크루 김채연
17hr ago
14/09/2026 05:25 PM (+09:00)
124 °C

Hello, it is (probably) autumn, a good time for mystery games 🔎

For some reason, maybe because of the detective outfits, mystery games feel like they suit autumn best.

Brown, trench coat, bucket hat, etc.

In that sense, the game I prepared today is

Connected Clue

A mystery game where you become a 19th-century detective and uncover the truth behind a case ✨

It seems similar to the Stepper Retro I did a while ago, but The way it proceeds is quite different.are you.

As a prime example, Connected Clue allows you to move by running and directly controlling the character from a quarter-view perspective, and

The point of Stepper Retro is that it is a movement system where you move immediately by tapping a location name?

The atmosphere is quite different, so I think you can choose to play according to your preference!

👍 I recommend this to people like this!

✔️ Quarter-view dot gameprefers

✔️ A deduction game that doesn't require too much thinkingI like

✔️ Various Visual novel with mini-gamesThis is my taste.

✔️ Objection! It's fun to do.

Now that I've written it down, I realize I fit all of those categories lol

So, without further ado, shall we go become detectives?

Actually, the discount period just ended (it ran until mid-August!), so it's at the regular price now, but...!

If we wait a little longer, won't they do it again? Let's hold onto that hope.

For reference, the Steam version was released on March 9, 2026, and the Stove version on July 16, 2026!

📌 Story

Okay... you can already feel something right from here.

Honestly, after seeing this, I felt a bit...

I thought of these people.

I mean, when it comes to bank robberies, isn't it Conan? Right?

Anyway, as soon as the game started, bank robbers burst in.

But I'm a detective.

Then what should I do?

You must catch the bank robber with the spirit of Conan.

If even an elementary school student can catch a robber, I can catch one too.

But I'm not literally tying them up. If only the security alarm rings It works.

Since there were only four of us anyway, I wanted to overwhelm them with numbers and tie them up. Maybe I've watched too much Conan.

They said the other security bell is in the bank manager's office, so I just need to go in there and press the bell...

The key to the bank manager's office The key box is locked with a padlock It's there.

In that case, let's ask the employee hiding under the desk kindly and politely.

under................................................................

however....................................................................

................................................

Stay calm and ask more questions.

Okay, then isn't there any other way to find out the password?

I wrote that down, but another employee who kept shouting "security first, security second" tore up the paper and threw it in the trash.

What are you going to do if someone sees that............................................. 😊

Still, it's a relief, isn't it?

Like a game They say they'll give you the password if you rummage through the trash can.

Okay! Then you open the archives door.

under.......................................

After taking three hits in a row, my mind just.......... became detached.

Yeah............. It’s only natural to have at least one useless warrior, a salary thief, stuck in the workplace!^^

No, it's not obvious. It's not obvious.

So, our job is...

1. Open the bank president's office door To press the security alarm

2. Containing the bank manager's office key I need to pick the lock on the key cabinet.

3. The lock password is at the back of the archives. It is written on a note thrown in the trash can.

4. Heading toward the trash can The archives door was also locked with a key.

5. That archive I have to find the key

We can summarize it like this.

It's a real shame, isn't it? If the employee just remembered the password, steps 3 through 5 wouldn't have been necessary.

Fortunately, finding the key was easy.

Just go to a nearby sparkling place, check what you need, and then

All I had to do was go get a bar magnet from the next room.

It's just that I'm having a hard time because of that useless warrior.................

I will show you the details regarding notes and lockpicking methods below!

In conclusion, if you enter the bank manager's office and ring the security alarm, the case is closed.

...no, they ran away before the police arrived.

So the police chief comes to me, the detective who rang the security alarm, to hear my story.

Maybe it's because it's the 19th century, but the attitude is a bit coercive and I don't like it.

I'm the one who saved the citizens, so why are you blaming me? 🤔

It looks like he wants to write a letter of apology.

But they did send it quickly, you know?

Then again, since I am an innocent citizen, there would be no grounds to detain me, I suppose.

rather Isn't this the time for the police, who let the criminals escape, to offer a public apology? I want to

Since the culprit has escaped, this case is no longer something a mere detective should handle, and

The protagonist decides to return to the detective agency and get back to his own work.

And so the next day...

Warning of a new incident

The girl named Lina mentioned above visits the detective agency and entrusts them with a case.

It is a request to find my older brother who has been away from home for a week.

