Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ben Jordan: Paranormal Investigator Case 6 – Scourge of the Sea People continues the series’ classic point-and-click formula, letting players guide Ben through a series of locations around the quaint fishing village of Agia Anna and its nearby islands. The familiar icon-based interface remains intact: a set of verbs at the bottom of the screen for actions like “Look,” “Take,” and “Use,” combined with an inventory system that encourages careful item management. Puzzles generally revolve around collecting clues, combining inventory items, and engaging in dialogue, keeping the pace steady without straying into pixel-hunt territory.

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One highlight of the gameplay is the balance between investigation and exploration. While Ben’s friends consider the trip to Greece a well-deserved vacation, players will find themselves meticulously questioning villagers, examining local artifacts, and piecing together the mythic origins of the Sea People. The ability to travel between the shoreline, the docks, and several small islets adds variety, and each new location brings fresh dialogue trees and objects to interact with.

That said, the difficulty level stays relatively moderate. Unlike some adventure games that force illogical leaps, Scourge of the Sea People offers straightforward solutions that make sense in context. Hints are woven into conversations, and character portraits—complete with expressive animations—help communicate emotional cues when NPCs are withholding information or growing suspicious. Fans of the series will appreciate how the gameplay builds on previous cases without introducing an unwieldy number of new mechanics.

Graphics

Graphically, Scourge of the Sea People embraces a charming, hand-drawn pixel-art style that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The pastel sunsets over the Aegean Sea and the moonlit waves crashing on Agia Anna’s rocky shoreline create a richly atmospheric backdrop. Textures on weather-beaten buildings, fishing boats, and sea-worn docks are finely detailed, giving each scene a sense of place that enhances immersion.

Character portraits during dialogue scenes are crisp and emotive. Ben Jordan’s slight weariness, Simon Booth’s confident grin, and Alice Wilkins’s warm expressions bring the story to life. Transitions between static backgrounds and conversational close-ups are handled smoothly, with subtle animations—like the flicker of a lantern or the gentle bob of a boat—that keep the world from ever feeling too static.

While the game doesn’t push the boundaries of 2D adventure graphics, its aesthetic coherence is exactly what fans of the genre crave. There’s a timeless quality to the artwork that complements the paranormal investigation narrative. Whether you’re rummaging through an old fisherman’s shed or peering through a creaky lighthouse window, each scene evokes a strong sense of mood and place.

Story

Picking up where Case 5 left off in Osaka, this sixth installment takes a tonal shift from urban intrigue to seaside myth. The premise is simple yet effective: villagers in Agia Anna whisper about ancient Sea People emerging at night, dragging locals into the depths. As always, Ben Jordan refuses to accept local superstition at face value and launches a thorough investigation, much to the chagrin of his holiday-seeking friends.

The narrative weaves together folklore, subtle romance, and investigative drama. Alice Wilkins’s lingering rapport with Ben adds a sweet subplot, as the two share moments of quiet banter while seeking clues. Meanwhile, Simon Booth supplies comic relief and occasional skepticism. The supporting cast of villagers—from the nervous innkeeper to the weathered fisherman who claims to have seen the creatures—are well-drawn and provide genuine narrative weight to the mystery.

The pacing is measured but never sluggish. Each new clue feels earned, and the sense of mounting tension as night falls is palpable. The writers do an excellent job of blending documented historical references to the “Sea People” with supernatural speculation, ensuring that the final revelations are both surprising and satisfying. Rather than relying on jump scares, the story leans into an atmosphere of creeping dread and the thrill of discovery.

Overall Experience

Ben Jordan: Paranormal Investigator Case 6 – Scourge of the Sea People offers a solid, engrossing adventure that should please both series veterans and newcomers alike. Its combination of intuitive puzzles, evocative pixel art, and a well-paced storyline make for an experience that strikes the right balance between challenge and accessibility.

The game’s length is appropriate for its price point, clocking in at around three to four hours for a first playthrough. Replay value comes from exploring alternative dialogue choices and taking your time to soak in the picturesque Greek setting. There are no hidden time limits or failsafe traps, so players can savor each moment of investigation at their own pace.

In the end, Scourge of the Sea People stands out as a testament to what classic point-and-click adventures can achieve when they focus on atmosphere, character, and coherent puzzle design. Whether you’re drawn by Ben’s paranormal sleuthing, the scenic island vistas, or the whispered legends of the Sea People, this case delivers an engrossing seaside mystery that’s well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

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