The Great Xavio

by Reese Warner

Mystery
2004

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Number of Ratings: 8
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1-9 of 9


- OtisTDog, December 22, 2023

>INVENTORY - Paul O'Brian writes about interactive fiction

The game credits testers, but I can't tell whether any of them are members of the IF community. If not, that may be part of the problem -- it's important to have at least one person in your pool of testers who is conversant with the basic standards of modern IF. They'll notice things that novice testers will miss. To sum up in one word what this game lacks: polish. It just needs to be tightened up -- formatting errors fixed, typos eliminated, underimplemented areas enhanced. Once that happens, the peculiar charm of Hagerston and Todd will be able to shine through unimpeded.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
A somewhat uneven detective-type game about a magician, February 4, 2016

In this game, you play a graduate student who does investigative work with their supervisor, Dr. Todd. Dr. Todd accompanies you, and was nominated for an XYZZY award for Best Individual NPC.

The idea is that you are investigating a magician who's staying at a hotel, and you want to determine if they are legitimate or fake. You have to solve a series of puzzles to do so, such as breaking in, collecting evidence, etc.

The story is a bit odd; an old knitting lady is a bodyguard, a random child seems to have snuck into the magicians apartment (neither of these have anything to do with the rest of the story).

Overall, not strongly recommended.

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- Joshua Houk, October 18, 2014

- Grey (Italy), December 25, 2009

- Nathan (Utah), October 26, 2008

- tfbk, January 10, 2008

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Clumsy, October 31, 2007
by Nusco (Bologna, Italy)
Related reviews: IF Competition 2004

A comedic mistery with a well characterized NPC and not much more. Clumsy, uncertain use of the medium. The puzzles are decent at best, but the two protagonists save it from being quickly forgotten.

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- Quintin Stone (NC), October 23, 2007


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