The search process was quite simple, so I thought the case would be resolved smoothly, but...

There is no way that is the case.

From here, the story gradually begins, and you enter the main game!

Connected Clue is A game closer to a frame narrative structure than an omnibus.It would be good to keep that in mind in advance. 👍

Even though the cases are resolved one by one, they are not resolved by perfectly unraveling all the plot points.

Resolved, leaving some questions or unresolved elements,

That will happen later. A story connected as oneI realized you have to play through to the end to understand the whole story.

To find out the whole truth Make sure to see it through to the end! You must do this 🔎

📌 Gameplay

The overall flow is as follows!

1. Observe clues

2. Inquiry

3. Case Summary

4. Suspect Discussion

Left behind at the crime scene or the suspect's house, etc. Obtain evidence by observing clues,

Based on that Conduct an inquiryThen,

Based on what I gained Reconstruct and organize the eventsdo,

Gather the suspects It ends once the truth of the incident is revealed.!

Let's take a look at what it feels like, one by one 🔎

The most basic part Observe cluesno see!

You can obtain the magnifying glass at the bank in the tutorial part, and it is used continuously afterwards.

Since you cannot move on to the next step without obtaining it, there is no chance of missing out!

Interact with the clue that has a sparkling magnifying glass icon

It is structured so that observation is completed by using the magnifying glass item to tap on a suspicious area.

As indicated by the rotation icon, clue rotation is also possible.

You can rotate it to check the back of the photo like this!

There is nothing difficult about it because a camera icon appears where you need to press.

Clues can be obtained not only from objects, but also like this You can also get it by talking to people.The point is!

The following is inquiry

This is also the absolute basics for a detective, isn't it?

When presenting evidence to people, if the evidence matches the person

It is a method that provides clues corresponding to that.

When conducting an inquiry I think I've obtained an important clue.It seems like I have to display a message for it to finish.

Until then, the inquiry is not finished, so you are not allowed to leave that space.

If you were questioning at Lina's house, you cannot leave that house.

It was good that you carefully blocked things to prevent the process from getting tangled, but,

If there is anything I regret... It's not just about preventing them from going out, but 'I feel like I've missed something... Same linesas

I wish you had explained why I can't leave this house.

During the first inquiry, I tried to leave the house but couldn't, so I walked around the house about three times before finally speaking to Lina again...

As you conduct inquiries with various individuals and collect evidence one by one...

With so much evidence, mistakes happen more often than expected...

fortunately Since there is no limit on the number of inquiries, you can comfortably You can do it 👍

So now, with the clues we have gathered... Case SummaryI guess I should do that!

Unlike inquiry investigations, this has a limit on the number of times it can be done.

Do you see the 5 hearts at the bottom?

That is the attempt limit, and if you get them all wrong...

Actually, I haven't tried getting everything wrong so I don't know for sure, but judging by the fact that there is a save file...

They'll probably go back to the previous save or give them another chance, won't they? 🤔

It's a more forgiving game than I thought, so it seems like it will give me another chance to deduce...

But this isn't really that difficult, so aside from a few confusing parts, I think you'll be able to proceed smoothly!

last Suspect discussionno see!

I guess the reason it's a debate is because everyone is saying what they want to say...

This feels a bit like a final argument, doesn't it? It reminds me of Ace Attorney or Buried Stars, right?

Select and present the statement of the person who made a remark contradicting the evidence in the above statement.

It is the part where we dismantle it one by one by matching it with evidence.

The thing about this was a bit... ambiguous... ❓

I tell lies that are too easy to catch...

If you say that in front of me, of course you'll get caught, you idiot...☆★

I tell lies that make me think...

So, it makes me a little curious about the significance of this part's existence...

Since we have already covered the case using the clues, there is no need to discuss the suspects again.

I got the feeling that it was just close to repetitive work. 🥹

Anyway, once we do this, it's like one case is cleared!

Broadly speaking, it feels like this,

For getting around in between, I set the destination on the GPS like this and walk lol.

The map pixel art is nice, so it’s fun to walk around, but walking around like that the whole time was a bit of a hassle...

They display such a big and bright effect at the destination that you can't possibly miss it.

The game is generally friendly.no see!

You can buy the newspaper for 5 Zeny, and there's a part-time job recruitment section, and below that, a list of Tumblbug backers!

They say they have to earn money for the rent because the detective agency has to pay it... If you get bored while working on cases, you should try doing a part-time job...

