or uneven writing, the consensus is clear: its charismatic cast and sharp dialogue elevate the narrative, making it a highlight of the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Broken Age: Act 1 is overwhelmingly praised by critics, with many highlighting its exceptional quality and the caliber of the cast. Reviewers consistently laud the performances of notable actors such as Elijah Wood, Jack Black, Jennifer Hale, and Wil Wheaton, who bring characters to life with distinct personalities and emotional depth. AusGamers and DarkStation specifically commend Hale’s endearing portrayal of Shay’s computer mother, while Edge Magazine and EGM emphasize the "star-studded cast" and how their performances enhance the game’s charm and storytelling. GamesBeat and PCGamesN note that the dialogue is sharp, humorous, and well-suited to characters, with games(TM) praising subtle portrayals like Wood’s depiction of Shay and Black’s restrained humor. The consensus is that the voice work elevates the narrative, making characters relatable and the world immersive, as highlighted by Eurogamer Germany and Gamer.nl. While the majority of reviews celebrate the voice acting, some critiques point to minor shortcomings. GameWatcher notes that actors like Wil Wheaton and Jack Black are "underused" in Act 1, suggesting their contributions could have been more impactful. The Escapist acknowledges that while vocal delivery is strong, it occasionally masks uneven writing, implying that the script’s flaws sometimes overshadow the performances. Additionally, IGN and JeuxActu offer brief mentions of specific actors without delving deeply into the voice work’s overall impact, reflecting a lack of detailed analysis from some outlets. These criticisms are relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim, focusing more on pacing or narrative issues than the voice acting itself. Overall, the critical reception of Broken Age: Act 1’s voice acting is overwhelmingly positive, with critics agreeing that it is a standout feature of the game. The combination of recognizable Hollywood talent, engaging dialogue, and emotional nuance creates a memorable experience, as noted by outlets like PC Gamer, Riot Pixels, and Toronto Sun. While some reviews mention minor drawbacks—such as underused voices or uneven writing—the consensus remains that the voice acting significantly enhances the game’s charm and storytelling. The praise for actors like Elijah Wood and Jennifer Hale, alongside the game’s humorous and heartfelt moments, underscores why the voice work is considered a key strength, solidifying its reputation as a highlight of the title.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Despite minor flaws, Broken Age: Act 1 offers stable, polished PC performance with no critical bugs, though crashes, touch-optimized controls, and outdated mechanics mar its polish, underscoring the need for better platform-specific refinement despite its narrative strengths.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Broken Age: Act 1 on PC is generally praised for its stability and polish despite some minor flaws. Critics like IncGamers highlight the game’s fairness and lack of critical bugs, noting no issues with stuck points or broken mechanics, which speaks to its reliable design. IGN acknowledges negligible technical problems compared to the game’s strengths, while SpazioGames emphasizes that visual glitches and engine quirks are “negligible” given the overall quality. The game’s save system is also praised for being dependable, as noted by GamingTrend, which mitigates frustration from occasional crashes. Additionally, Multiplayer.it confirms the game runs smoothly across a range of hardware, indicating solid optimization. These positives suggest that Broken Age delivers a technically sound experience despite its short length. However, several technical issues on PC detract from the experience. EGM reports crashes to desktop and recurring visual glitches like screen flickering, which they argue undermine the polish expected from a high-budget Kickstarter project. Games.cz criticizes the control scheme, noting that it’s optimized for touch input, causing friction for mouse users—a design flaw that impacts usability. JeuxActu points to outdated mechanics like awkward 16/9 scaling and non-skippable dialogues, while The Escapist mentions dialogue cutoffs and cursor confusion as minor but persistent annoyances. These issues, though not catastrophic, highlight areas where the game’s technical execution falls short of expectations, particularly for PC players accustomed to refined controls and modern UI design. Overall, critics agree that Broken Age: Act 1’s technical performance is largely solid, with most issues being minor or context-specific. While IncGamers and IGN emphasize its stability and lack of critical bugs, others like EGM and Games.cz point to specific flaws that affect immersion or usability. The consensus leans toward the game’s strengths—its creative design and narrative—overshadowing technical hiccups. However, the critiques underscore the importance of platform-specific optimization, particularly for PC, where control schemes and UI elements require more attention. Despite these shortcomings, the majority view Broken Age as a technically competent title that prioritizes gameplay and storytelling over perfect polish.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

replay value

Description unavailable

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Broken Age: Act 1 for its charm, storytelling, and nostalgic appeal, highlighting its strengths as a return to classic point-and-click adventures. Reviewers like ActionTrip (8.7/10) celebrated its "very good" narrative, visuals, and humor, while AusGamers and DarkStation emphasized its "beautiful presentation," "strong writing," and "visually stunning" design. Eurogamer Germany called it a "well-balanced blend of humor, storytelling, and adventure gameplay," and Gameblog.fr even hailed it as a "masterpiece despite its incomplete state." The game’s artistic style, voice acting, and accessible puzzles were frequently lauded, with IGN and IncGamers noting its "lovingly crafted" execution and "heartfelt storytelling." Many critics, including GamingTrend and Riot Pixels, viewed it as a revival of the genre, praising its ability to engage fans with its whimsical tone and character-driven narrative. The anticipation for Act 2 was also a recurring theme, with Destructoid and The Escapist noting how the cliffhanger ending left players eager for more. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks, particularly around gameplay depth and structure. GameOver Online and Gamer.nl criticized the "simplistic puzzles" and "underdeveloped characters," arguing that the game felt unremarkable compared to classics. AusGamers and GamesBeat noted the "weak puzzles" and "abrupt ending," while Metro GameCentral called it "anticlimactic" for lacking ambition. God is a Geek gave it a 7/10, citing the "lack of challenge" and "short playtime" as barriers to being exceptional. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and PC Gamer highlighted issues with pacing and unanswered questions, suggesting that Act 1 felt incomplete or rushed. While these critiques were not universal, they underscored a common concern that the game’s lightweight mechanics and narrative brevity limited its impact despite its artistic merits. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Broken Age: Act 1 is a "very good" entry in the point-and-click genre. While Gameblog.fr called it a potential "classic once the second act is released," and IGN and IncGamers praised its "heartfelt execution," even the more critical reviews acknowledged its charm and potential. The game’s ability to balance nostalgia with modern accessibility, as noted by PCGamesN and Joystiq, resonated strongly, despite flaws in difficulty and structure. Critics like AusGamers and The Escapist emphasized that while Act 1 may not fully realize its ambitions, it successfully reinvigorated the genre for a new audience. The majority of reviewers, including ActionTrip and Eurogamer Germany, saw it as a promising start with room for growth, cementing its status as a nostalgic yet innovative experience.

TL;DR

Praised for charm, storytelling, and nostalgic appeal, Broken Age: Act 1 dazzles with whimsical art, heartfelt writing, and a revival of point-and-click magic—yet stumbles on simplistic puzzles, underdeveloped characters, and an abrupt finish, leaving its potential half-realized.

MONSTER

Reviews

83 reviews found

IGN

Jan 16, 2014