Lotus Spring.
Not so much a game as a wonderful walkthrough of the Garden of Perfect Brightness -
a pavilion of many rooms set within a walled garden compound - a luxurious mini palace
where emperors kept their concubines.
The garden actually existed during the Qing
dynasty and the story is taken from a legend about an emperor and his forbidden love.
Maybe this is the beginning of a new form of women's games - one that connects with and
engages the player in many ways. The game becomes just one of the activities within a
larger construct. It starts with the package - tied with a gold cord to which is attached a
gift card carrying the message “A gift of Love”. There is an online e-story, game tips
keyed to scenes and a women's group backing the whole thing at
Women-Wise.
The game itself is a visual delight. The settings have been recreated in keeping with
historical accuracy. Think of this as a guided tour through the grounds of a royal palace.
You will walk through the throne room, light incense burners, examine the food and
service pieces, visit bedrooms, see clothing, quilts, paintings, pass through gardens and
open air, moon viewing pavilions. The interiors are suffused with the soft glow of
lanterns and, as the game ends, night descends.
Identifying with the main character is important, and the episodic glimpses you get of the
heroine Lotus are not quite enough. Reading the online story helps but
it reads more like an explanation; it needs more emotion to grab the reader.
The puzzles are simple. Mostly
they involve picking up the right object to use elsewhere to further the story. Think of it
as divertissements to keep your interest as you wander through the Garden of Perfect Brightness.
Editor Review 11/00
Ages Everyone