Now, let's check out the mini-games and puzzles.

📌 Mini-games and puzzles

Have you ever played MapleStory?

In MapleStory, there used to be quests where you had to move to the edge of the map without being caught in the monsters' line of sight... right?

That's exactly the feeling. I remember there being a similar quest in Dave the Diver too lol.

The line of sight detection is very generous and has many openings, so there is nothing difficult at all.

With a similar conclusion, it's like this tailingThere is!

This is also a mini-game where you follow the suspect without getting in their line of sight or keeping too much distance from them.

Even if you fail, we will let you try again as many times as you want from the beginning or halfway point, so feel free to try without any pressure!

There is also a puzzle where you have to piece together notes like this to figure out the password...

Did you notice something strange?

Heh... It's two sheets of paper.

At first, I didn't think much of it and just thought, "Oh, these are different papers," so I mixed them up and matched them lol.

I put about two more in, then went "Huh?" and took them all back out... haha. Stupid gameplay.

The lock opens immediately as long as the password is correct, without any other operations.

It is also completely possible to remove the ventilation cover and move it without the police knowing.

Actually, it's not just a possibility; it's closer to a necessity.

So that screwdriver is also very useful...

Sometimes I even get interrogated 😊

No, but honestly, they deserved it. I don't even feel wronged.

There were also sections where you had to change outfits at the right timing to proceed.

If you cannot enter the crime scene because of the police

I'm going to be a police officer.

And if you talk to the villagers, they will give you hints, just like how Pokémon teaches you how to use items.

It’s not exactly...! helpful...! Just to let you know that something like this exists heh...

📌 Connected Clue Overall Review

👍 This was good!

✔️ Easy operation and user-friendly features

✔️ Mini-game convenience designed for diverse users

✔️ Even the map scenery is beautiful pixel art

✔️ A story where each incident is connected as one

❌ This was a shame!

✔️ Reduced fun of the mystery due to somewhat excessive kindness

✔️ Time required to move between maps

✔️ Repeated use of evidence and suspect discussion

Want to uncover the truth behind a 19th-century bank robbery?

Right now at the Stove Store <Connected Clue> Meet them~

The Steam reviews were mostly positive, so I looked it up to see why, and it turned out most of the comments were about bugs.

I understand that it was released on Steam first on March 9th and on Stove on July 16th,

While releasing it a bit late It appears that most of the bugs have been fixed!

I was able to play without a single bug mentioned in the Steam reviews.

It wasn't that there were absolutely no shortcomings while playing, but

(The directing felt a bit bland, or the police seemed a bit stupid)

Once you know it's a one-person development, you'll be amazed by this level of quality. 🙌

Above all The thoughtfulness of including sound wave indicators in the mini-game, taking both audiovisual elements into account.This was really good.

I think that considering such diverse users is precisely the attitude a game developer should have...

I hope there will be more games this thoughtful in the world, and I look forward to Alperatz Games' next title 🔎

I'm not sure if it will be a mystery game or another genre, but I hope great games continue to come out in the future...

>>Connected Clue Stove Store Page(Click!)<<

1 / 41
DK흑룡
11/09/2026
12/09/2026 06:56 AM (+09:00)
364 °C

I like the heavy feel, so I'm raising a greatsword user... I've been playing this Lineage-like game like crazy for the first time in a while these past few days.

But... looking at the server rankings (levels, etc.)... they're all... ranged Rangers/Sorcerers.

I'm not obsessed with rankings... but still, there should be a balanced distribution of characters... hmm....

To those playing greatswords... or other melee damage dealers, good luck~~

S1720949518195600
11/09/2026
12/09/2026 07:07 AM (+09:00)
쌍단검인데일단 회피하고 댐쥐보는 맛으로 봅니다아직은 80프로 회피떠요 58몬스터까지 더해봐야알것지만 스킬트리도 이것저것 해보세요 스킬융합도 한번해보시고 인게임이 많이 미흡해도 주.야로 회사에서 먹고자면서 피똥싸는것같아요ㅋㅋㅋ 좋은 날이 오것죠 근거리 파이팅
jini70396
11/09/2026
12/09/2026 07:01 AM (+09:00)
아무리 몹이 많은들 인기있는 사냥터는 몹보다 유저가 많아서  근거리는 종말임

Check-in~!!!

