Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dylan Dog: The Looking Glass places you squarely in the shoes of the iconic “horror detective” in a first-person adventure format. Navigation is handled through static screen–based movement, where each new location offers carefully crafted imagery and clickable hotspots. The interface leans on classic point-and-click conventions, making item collection, dialogue choices, and environmental examinations straightforward yet satisfying.

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The game’s structure is split into two distinct acts, each delivering unique challenges. In the first half, you comb through the gloomy manor of the murdered archaeologist, interrogating witnesses and scouring dusty libraries for clues. Items you collect here can spark critical revelations or unlock new pathways. In the second part, the setting shifts to a volcanic research site—a drastic change of scenery that introduces fresh puzzles involving geological equipment and hazardous terrain.

Puzzle design ranges from inventory-based brainteasers to logic challenges rooted in Lovecraftian lore. While some solutions can feel obtuse—calling back to the golden age of adventure gaming—the steady drip of clues makes forward progress rewarding. Veteran point-and-click enthusiasts will appreciate the balance of thinking time and story momentum, while newcomers may find the learning curve brisk yet fair.

Graphics

For an early 1990s Italian production, the visuals in Dylan Dog: The Looking Glass are surprisingly atmospheric. The game uses richly colored pixel art backgrounds that capture the morbid elegance of gothic mansions and the unsettling geometry of volcanic caverns. Though static, each frame is densely packed with detail—tomes with cryptic symbols, looming shadows, and occult paraphernalia that evoke a palpable sense of dread.

Character portraits during dialogue sequences are hand-drawn and expressive, even if slightly limited by the palette. NPCs convey personality through subtle facial animations and posture changes, lending emotional weight to interviews and confrontations. Environmental lighting effects—like flickering candles or molten lava glows—are implemented via clever color cycling, heightening tension without taxing the hardware.

While modern gamers might find the resolution and frame rate quaint, the art direction remains a standout feature. Textures on stone walls, storm-tossed skies, and arcane manuscripts all demonstrate a committed vision. In an era before real-time 3D, Simulmondo’s dedication to mood and detail shines through every pixel, making the world feel alive with hidden horrors.

Story

The narrative unfolds like a Lovecraftian novella, weaving together the murder of a renowned archaeologist and an inexplicable surge in volcanic activity. From the opening minutes, you sense something eldritch stirring beneath the earth—a game mechanic mirrored by your growing inventory of occult tomes and cryptic artifacts. Simulmondo skillfully blends detective work with cosmic horror, ensuring investigative thrills never overshadow the creeping dread.

Dylan Dog himself is portrayed as a skeptical yet determined protagonist. His dry wit and polite persistence provide an engaging counterpoint to the eldritch nightmares you uncover. Interactions with secondary characters—fellow scientists, terrified villagers, secretive cult members—add moral complexity and occasional dark humor. The script strikes a balance between exposition and ambiance, allowing the mythos to build organically.

The two-part structure enhances pacing: the manor portion grounds you in classic detective tropes, while the volcanic expedition plunges you into alien landscapes and apocalyptic stakes. As you piece together the link between murder and magma, the final revelations feel earned rather than abrupt. The story’s Cthulhu-infused climax delivers a satisfying pay-off, leaving you both awed and unsettled.

Overall Experience

Dylan Dog: The Looking Glass remains a noteworthy relic for fans of horror adventures and Lovecraft mythology. Despite its vintage interface and occasional pixel-hunting, the game’s atmosphere holds up remarkably well. Each screen feels meticulously composed to chill the spine, and the steady drip of occult lore keeps curiosity—and pulse rates—high.

For players accustomed to modern conveniences like hint systems or real-time animations, the pace may feel deliberate. However, the reward comes in the form of genuine discovery: unraveling clues by yourself, piecing together the Necronomicon references, and ultimately confronting cosmic forces beyond comprehension. This sense of accomplishment is the core appeal for genre aficionados.

Whether you’re a die-hard Dylan Dog comic reader or someone seeking a taste of vintage horror gaming, The Looking Glass offers a unique experience. It’s a chance to step back into an era where imagination supplied the special effects, and every shadow concealed a secret. Prepare to lose track of time as you delve into a detective story steeped in otherworldly dread.

Retro Replay Score

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