Lost Horizon 2 Released

The wait is over! You can purchase on Steam here.

Check out the screens here.



Happy Gaming!

Ana

Thanks, Ana! I picked it up since I have a little extra to spend, and I also added a wish for it on GOG if anyone wants to vote for it - http://www.gog.com/wishlist/games/lost_horizon_2.

Looking forward to trying this one out. I loved the first game.

Great news, Ana.

Wow, already? Cool...

Thank you Ana and Venus

I put my vote in on GOG !! I hope someone there is listening ....

Yep, it's got to be GOG for me

It's too expensive for me right now but I plan to get it someday.

Good timing. I recently finished replaying the original so the story would be fresh in my mind. So I'll be looking forward to continuing the saga.

Ana

Thanks Ana, + I will also hope and wait to see if GOG gets it, way too expensive right now considering the game is not even DRM free.

Oh and yes, I voted on GOG for this game, fingers crossed, or maybe even ShinyLoot can get this, most of their games are DRM free.

Thanks sureshot, InlandAZ, Starcom and everyone else who voted! Glad to see it's getting some votes, and maybe we'll see it at GOG at some point. I would gladly purchase it again there to have the DRM free version. ShinyLoot would be good as well.

Lost Horizon 2 on Steam $35.99 SPECIAL PROMOTION! Offer ends October 8

Lost Horizon 2

Thanks, Donald - Ana announced the release this morning, so I merged your post with her thread.

Fantastic screen shots! Looking forward to playing. Thanks Ana and Donald too.

Thanks for the info, BrownEyedTigre !!

I'm another with fingers crossed for a GOG release .... And have put in my vote

I voted on GOG for both Lost Horizon games. I would love to see the first game available there as well.

I also voted on GOG for both games although I do use Steam as well as GOG.

Thanks again for the votes, everyone.

Just started playing Lost Horizon 2 today and found my graphic card is hardly adequate. It works just about when set to the lowest resolution on the game but I need an update to able to play comfortably. I have just reached an action part that’s really beyond my card to cope.
Be sure to check the game’s spects before you buy.

I agree with Cari.
Lost Horizon 2 has much higher requirements than the first Lost Horizon. Make sure your computer and video card are capable.

Requirements for the original Lost Horizon
http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=812&game=Lost%20Horizon
Steam listing
http://store.steampowered.com/app/40350/

Requirements for Lost Horizon 2
http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=23405&game=Lost%20Horizon%202
Steam listing
http://store.steampowered.com/app/395560/

What type of action is in the game?

I watched part of an incomplete English YouTube playthrough.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfqLrwbF70XaUW3KZP4am8Lt2hadFAMc

There was a timed sequence, but no action.

I don't know why the system requirements are so much higher.
The game doesn't look significantly better than the original.

Thanks Jenny100! I'll take a look.

Waiting and hoping for the GOG release. I really enjoyed the first game.

It looks like this game uses Unity 5 as a game engine.
That may be why the system requirements are so much higher than for the first game.
http://www.dsogaming.com/news/lost-horiz...red-by-unity-5/



EDIT -- The high system requirements may be so you can get past the QTE's (Quick Time Events)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QTE

For example, the motorcycle chase.

But the bulk of the game may be playable on a computer with less than the listed requirements.

oldbroad,

I agree! I was excited when I saw that there is a new Lost Horizon because I loved the first one. The prices for new adventure games have really gone up. I will wait to get this when the price, hopefully, goes down.

Well my laptop does not meet the requirements and I know I will have to replace mine eventually since I dropped it, still working good but the cover does not shut properly due to a broken hinge and it reboots on it's own from time to time, luckily only about twice a month... All to say when it is time to buy a new lappy, I will be sticking to a Budget and I refuse to spend the extra cash just so I can play an Adventure game, I mean Really? These companies do not learn their lessons that at least half of the people who play adventure and or casual games do not care for High End ground breaking video games, they care more for a *good story and good puzzles and they also care less about having to Renew their computers to keep up with the Specs.

Sorry, but I just had to let off some steam and if the Mods. wish to delete my rant, I would not blame you.