렌레이크
13/09/2026
14/09/2026 02:58 AM (+09:00)
ㅊㅊ3
Hers
13/09/2026
14/09/2026 01:18 AM (+09:00)
ㅊㅊ
No2357
13/09/2026
13/09/2026 08:17 PM (+09:00)
91 °C

They said after Lunar New Year, it would be summer soon.

99395608
12/09/2026
13/09/2026 08:10 AM (+09:00)
141 °C

If they just managed the random PKs a bit, I wouldn't be waking up from my sleep at dawn.

The game just feels meaningless   and they've drawn a line where   unless you pay, or even if you do pay, other than just raising your combat power  

it feels like there's nothing else. The game itself lacks any sense of solidarity, and since it's boring, meaningless random PKs are just taking their anger out.

I miss the family members who left because of random PKs. Have a fun game.

S1721235989094111
13/09/2026
13/09/2026 12:48 PM (+09:00)
가족..ㅠㅠ
S1720776349601011
13/09/2026
13/09/2026 12:23 PM (+09:00)
하루에 몇백명씩 죽이고 다니는 사이코패스 양성 게임
GM SezBadge Icon
10/09/2026
10/09/2026 07:00 PM (+09:00)
24,558 °C

PLAY THE ANIMATION! EpicSeven!  

Hello, this is GM Sez.

 

Thanks to the incredible support of our Heirs, the Epic Seven STEAM Wishlist has quickly reached 50,000!

 

To celebrate before we reach our next milestone of 75,000, we have prepared a surprise gift!

 

If the STEAM Wishlist reaches 70,000, we will be giving away 2 Leifs to all Heirs who leave a cheer comment!  

In addition, 100 lucky Heirs will be randomly selected to receive 2 Epic Equipment Charms!

 

We look forward to your active participation and support! 

Please see below for more details.

 

■ STEAM Wishlist 70K Goal! Cheer Comment Event

[Epic Seven STEAM Page (Link)]

 

[Event Schedule] 

9/10 (Thu) – Until the STEAM Wishlists reaches 70,000

 

[How to Participate]

- Leave a comment following the format below to complete your entry! 

※Format: Nickname / Server / Supportive Comments for the STEAM Release

* Comments that do not follow the format, or include special characters not specified in the format, may be excluded from the event. To ensure your participation is valid, please make sure to leave your comment in the format provided above. 

 

[Event Participation Reward]

- Lucky Heirs (100 Heirs): 2 Epic Equipment Charm

- All Participation: 2 Leif

* The rewards will be sent to your in-game mailbox within one week after reaching 70,000 STEAM Wishlist. (Storage Period: 7 Days) 

* 100 Lucky Heirs will be selected from all participants across all 4 language communities.

 

[Please Note]  

- Make sure to write down your correct nickname and server info in order to claim your rewards. 

- Event reward recipients will be selected based on the nickname provided when participating.

- Event rewards can only be received once per account, and duplicate entries will be excluded from reward eligibility.

(You may not participate multiple times in the same event held on STOVE Communities in other languages.)

- For more details about our event policy, please visit our [Event Regulations] page.

 

Thank you.

1 / 2
S1725271414761912
13/09/2026
13/09/2026 06:59 PM (+09:00)
SpeedHunter9 / Asia / Congratulation
Mewruse
11/09/2026
11/09/2026 09:32 PM (+09:00)
LabMember004 / Global / plsplspls launch the steam version fast, very excited to have the game on steam with a steam client!!! 
S1789016635137111
11/09/2026
11/09/2026 05:31 PM (+09:00)
451 °C

I am currently playing "Character Creation Queue Simulator".

84921342
11/09/2026
11/09/2026 05:45 PM (+09:00)
다른버그도 못잡아서 게임 망하게생겼는데 저걸 풀어주게씀?....
S1789016635137111
11/09/2026
11/09/2026 05:35 PM (+09:00)
Author
풀어주세요
卡卡小編Badge Icon
03/09/2026
03/09/2026 07:00 PM (+09:00)
9,819 °C

Dear Covenant Heirs,!

This is GM Kaka!

 

We sincerely thank all the Heirs who are celebrating this precious 8th anniversary of Epic Seven together.

 

Log in to the game to participate in the 8th Anniversary Celebration "Shining Moments" event, where you can look back on the colorful memories of the past 8 years!

 

▶ Go nowto viewthe 8thAnniversary Celebration"Shining Moments"event details

 

Among the memories accumulated bit by bit, which scene remains deepest in your hearts, Heirs? Come and share it with GM Kaka~!

