Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Enter the Story: Volume 1 – Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables presents a fresh twist on the classic point-and-click adventure by blending it seamlessly with visual-novel–style choices. Instead of a cumbersome inventory system, you “recognize” objects and then propose them in dialogue, encouraging creative problem-solving and experimentation. The left mouse button intuitively handles exploration, double-clicks reveal character insights, and right-click suggestions can lead to surprising outcomes in conversations.

One of the most engaging aspects is your dual role as both Jean Valjean and the original series’ guardian angel, Peri. While Valjean remains at key story locations, you can detach and explore other areas as Peri, unlocking entirely new perspectives on Hugo’s narrative. This mechanic not only spices up exploration but also heightens replayability—returning to a scene as Peri often reveals clues Valjean never notices.

The recent re-release adds another layer of depth by allowing you to bring items and knowledge from Volume 2: Dante’s Divine Comedy back into this first adventure. This meta-feature feels like a reward for players who invest in the series, opening secret paths and fresh puzzles that weren’t present in the original 1997 launch. New locations and freshly integrated mechanics make revisiting this volume feel like a brand-new experience.

Puzzle difficulty strikes a balanced chord between casual and veteran adventure gamers. While some quests may seem opaque without exploring your dialogue log or map feature, the game’s design nudges you forward at a comfortable pace. Unexpectedly branching options and moral choices further enrich the gameplay loop, ensuring that decisions carry weight beyond mere puzzle completion.

Graphics

The visual presentation in Enter the Story: Volume 1 is an enchanting collage of manipulated period paintings and custom stroke-based artwork. Background scenes lifted from classic imagery blend with hand-drawn character animations, creating a living museum feel that honors Hugo’s 19th-century Paris. The interplay of textures transports you through dark alleyways, cathedral interiors, and sweeping cityscapes with impressive authenticity.

Characters come to life through elegant, minimalist animations rather than full-motion cutscenes. This artistic choice complements the game’s literary roots, focusing the player’s attention on dialogue and moral dilemmas rather than flashy graphics. Subtle motion—like the gentle sway of Valjean’s coat or Peri’s ethereal glow—adds life to each scene without overwhelming the narrative.

Though voices are absent, the strategic use of thematic music tracks elevates every interaction. A mournful cello underscores key moral decisions, while light harp motifs accompany moments of discovery. This minimalist sound design maintains immersion and ensures that text remains the star of each sequence, reinforcing the game’s visual-novel pedigree.

With the post-Volume 2 update, additional areas feature newly restored paintings and interactive hotspots. These refined visuals not only guide players more clearly through puzzles but also deepen the atmosphere of exploration. The updated map and log interfaces now integrate seamlessly with the art style, making navigation intuitive without breaking the period-piece illusion.

Story

Adapted faithfully from Victor Hugo’s sprawling 1862 epic, Enter the Story: Volume 1 zeroes in on Jean Valjean’s quest for redemption after his years as a convict. Yet rather than attempting a verbatim retelling, the game extracts core themes—justice, compassion, and moral responsibility—and weaves them into an interactive tapestry that unfolds at your pace. Players familiar with the novel will appreciate nuanced nods, while newcomers can still enjoy a self-contained moral journey.

The inclusion of Peri as an original protagonist adds a fascinating metafictional layer. As an angelic observer, Peri guides Valjean and offers commentary on human frailty, raising questions about fate versus free will. Their conversations often spark philosophical detours into religion, architecture, and social justice, mirroring Hugo’s own diversions in the source text. These detours never feel like filler; they reinforce the gravity of each decision Valjean makes.

The re-release’s new cross-volume connections hint at a grander narrative lurking behind the scenes. Fragments of an overarching background story are teased but not fully revealed, promising that future volumes will coalesce into one epic adventure. This sense of anticipation enhances the experience, motivating players to dissect every clue and speculation about how Hugo’s world will intersect with Dante’s.

Overall, the pacing honors the novel’s layered complexity without bogging players down in encyclopedic detail. Side conversations and optional puzzles enrich world-building, while the main plot retains momentum through emotional highs and lows. The result is a story-driven adventure that respects its literary heritage while leveraging interactivity to make each choice feel personal.

Overall Experience

Enter the Story: Volume 1 strikes a rare balance between literary adaptation and accessible gameplay. Its unique interface—melding point-and-click exploration with choice-driven narrative—offers a refreshing alternative to both traditional adventure titles and text-heavy visual novels. Whether you’re a die-hard Hugo enthusiast or simply an admirer of classic literature, the game provides a thoughtful, immersive way to revisit Les Misérables.

The absence of voice acting might initially seem like a drawback, but it ultimately reinforces the game’s focus on reading, reflection, and player-driven interpretation. Combined with evocative artwork and a haunting musical score, each scene feels like a living illustration from Hugo’s text. Newcomers will find themselves pausing to admire the artistry, while veterans will catch subtle references that deepen appreciation for the author’s themes.

The interconnectivity with Volume 2 extends the game’s lifespan considerably, turning what might have been a standalone adaptation into the first chapter of an ambitious saga. By solving puzzles with items from the Divine Comedy installment, you unlock optional areas and hidden dialogues that feel like rewards for your ongoing commitment to the series. It’s a clever approach that promises even greater synergy in future volumes.

In sum, Enter the Story: Volume 1 – Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is an engaging, thoughtful journey through one of literature’s greatest works. Its innovative mechanics, striking visuals, and layered narrative deliver an experience that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining. For fans of adventure games, classic novels, or simply well-crafted interactive storytelling, this title is a must-play.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10