*One good example of top notch game to play without the requirements of a high end computer is Tex Murphy's the Tesla Effect, I am about three quarters of the way through and playing this game with zero problems and we all know how popular this game is.

Price is double of a regular game and mostly negative reviews on Steam.

Will wait till price drop.

I got a bit further into the game but had to suspend it because my old card cannot work with the dialogue tags. Received a higher specs card but not the pin cable-Grrrrr!

The game so far is just a normal point and click adventure game, nothing so far that would worry the gamer, though I had a laugh when the female protagonist appeared dressed in a skin tight cat suit. Come on guys, it’s supposed to be set in the 1950s. Don’t think my Granny ever got her hands of one of those, even though she was a gay old girl. To add to the humour she mutters “I better try to look inconspicuous”

Second thoughts on the bike cut scene. I don’t think an upgrade card would help as it’s just a case hitting pointers with the mouse from left to right then back to the left then finally click the gate pointer a few times. You have just seconds to get it right. They really should have given a skip option so that folks with slower reactions could continue with the game.

Kim Novak in Pal Joey had quite the cat suit in the 50's.

But did she wear it when trying to look "inconspicuous?"

I think Kim Novak would have found it hard to look "inconspicuous" no matter what she wore

At the risk of putting more the fuel on the fire, she is also portrayed as a secret agent.

When I think "catsuit" I think Julie Newmar (***Catwoman*** in the Batman TV series)
and Diana Rigg (***Emma Peel*** in The Avengers).
I don't think either character ever tried to look "inconspicious" in their catsuits.

I was so looking forward to this game. Now I'm a bit put off. Reviews I've seen or not that great and I do NOT like timed or action stuff in an adventure game. It's pretty expensive too. Are these bits difficult? (I'm useless at quick-fire stuff). Is anyone going to do a review? Or even better a walkthrough? (Nudge nudge MaG)

Difficulty may be somewhat dependent on your video card, but check what Cari said earlier in this thread.



Gameboomers hasn't received a review code for it.
Considering it's such an expensive game, we're waiting for a code.


Marita probably won't be writing walkthroughs for any games that require quick reactions.
If you need a walkthrough, 123pazu has one on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv_2SQLNWWxbq3d5cvUC9xeFaacI1H5w5

The time sequence on the bike chase is not just a single timed operation that you have to complete in the time allowed. In Lost Horizon 2 there are eight, fail on any one and you go back to the start. The first four can be done after practice but the last four are really difficult. Why I got through I think was achieved by more luck than judgement on my part. The screen stickers helped but it still required quite a number of attempts to complete.

Should time sequences be acceptable in an adventure game? It’s a matter of individual preference but as I said before, the developers should at least give the players the choice to skip if it’s beyond them to complete.

As for the rest of the game, bearing in mind I am only on the second chapter, it’s a fairly average point and click game. The two protagonists are the typical stereotypes you would expect to find in these games. Not bad, but nothing to drool over. The puzzles so far didn’t cause me any difficulty and I’m just the occasional player of adventure games. I guess that many Boomers would have completed what I have done in a third of the time.

Is it worth the money? On what I’ve seen so far, which may improve or may not, it’s certainly no ‘Syberia’ or a ‘Longest Journey’ and a few others I could mention. But I got the game as a present so I can’t quibble on the price. If you twisted my arm I would pay around £19-----29$. But as I said, it may well improve.

Cari - you are only in Chapter 2 but say that there are 8 timed sequences? Is that 8 timed sequences up to where you are in chapter 2? So there may be a lot more?

The price was putting me off but these timed sequences make it much worse!

I think Cari means there are 8 separate QTE clicks in the same timed sequence.

Watch the video here starting around 8 minutes 30 seconds in
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8DbiPA6lNE
or about 30 seconds into this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_cpZ8mc7_w

See how the player has a limited amount of time to click the mouse on the circle with the arrow in it that appears on screen.

Ah, thanks Jenny. I think I get it now! But it does seem that there is more than one time where you have to do this then.