 

Whether it's a scene from the 8th Anniversary Celebration "Shining Moments" event, or a brilliant moment that made your heart flutter while playing Epic Seven that you want to share with pride, any content containing unforgettable memories is welcome!✨

 

To all Heirs who share their precious memories according to the participation format,

we will send you "Leif x2" with our gratitude~!

 

■ What was the most shining moment for our Heirs among the memories of the 8thanniversary?

 

【Event Schedule】

9/3 (Thu) ~ 9/9 (Wed) 22:59 UTC

 

【How to Participate】

- Leave a comment in the format below to complete your participation!

※Example: GM Kaka / Asia Server / "Shining Moments" event screen, or a screenshot of an impressive moment while playing

*If the comment format does not meet the requirements or contains special symbols not listed in the format, you may be excluded from event participation. To ensure successful participation, please be sure to comment according to the format above! 

 

【Event ParticipationReward】

- All participants: 2 Leifs

※Rewards will be sent to your in-game mailbox on 2026/9/11 (Fri) (Storage period: 7 days).

 

【Please read the following carefully!】

- If you do not provide the correct in-game nickname and server, you will be excluded from the participant list.

- Rewards will be distributed based on the "in-game nickname" provided at the time of participation.

  ※ If you change your nickname, you may not be able to receive the reward properly.

- Each account can only receive the event reward once; duplicate entries will be excluded from the distribution list

(You cannot participate in the same STOVE forum event held in other languages simultaneously).

- For other details, please check the【Event Policy】.

 

Thank you! 

1 / 2
LaiShi
04/09/2026
04/09/2026 03:39 PM (+09:00)
Joshualuo/全球伺服器/
STOVE83974118
03/09/2026
04/09/2026 08:54 AM (+09:00)
安齋拉拉/亞洲伺服器/離線掛機
GenesicGGG
14hr ago
14/09/2026 09:09 PM (+09:00)
123 °C

I got "Crystal Crisis," which is being given away for free for a limited time on Steam.

Wait, is the copyright for this actually okay?

GravySenpai
13hr ago
14/09/2026 10:07 PM (+09:00)
Yurrrr
안녕하세요뚱이입니다잘부탁드립니다
17hr ago
14/09/2026 05:35 PM (+09:00)
7 °C

Hello, it's Patrick.

They say there was a lot of talk about games at this BlizzCon, so I'll give you a quick summary of what I heard.

Alright, listen up.

First off, they say Diablo 5 is coming out.

But they say it's coming out in the spring of 2029.

They say a new StarCraft game is coming out too.

This time, it's an off-world shooter?

Anyway, that's in 2030.

So, it's even later than Diablo.

A new guest is coming to the high-end restaurant, too.

They say the guest's name is Xal'atath.

I don't know who that is, but if they can afford a high-end restaurant, they must have a lot of money.
I wish they'd take me along too.

It seems World of Warcraft is getting new content as well.

It's called Eclipse, apparently.

What's an eclipse, you ask?

You all know.

But I don't.

They say Warcraft 3: Forsaken Kingdom is being released too.

I don't remember this one.

Let's move on.

They say a new World of Warcraft title, Forever, is being released.

It's said to be a world view with a new interpretation as Classic Plus.

...

Stop milking the same old stuff.

This was Patrick.

1 / 4
인벤팀
05/02/2021
05/02/2021 09:37 AM (-NaN:NaN)
133 °C
이 게임, 탐험 맛... 찐하다


방구석에서 만끽하는 한 치 앞도 내다볼 수 없는 모험의 재미


수많은 이들이 여행을 떠나고, 모험과 탐험에 가슴설레는 이유는 그것이 지금껏 경험해본 적 없는 새로운 무언가를 찾아 나서는 여정이기 때문일 겁니다. 누구나 마음속으로는 세상 근심 다 털어버리고 아무도 나를 찾지 않는 그 어떤 곳으로 떠나고 싶은 마음들을 은연중에 가지고 있기 마련입니다.


하지만 오늘날을 살아가는 이들에게 있어 가슴설레는 모험이 가득한 곳으로 여행을 떠난다는 것은 쉽지 않은 일입니다. 여행을 계획으로만 끝내지 않고 실행으로 옮길 수 있는 굳은 의지와 충분한 체력, 그리고 여행에 할애할 수 있는 충분한 시간이나 경제적인 부담도 무시할 수 없겠죠. 오늘은 꼭 여행을 떠나고 말겠다는 굳은 의지로 운동화끈 질끈 조여 매고 길을 나선다 하더라도, 시간과 자금이 충분치 않으면 사람의 발길이 닿지 않은 미지의 영역은커녕 아스팔트 깔린 번화가를 벗어나기 힘든 것이 현실이죠.


