Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: Jonathan
Item: Jonathan
Author: Retro Replay

Jonathan offers a distinctive blend of traditional point-and-click mechanics and surreal, mind-bending sequences that set it apart from its contemporaries. Players step into the shoes of a wheelchair-bound teenager who navigates a small German town on the brink of chaos. The core interaction revolves around gathering items, solving occult puzzles, and calling upon the assistance of Jonathan’s close-knit group of friends to overcome physical limitations.

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The interface itself is intentionally messy and colorless, reinforcing the game’s themes of disorientation and psychological upheaval. Simple commands like “look,” “use,” and “talk” remain, but their effects can shift dramatically depending on Jonathan’s mental state and the creeping influence of the ancient force stirring in Kronstadt. This unpredictability keeps players on their toes as they piece together clues in a non-linear fashion.

Many of the most engaging moments arise when the viewpoint switches to Jonathan’s friends. Each friend brings unique abilities—keenness of perception, physical strength, or social leverage—that open new paths and solutions to puzzles. These cooperative sequences not only deepen the gameplay but also underscore the importance of community in confronting both mundane challenges and supernatural horrors.

Graphics

In stark contrast to its austere interface, Jonathan boasts sumptuous, high-resolution artwork in frequent cutscenes. These scenes often feature photorealistic depictions of the characters, including unabashedly explicit imagery that was shocking for its time—especially within a late-’80s German adventure game context. The jarring leap from the drab dialogue screens to these lush vignettes enhances the sense of stepping into a psychedelic nightmare.

Background environments capture the quietude of a small German town before it unravels into chaos. Hand-painted textures in the streets, homes, and local landmarks help establish a hauntingly familiar setting. As the ancient force tightens its grip, subtle visual distortions—warping walls, flickering lights, and creeping shadows—underscore the supernatural flare that Jonathan taps into through Celtic mysticism.

Though the static nature of many screens can feel dated by modern standards, the juxtaposition of gritty UI elements and polished art sequences creates an unsettling atmosphere uniquely suited to the game’s themes. It’s a deliberate artistic choice that may come off as disjointed at first but ultimately cements Jonathan’s reputation as one of the most visually perplexing adventures from the Amiga era.

Story

The narrative unfolds over eleven fateful days in November, as Kronstadt drifts from bourgeois bliss into uncontrolled violence and occult frenzy. At its center is Jonathan, a teenager bound to a wheelchair who discovers a latent talent for magic rooted in ancient Celtic rites. His experimentation with mysticism provides the catalyst for the town’s descent into horror, warping minds and exposing hidden desires.

Jonathan’s story weaves together late-’80s youth culture—cassette tapes, neon fashion, and meandering street gatherings—with a sinister undercurrent of aggression and uninhibited sexuality. Friendships are tested as the lines between reality and nightmare blur. Intimate cutscenes reveal not only Jonathan’s vulnerabilities but also the personal demons of his companions, whose internal struggles become as important as the external threat.

Rather than following a linear “good vs. evil” arc, the plot thrives on ambiguity. Choices made by or about Jonathan can lead to multiple outcomes, each tinged with moral complexity. The ancient force itself remains elusive—neither wholly malevolent nor benevolent—leaving players to grapple with questions about power, responsibility, and the price of tampering with forces beyond comprehension.

Overall Experience

Jonathan is not for the faint of heart or those expecting a conventional adventure. Its schizophrenic blend of serene small-town life and graphic occult themes creates an experience that is equal parts unsettling and intriguing. The willingness to tackle taboo subjects and to present unapologetic photorealistic nudity gives the game a daring edge, though it may alienate sensitive players.

On the positive side, Jonathan’s cooperative dynamic—where the protagonist relies on friends to overcome his physical limitations—adds emotional weight to each puzzle and decision. The soundtrack, punctuated by ambient synths and dissonant chords, further immerses you in the brewing hysteria of Kronstadt’s streets. Even the most experienced adventure gamers will find themselves challenged by the game’s erratic interface and cryptic clues.

Ultimately, Jonathan stands as a singular relic of Germany’s Amiga heyday, melding occult horror, teenage rebellion, and avant-garde art into a psychedelic journey. For collectors and adventure aficionados seeking a deeply atmospheric and provocative title, Jonathan offers an unforgettable descent into madness—provided you’re ready to embrace its deliberate eccentricities.