Mermaid Bay by peter edwards

Review by Jfulls002

Good game, Only bad part was the sarcastic comments that threw me off from the last goal.

Review by Natloud

Very intricate, great game. Thoroughly enjoyed! (Not for the impatient!)

Review by Jaynaulty

There's a difference between challenge and bullshit/frustrating. This is just frustrating. I can't say anything about the writing because i was too busy trying to get past the beginning. If you're easily frustrated or have never played a text game before, stay as faraway from this as possible.

Review by DavyB

This was my first Peter Edwards game and was surprised to find myself stuck after a few minutes. I’d been around the obvious locations, looked at everything and found nothing of significance! I had to resort to the comments to understand where I was going wrong. It is not enough to look at everything, searching is important as well, and repeatedly following up on any new items identified in the replies. Also, it is necessary to look out for items that are implied rather than named directly. For example, if it says you are in a “simply furnished room” then “look at furnishings” may reveal more.

With that knowledge, this game is excellent! It looks well and I enjoyed the sound effects, though I did turn the sound down when serious thinking was required! There didn’t appear to be any traps leading to unwinnable positions, which is good, and only one opportunity to die, which is well flagged in advance. The puzzles are reasonably difficult but that is one of the attractions of Peter’s games. Overall, it was clear why the previous reviewers had all awarded 5 stars, and I can only agree with their judgement. I’m looking forward to working my through all eight of Peter’s text adventures on the site, making sure to take time to savour each one!

Review by abbyfiennes

very good entertaining and catching game

Review by KyuJones

OH! ^___^ Fantastic story!
I adored the end.

I do, indeed, love the story puzzles by this author!
Maps and puzzles are tricky and gratifying to figure out.
The scenario of this one is beautiful - an adventurous tourist investigating a mermaid and pirate. LOVE!!

Also, a much appreciated tidbit.. if you become stuck, look for helpfulness within the comments. Others before you may lend a hand in past words, and there is always the author there to guide you out of your specific predicaments!

Review by Cyril

I must say, this game was a real challenge. Beautifully done, it keeps you really engaged. Some of the puzzles are quite tricky but not impossible. It takes a little imagination and a lot of patience. Nice descriptions of your surroundings that give you just enough hints to enable you to finish the game. I had to use language that I was not used to in order to satisfy the needs of the game . But once that was understood with the aid of the help command in the game I was able to complete the game. Look forward to trying more of Peter's Games.

Review by DaNiX88

At first I was totally lost, but once I started exploring using different verbs, the story came alive and I felt as if I was part of the adventure. I was even surprised at one part of the story and actually felt the urge to escape. The mermaid is well written despite not saying much. I really enjoyed this adventure and it is one of my favourites by Peter Edwards. The sounds were well-executed, though there should have been a sound file at the end of the game. I played online, so I'm not sure if everything was full accessible that way.

All in all, a great adventure story that took me some time to solve. Another great thing, and though it's not really a critique of the game, but must be mentioned, is that Peter is still active and kindly helps you through his games.

A quality game that will keep you wanting to explore this website. Another job well-done!

Review by daniel&ashley

This is a beautifully written game with detailed descriptions of both landscape and objects. It was a good challenge and made me feel like I was on the beach! Thanks Peter!

Review by Charles Scott

Another enthralling and addictive game from Peter Edwards, who is continuing his great job of revitalising West Country mythology. The pictures and sound effects enhance the experience, but it is the wonderfully evocative descriptions that give the game its unique atmosphere and draw the player in. I was transported back to my many childhood holidays spent in Polzeath, building sandcastles and fishing in rock-pools. As always, the commentary is full of country lore and good environmental practice. The puzzles are cleverly devised and often cunningly concealed, but all completely logical (in retrospect!), and all the objects are natural to their surroundings and helpfully described (I loved the joke with the purse). A terrific story with a very satisfying and beautifully written conclusion. I'm going to miss wrestling with it of an evening -- please can we have another one soon, Peter?