'큐리어스 익스페디션2(Curious Expedition 2)'는 이처럼 여건상 어디론가 떠나는 것은 엄두도 내지 못하지만, 그럼에도 모험이 주는 스릴을 포기할 수 없는 이들에게 제격인 게임입니다.


게임명: 큐리어스 익스페디션2 장르: 어드벤처, 턴제 전투, 로그라이트 출시일 : 2021년 1월 28일
개발 : Maschinen-Mensch 플랫폼: PC(Steam) PS4/5, XBO/S/X, NSW 태그: #만화책 #탐험 #전략 #싱글 플레이어




모험의 배경은 19세기 중순, 모험가들의 도시 '파리' 



큐리어스 익스페디션2(이하 큐리어스2)는 19세기 중순의 파리를 배경으로 하는 턴 기반 탐험 로그라이크 게임입니다. 유저는 탐험가 클럽 소속 탐험가가 되어 미리 준비한 자원, 그리고 함께 모험에 나선 대원들의 정신 건강을 관리하며 탐험 목적을 성공적으로 완수해야만 합니다.


큐리어스2의 모험은 단순히 오지를 탐험하며 해당 지역에 서식하는 몬스터를 사냥하면 성공하는 방식이 아닙니다. 실제로 모험길에 오르기 위해 필요한 사전 준비를 갖추는 것부터 시작하여, 신대륙에 도착한 탐험가들이 마주할 수 있는 다양한 가능성과 사건들을 사실적으로 묘사하는 것이 특징이죠.


술집에서 함께 여행을 떠날 동료를 모집하고, 마침 근처에 있던 자본가와의 협상을 통해 더 높은 후원금 지원을 보장받고, 새롭게 모집한 동료들을 위한 장비를 암시장 밀매꾼을 통해 구입하고, 파리 시내에 있는 3개의 대형 모험 클럽 중 하나를 선택하여 물자를 보급받으면 본격적인 모험 준비가 끝납니다.


모험 준비 과정에서는 가끔 시세보다 저렴하게 나온 물건들도 확인할 수 있는데요. 이러한 물건들을 미리 구매한 뒤 탐험 중에 만날 수 있는 현지 원주민들과 거래하면 생각지도 못했던 보상을 얻게 되기도 합니다. 차익거래 방식의 교역이나 각기 다른 성격과 능력을 지닌 동료 모집 과정에서는 마치 '대항해시대' 시리즈를 플레이하는 것 같은 재미를 느낄 수 있습니다.


협회에서 요구하는 임무에 따라 모험의 목표는 항상 정해져 있지만, 그 목표에 이르기 위해 나아가는 길은 매번 달라집니다. 그곳에서 어떤 새로운 만남과 발견, 사건이 기다리고 있을지는 여행을 떠나기 전에는 결코 예상할 수 없습니다. 이것이 바로 모험의 묘미거든요.


▲ 동물로만 파티를 구성할 수도 있고


▲ 동료와 사랑에 빠질 수도 있다.


▲ 정해진 공식 없이 나만의 모험을 꾸며볼 수 있는 것이 '큐리어스2'의 매력




미지의 세계로 떠나는 아주 차분한 여행



큐리어스2는 미지의 세계를 향한 모험을 주제로 하는 게임이지만, 격렬한 액션이 주가 되는 게임은 아닙니다. 오히려 차분하고 정적인 게임이죠. 주사위를 굴려 다음 행동을 정하고, 게임판 위의 말을 움직이는 보드 게임을 생각하면 이해하기 쉽습니다. 갖가지 위협이 도사리는 미지의 섬을 탐험하는 동안 단 한 번도 적과 싸우지 않을 수 있을 정도이니, 플레이할수록 손에 착착 감기는 컨트롤의 재미나 화끈한 액션을 기대하는 유저들에게는 다소 어울리지 않을지도 모르겠습니다.


