Three Minutes To Eight proves that time is fleeting. Moreover, it begs you to choose your path and discover hidden secrets. However, a lack of cohesive subplots and confusing moments muddy the water. Consequently, it can be tough to return to discover every ending.
This point-and-click adventure was developed by Chaosmonger Studio and published by Assemble Entertainment. Moreover, the limited time frame for every playthrough enhances the drama and the layers of suspense. Yet, its small world and uninspiring characters leave much to be desired. Accordingly, this is a bit of a marmite game that won’t appease everyone.
Three Minutes To Eight tells an uninspiring plot.
I don’t mind a bizarre and tough-to-follow experience. However, when a game focuses on a strange time loop, I want the action to make sense. Sadly, Three Minutes To Eight makes little sense. Furthermore, each mini-story, of which there are 10, is unbelievably random. As such, it is tough to swallow and even harder to follow. However, this bizarre approach matches the developers’ sleep deprivation experiment. Consequently, though I wasn’t a massive fan, I begrudgingly admit that it somehow worked.
You control a man destined to meet his demise at 19:57. However, if he can work out a way to break his déjà vu life cycle, he may survive his unfortunate destiny. With the help of his neighbours and a curious eye, the hero must piece together clues and survive. Yet, this is easier said than done. Subsequently, you will die and curse your luck repeatedly.
Familiar mechanics.
If you love the point-and-click genre, then you’ll feel right at home with the familiar mechanics. The hero is pushed from pillar to post as they examine every item in each room. Additionally, they must piece together items in their inventory to solve puzzles and unlock clues. However, there is a cruel twist that adds to the suspense and the drama.
A minute is added to your short countdown timer as you smoke or move between locations. This wouldn’t be so bad, but the hero only has 24 minutes to live. Consequently, you must plan your moves and examine everything in sight. If you fail to do this, then death is all but assured and you’ll awake at the beginning. However, you may keep one item from a previous playthrough if you believe this will help to find each unique ending.
Three Minutes to Eight takes a classic approach.
Retro gaming is hot property. Subsequently, I wasn’t surprised that Three Minutes to Eight took a classic approach. The pixelated art style and gaudy colour palette are unusually ugly but wonderfully dated. Additionally, the simple animation and basic cursor worked well. Yet, its dated appeal will put some gamers off. On top of this, the small gaming world was disappointing. I’d have liked there to be more variety, especially when you consider the repetitive gameplay loop.
The audio follows suit with its seedy and basic sounds. The soundtrack has a delightful synth wave edge that matches the neon-infused world. Furthermore, the sound effects are basic but effective.
Simple controls.
Thanks to the highlighter tool, the controls couldn’t be easier. Additionally, most of the movement requires little effort. As such, navigating the world and finding essential items is a cinch. However, the ever-ticking clock and your impending doom up the ante, somewhat.
Though it has 10 unique endings, the repetitive action holds it back. Unfortunately, there is no way to skip dialogue and this leads to the same conversations being told over and over again. This was frustrating and will put many gamers off experiencing every ending.
Three Minutes to Eight was an interesting concept.
I like the developers’ desire to explore an unusual subject. Moreover, most of the ideas support their theme even if the execution isn’t perfect. As such, though it has its shortcomings, I enjoyed it regardless. Therefore, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you break free of your fate? Search each room, find the clues, and thwart Death.