Thanks for the info everyone. I agree with Cari and oldbroad. Personally I don't think this type of "mini game" has any place in an adventure game especially with no skip option. The Deponia series has some of these but you have a choice as to whether to play or not. It reminds me of that frustrating lock pick puzzle in The Raven. You have to complete it in order to continue with the game. How is the rest of the game? Is it a "proper" adventure game like the first one?

Is it a "proper" adventure game like the first one?
Yes, as to whether it’s as good as the first one, well on what little I’ve played, it would have to be a no, then how many sequels are? However it’s a good average adventure game.

As has been said Lost Horizon 2 is not a cheap game and if you have to add the cost of updating your video card in order to play, only you can judge if that’s worth the expense.

I haven't yet found a truly "positive" review for this game

Is anyone who's actually playing it enjoying it

Yes, but I did find the motorbike sequence unnecessarily difficult. Quite tempted to give up at one point.

The only review I’ve read that is fairly neutral does unfortunately point to further time and stealth sequences also a few bugs as well. Its early days yet and maybe it makes sense to wait a while before buying when more info becomes available.

Sounds like they need to release a Patch for this game, not only to fix the bugs, but to insert a Skip feature so people can bypass this hated arcade feature. And it is possible to insert a patch to add a Skip function, it has been done before, unfortunately I cannot remember which games this has been done to in the past.

I just finished the game and I quite enjoyed it. Perhaps not as epic as the first game but I liked the settings, and the story, if a bit cliché (saving the world from power mad Soviets in place of the Nazis in the first game).

The puzzles were interesting, though I found myself pixel hunting in one scene. Thank goodness for hotspot key!

Maybe not everyone's tastes but then again I have always liked Deepsilver's games.

Noted and voted

I agree, Starcom. And maybe that would also help boost sales - if people are being put off the game because of the timed elements

If you don't mind Steam, are only put off of the game by the price, and don't have (but want) the Secret Files games, Steam has a bundle for $37.49 that includes both Lost Horizon games and 3 Secret Files games on sale this weekend, called the Animation Arts Bundle.

Thanks, oldbroad.

As an adventure addict I already have all the games in the bundle as I imagine many others have. I wonder who this is aimed at. (btw Secret files 3 was also a very bad sequel).

I have been reading all the discussions on Steam. All saying pretty much the same thing. There does not seem to be a single comment from the developers. Are they listening, I wonder.

Honestly, hearing all of this news about the game's shortness and action sequences, I'm beginning to regret paying full price for it. I'll keep it, as I would have gotten it anyway, but I think my money would have been better spent on the new King's Quest, which is apparently already longer after one episode than the entirety of Lost Horizon 2. Oh, well, I'm sure I'll enjoy the game regardless, although I'm not expecting it to be anywhere near the level of the original.

There does not seem to be a single comment from the developers. Are they listening, I wonder.

A good point Lyn. There’s no excuse because there are a number of excellent adventure game forums on the web where revues and member’s comment’s are readable available. First rule of business, know what your customers want.
I’ve updated my video card well above the specs required and still have problems. I’ll put it down as experience but once bitten, twice shy.

The publisher should be addressing issues, that is what they are paid to do. And they haven't responded to requests for a review copy also, so it's a bit frustrating. Maybe they don't want anymore reviews.

If you were waiting for a sale, Steam has it for $9.99 right now. I'll probably go for it.

Thanks, oldbroad.

Less than 2 months after release...
I imagine anyone who paid full price is kicking themself right about now.

Sounds about right for the game but make sure your video card meets the games specs before you buy.

Well I bought this at the reduced price. I had been so looking forward to it as I loved the first. Soooo disappointing. Puzzles were worse than I would expect from a casual game but without the ability to skip. I would not have got through most of them without a WT. Why do the devs mix 2 genres like this? It's neither one thing nor the other!!! It appeals to neither adventure fans nor action fans. The same happened with Secret Files. Each game was progressively worse than the last.

For me this was doubly disappointing as there are so few good adventure games around at the moment (BoUT 2 was the last....and that WAS worth waiting for!). What has happened to development of this genre? Not everyone wants maniacal pressing of buttons. Some of us like to think our way through. I only hope the devs of games such as Syberia 3 and Silence (Whispered World 2) don't fall into this trap.

