Apple Arcade review #63: Jenny LeClue

Or to be more accurate: Jenny LeClue - Detectivu, which is objectively a great name.

This is a very pretty game with some clever mechanics, and the developers have done a good job with the touch controls. They’re not perfect. At times it does feel like the game is designed for mouse input. But it’s a lot better than many other cross-platform games of this type, and I have to give them credit for getting it mostly right.

Of course, this is a point-and-tap adventure game, so the story, dialogue and puzzles are central. Unfortunately, I rarely have more than thirty minutes to play any particular game before I write a review. There are instances where I feel I have to give a game more time before I can write anything, and also instances where I’ve spent more time with a game because I enjoy playing it.

I haven’t given Jenny LeClue nearly enough time. That’s not because I didn’t enjoy my time with it, but because it’s the kind of game that requires patience and attention. This isn’t something you can play one-handed on public transportation or while waiting in line for takeaway food. I don’t have much to say about the narrative or what happens beyond the first half hour — but I liked what I saw. There are perhaps a few too many false starts and framing devices, and I was left somewhat confused by the opening fifteen minutes, but it’s mysterious and intriguing and so very pretty, I definitely wanted to keep going. And I probably will — or at least encourage my daughter to play, so I can watch over her shoulder.

Again, Jenny LeClue looks great and it’s clearly a labour of love. It’s free with Apple Arcade and works very well on the phone (and iPad), so there’s no good reason for not downloading it. Especially if you’re a fan of adventure games. And pretty art.

Link: https://apps.apple.com/no/app/jenny-leclue-detectivu/id882562699