하지만 게임의 기본적인 흐름이 정적일 뿐이지, 게임 속에서 유저가 맞이하게 되는 상황들은 결코 차분하지 않습니다. 한 칸 잘못 움직였을 뿐인데 애지중지 키워왔던 사냥개가 전**으로 유명을 달리하기도 하고, 사랑을 약속할 정도로 가까워졌다 생각했던 동료 캐릭터가 새벽 사이에 소중한 모험 물자를 전부 챙겨 흔적도 없이 사라지기도 합니다.


물론 마냥 절망적인 일들만 있는 것은 아니죠. 전**으로 모든 동료를 잃고 여행을 포기해야 하나 고민하던 순간에 여행 초반에 파티를 이탈했던 동료가 다시 돌아온다든지, 별생각 없이 도와줬던 원주민이 잊을만한 참에 은혜를 갚겠다며 찾아오는 일도 있었거든요. 마치 재치있는 던전마스터가 주도하는 클래식 RPG를 혼자서 즐기는 것 같다고나 할까요?


복잡한 조작 없이 누구나 자신의 페이스대로 느긋하게 게임을 즐길 수 있는 것은 분명 매력적인 부분이지만, 자칫 잘못하면 게임의 템포가 한없이 늘어져 지루하게 느껴질 수도 있습니다. 전작에선 이러한 부분이 단점으로 지적되기도 했죠.


큐리어스2는 게임이 한정 없이 늘어지게 되는 것을 방지하기 위해 '불가사의한 안개' 시스템을 적용했습니다. 동료들의 멘탈을 유지하기 위해 폭포 아래에서 휴식을 취할 때도, 맵에 등장한 물음표 표식을 확인하기 위해 잠시 한눈을 팔았을 때도, 이 불가사의한 안개는 계속해서 숨통을 조여오듯 맵 전체를 잠식해나갑니다. 결국엔 맵 전체를 가득 메워 모험의 끝을 알리는 이 보라색 안개는 책을 읽는 것처럼 담담하게 진행되는 탐험 속 조미료가 되어 게임의 긴장도와 스릴을 높여주고 있습니다.


이외에도 탐험을 성공적으로 마치고 도시로 돌아오면 보상으로 세 가지 특성 중 하나를 선택하여 캐릭터를 성장시킬 수 있는 로그라이트 요소가 등장합니다. 등장하는 선택지는 매번 달라지므로, 모험을 계속 반복하더라도 매번 다른 방식의 여정을 이어나갈 수 있게 되는 것이죠.


결국, 큐리어스2에서는 격렬한 액션 요소 없이도 탐험가의 특성과 한정된 자원, 시간, 동료들의 상태를 함께 고려하며 한시도 긴장을 놓을 수 없는 모험을 즐기는 것이 가능해졌습니다. 순발력이나 복잡한 컨트롤을 요구하는 액션 게임에 지친 이들, 그리고 '엑스컴' 시리즈처럼 매턴 전략을 고민해야 하는 방식을 선호하는 이들에게 있어 더할 나위 없이 매력적인 요소라고 할 수 있습니다.


▲ 어떤 특성을 골라야 더욱 편안한 모험길이 될 수 있을까?


▲ 맵 타일의 대부분이 보라색 안개로 뒤덮인 상황,
다시 도전하기가 없는 '철인 모드'로 시작했다면 심장이 벌렁거릴 타이밍입니다




단조로운 전투, 보람 없는 클럽 대회 시스템은 아쉽다 




큐리어스2의 개발사가 '완전히 새로운 전투 방식'이라며 소개하고 있는 전투는 클래식 RPG에서 자주 볼 수 있는 주사위 굴리기 방식으로 진행됩니다. 캐릭터별 직업과 레벨, 착용하고 있는 장비에 따라 빨강, 초록, 또는 파랑 주사위가 주어지고, 이를 턴마다 굴려 나온 주사위 눈 만큼 행동을 결정할 수 있는 방식이죠. 캐릭터 레벨이 낮은 초반엔 비어있는 눈이 포함된 주사위를 굴리는 일이 많다 보니, 상황에 따라 주사위를 다시 굴릴 수 있는 아이템을 함께 활용하는 등 전략적으로 임해야 합니다.


분명 공들인 티가 여실히 느껴지는 독특한 방식의 전투인 것은 분명하나, 큐리어스2의 전투 시스템은 입에 발린 말로도 재미있다고 표현하기 어렵습니다. 시너지를 갖는 파티 구성원이 어느 정도 갖춰져 있지 않으면 전투지체가 길게 늘어져서 그런지, 게임을 지속하면 할수록 가능하다면 전투에 돌입하는 상황 자체를 피하고 싶어질 정도입니다. 파티원으로 최신 학설처럼 깃털 공룡으로 묘사된 '벨로시랩터'가 함께하는데도 전투가 재미없을 수 있다니, 이만하면 정말 말 다했죠.


