PuppetShow: Porcelain Smile – Review

PuppetShow: Porcelain Smile marks the fifteenth game in AMAX Interactive’s never-ending HOPA saga. Your friend Dee-Dee has asked for your help after reviving a threatening letter about her new rare porcelain puppet, impeccably designed by the great Alexander! can you save your long-time college friend from this chilling misfortune?

Out of all the AMAX series that dragged on for far too long, PuppetShow is probably one of my favorites. While there were some stumbles here and there, the series’ portfolio so far has been fairly solid. Porcelain Smile is definitely not the best PuppetShow installment, but it is also far from the worst. The concept of the storyline is one that we have seen too many times – another possessed puppet, another vindictive villain, another mad inventor. However, there are things in PuppetShow: Porcelain Smile that I am surprisingly thrilled by. This includes some disturbing scenes, effectively creepy moments, and interesting characters that are easy to empathize with.

That being said, PuppetShow: Porcelain Smile is still a cookie-cutter game through and through. The adventure part of the game is formulaic and easy, despite some minor creative choices regarding the interactive elements. The hidden object scenes are plenty, which might satisfy some people – they are enjoyable, although far too traditional. Similarly, the puzzles are nothing to worth writing home about, but that does not mean that they are not at least fun.

PuppetShow: Porcelain Smile’s presentation remains indisputably AMAX, with slightly washed-out colors and an ominous and hazy overtone. The location designs are interesting from time to time, which is actually quite refreshing considering the studio’s choppy track record as of late. In addition, the music does a great job setting the mood and building the suspense. On the other hand, the voice-overs fail to capture the personality of the characters and can be incredibly distracting at times.

I must admit that I enjoyed PuppetShow: Porcelain Smile more than I thought I would, even though there was nothing that leaves a big impression at the end of the four-hours mark. The Collector’s Edition would be a great purchase during sales events and it features a bonus chapter, a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, videos, screensavers, replayable hidden object scenes, replayable puzzles, achievements, collectibles, and morphing objects.

PuppetShow: Porcelain Smile sticks to its familiar formula and delivers a forgettable, but pleasant experience.

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