Oh well, moan over. I just hope that the dearth of "proper" adventure games is temporary and not a sign of things to come.

I suppose they are trying to appeal to fans of Telltale's recent QTE games, like Tales from the Borderlands, Game of Thrones, The Wolf Among Us, and The Walking Dead. Telltale started out by creating revivals of adventure game series like Tales of Monkey Island and Sam & Max, and making adventure games based on popular non-game IP's like Back to the Future, Wallace and Gromit, and Bone. Then they switched over to making exclusively QTE games (***Quick Time Event games***) based on popular IP's because they found them more profitable -- quicker and easier to make a QTE game that follows a story without having to worry about designing and integrating puzzles. Not that their QTE games are bad if you like that sort of thing -- they take care to do a good job with the story, character design, voice, etc. But if you don't enjoy QTE, those games are not for you. Unfortunately QTE games are being categorized under the adventure game unbrella, even though the gameplay is more action/timed than puzzle-oriented.



I have more hope for Whispered World 2, since Book of Unwritten Tales 2 was a real adventure game and Daedalic has developed/published several other adventure games since Whispered World (Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav, Dark Eye: Memoria, the three Deponia games, etc.). We have proof that Daedalic is capable of making a real adventure game.

Syberia 3 is being developed by the "new" Microids/Anuman (not the Microids that developed the original games). Microids/Anuman developed games like Dracula 4 and 5, which many adventure gamers thought were "too casual" and didn't even allow manual saves (used a single autosave, like a casual game). I don't mind playing a casual once in a while, but not all the time, and we are already inundated with new casual games from Big Fish. We know next to nothing about the actual gameplay that is being planning for Syberia 3. What we know is that Benoit Sokal insisted on it being made with a 3D game engine (similar to Assassin's Creed) and for console, which means it will probably play best with a game controller and there will most likely be no option for point-and-click at all. We've been shown a handful of pretty screenshots and a trailer (which showed cut scenes and panned around screenshots and concept art and didn't show any actual gameplay at all). We have next to no information about gameplay, which IMO is the most important feature of any game. If all I cared about were pretty pictures and story, I'd be watching movies.

Totally agree with you Jenny100.

Daedalic seem to be almost the only ones making 3pp p&c games. There are 1 or 2 others but they are not as prolific. Although there was the release of a mini game from Silence...basically a snowball fight...very boring IMO so I hope this is not typical of the game. As for Syberia 3, sounds like that might be another disappointment.

I take your point about QTE. Obviously popular but just not my bag! I wish Telltale would go back to remastering old games (there's still more MI games could do with the treatment and deserve rerelease not to mention some other old classics like Indiana Jones, Flight of the Amazon Queen et al).

I don't mind the odd casual game either but I seem to be playing more and more as there is so little of "my" sort of genre. I do hope they'll be another BoUT as that was left with such a cliffhanger but that will probably take years. It's good to know I'm not alone in wanting more like this but are there enough of us to make it worthwhile for the devs? I hope so!!!

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis is available (tweaked for modern machines) from GOG for a very small cost and Flight of the Amazon Queen is also available - and that one is for FREE !!

Telltale's Sam & Max and Tales of Monkey Island games were new games based on the old IP's, not remasterings.
The "Special Edition" versions of Monkey Island 1 and 2 were made by LucasArts, not Telltale.

Double Fine did "remaster" Grim Fandango and is working on a remastered release of "Day of the Tentacle" in 2016.
They currently have screenshots of the remastered "Day of the Tentacle" on their homepage: http://www.doublefine.com/
So maybe Double Fine will remaster some of the other old games, like the old Indiana Jones adventure games (Fate of Atlantis and Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure).

Thanks Jenny100. I obviously confused Tales of with 1 & 2. I guess the point I was making is that if the devs don't want to make games of this genre they could remaster the oldies. I'm looking forward to DotT.

The other point is; there are clearly some fans of P&C adventure so why are the devs "tweaking" the pure form and turning the games into something else?

Just as an addendum to all this; this game took me 9hrs to finish. I have just played the first game again for the 3rd, possibly 4th, time and it still took me 17hrs. Enough said, I think!