한가지 위안이 되는 것은 전투가 항상 필수인 것은 아니라는 점입니다. 매번 투닥대는 라이벌 일행과 만나 일촉즉발인 상황에도 주사위 굴리기로 전투를 회피할 수 있고, 우호도 점수가 낮아 공격적인 반응을 보이는 원주민들과 맞닥뜨렸을 때도 소정의 선물을 주는 것으로 전투를 대신할 수 있습니다. 피하려면 피할 수 있으니 구체책은 마련된 셈이나, 전투 보상을 더욱 크게 하는 등의 업데이트를 통해 전투 행위 자체에 대한 흥미를 끌어올릴 필요가 있어보입니다.


싱글 플레이 중심의 게임 속 유일한 멀티 요소인 '탐험가 클럽 대회' 시스템도 아쉽게 느껴진 부분 중 하나입니다. 클럽 대회는 파리 시내에 본부를 둔 세 곳의 대형 클럽 중 하나를 선택하여 기여도를 쌓고, 가장 많은 기여도 포인트를 모은 클럽이 보상을 받는 시스템인데요. 1위 클럽에만 보상이 몰리니 자연스레 특정 클럽 하나가 압도적으로 우세하는 모양새가 계속 유지되고, 다른 클럽은 말 그대로 방치됩니다. '1위 자리를 차지하기 위한 치열한 접전' 같은 건 애초에 성립하지도 않죠.


만약 뭣도 모르고 최하위 클럽을 선택했다면, 일찌감치 클럽 대회 같은 건 머릿속에서 지우고 얌전히 도전 과제나 찾아 플레이하는 게 정신건강에 이롭습니다. 이러다보니 클럽 합산치보다 개개인의 기여도에 더 비중을 두고, 이에 맞춰 보상과 시즌별 기념 아이템을 지급했다면 누구나 납득할 수 있는 클럽 대회가 될 수 있었을 텐데라는 아쉬움이 남기도 했습니다.


아니면 완전히 새로운 온라인 콘텐츠를 추가할 수도 있겠죠. 현재 게임이 정식 출시된 상황이지만, 개발사가 직접 대규모 콘텐츠 업데이트를 준비 중이라고 밝혔으니, 추후에 추가될 추가 콘텐츠를 기대해보는 것도 좋을 것 같네요.


▲ 자신이 언더독을 응원한다면, 에디봇이 이끄는 '럭스 연구소' 클럽은 피하십시오






'큐리어스 익스페디션2'는 호불호가 분명히 갈릴 것으로 보이는 게임입니다. 평소 턴제 방식으로 진행되는 느긋한 게임 플레이를 선호한다면, 또 카툰 감성의 비주얼에 거부감이 없다면 한 번쯤 관심 있게 지켜보시길 바랍니다. 머나먼 이국땅인 독일의, 그것도 인디 게임 개발사가 전편에 이어 두편 연속으로 높은 수준의 한국어 자막을 지원하고 있다는 점도 무시할 수 없는 부분이거든요.


개인적으로는 모험을 하면 할수록 인간 불신은 심해지고, 믿을 건 소중하고 귀여운 강아지들밖에 없다는 생각만 깊어졌습니다. 모험을 떠날 때 가장 먼저 챙기는 것 1순위도 강아지들의 질병을 치료해줄 충분한 수의 치료약이 되었죠. 여러분은 초반 객기로 '철인' 모드로 시작했다가 열 시간 분량의 소중한 기록을 한순간에 날리는 아픔을 겪지 마시고, 부디 안전하고 즐거운 모험 되시길 바랍니다.




장점

+ 누구나 부담 없이 즐길 수 있는 느긋한 턴제 플레이
+ 미국 카툰을 읽는 듯한 독특한 비주얼
+ 모험과 좋은 시너지 보여준 로그라이트
+ 발견의 재미 더해주는 맛깔나는 한국어화
단점

- 다소 반복적인 탐험 요소
- 단조롭고 흥미를 유발하지 못하는 전투
- 밸런스가 맞지 않는 온라인 요소 '클럽 대회'



#큐리어스_익스페디션2 #Curious_Expedition_2



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