Tale of Ord by Postcurious

This game was played in June 2020.

Inspectors' Review:

• Paper feels nice

• Weird looking petals

• Wooden box is too small for sits

• Lots of paper to sleep on

• Small vial is 4/4 for batting capabilities - don't tell the boss we tested it!

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Boss' Review:

As Postcurious began announcing her upcoming kickstarter, Emerald Flame, I came across Tale of Ord, which immediately spiked my curiosity. While Tale of Ord is no longer in stock on PostCurious' site, I was able to obtain a used copy from someone.

Where do I begin...the game centers around two missing professors and you have been hired to help investigate. Each chapter focuses on a goal surrounding these missing individuals and takes quite a few twists and turns along the way. This game consists of four chapters but they are quite long - you will need around four hours each to complete each chapter.

The puzzles vary vastly and connect chapters together as you fold, cut, draw, assemble, calculate, google, riddle, and angle to piece together each part of the story. None of the puzzles felt repetitive or tedious and each added something to the story - I didn't feel like I was being thrown random puzzles to occupy my time. I felt a purpose which helped through some of the hurdles and challenges - boy were there a few! Most of the puzzles can be done independently (they don't necessarily need to be done in an order) but the website provides some order if you need the signposting. With the variety of puzzles I will say this game is a challenge. Puzzles carry across chapters or clues have connections to multiple puzzles. It requires you to keep notes and keep everything together. I recommend trying to complete the game in a closer time period so you don't lose track.

While this game is hard, it has an AMAZING website/ hint system that saved my life each chapter. Each clue is incremental to help nudge you along. There is also an answer box for you to submit your answers so you don't have to spoil it by seeing the solution right away. What I loved most about this system was that even when I used all the hints (which I did for a few of the puzzles) I still left feeling good. I wasn't handed the answer and I didn't have to backtrack to figure out how that solution fit in the puzzle like I have with other games. I felt satisfied and happy when I got the solution.

As for customer service, I felt it was top notch. There is a dedicated facebook group to provide additional assistance as well as Rita was easy to communicate with when I needed help or wanted to double check something.

Overall, l will say I LOVED this game. Yes, it's challenging but I felt Postcurious' hint system made up for it - then again, I don't mind taking advantage of hints. I also loved the exploration I was able to experience in this game. You have websites to explore, audio to listen to, google to map out, and they tie so well with the physical elements of the game. The physical elements are detailed and beautifully crafted. It truly felt like an adventure as I opened and began each chapter.

If you're able to acquire a copy of the game, I recommend taking advantage of that. If not, I highly recommend backing Postcurious' next game, The Emerald Flame, on kickstarter (Kickstarted ended June 2020) as I have no doubt it will provide the same atmosphere and intrigue that helped me fall in love with this game.

Check out Postcurious' website to learn more about their upcoming game - The Emerald Flame.