Indie Games: Pilot Light

Another Blendo Games project, Pilot Light is a point-and-click adventure that is a simple homage to the old Sierra and LucasArts games. The game follows our hero as she delivers a package across space. That’s pretty much the plot of the game and I’m OK with that. Point-and-click adventures don’t need any in-depth plot, they just need fun pointy clicky gameplay.

Indeed, the gameplay is pointy, clicky and fun. It’s a fairly basic affair, however, with you combining objects or using them on other things to get to attain your goal. Whilst it is fun it is too simplistic, with things pretty much being laid out for you with very little challenge. No crazy thinking is required, just put this in that and you win.

However, most of the fun comes from the writing. There’s no real story, but there are lots of events that take place. Whether it’s stopping someone robbing a space fuel depot or trying to get a man’s engine back from a monkey, the game has a lot of laughs and an enjoyment factor outside of the core gameplay. I found myself chuckling a fair few times, which made up, I feel, for the lack of challenge.

The art for the game is also pretty good. The rough around the edges style is cohesive with the gameplay and writing and really helps you get a feel for the world. This art style also works well with the animation, which I have to admit I really liked and would liked to have seen more of.

Something that could have improved this game, however, would have been better sound design. The only sounds are these little sound effects that only really play when you pick something up. Having some music in the background or sound effects during the cutscenes, or when doing other things, would have improved how the game felt. The lack of sound made it feel somewhat vacuous at times, which was disappointing.

Overall I’d say give this game a go. It’s pretty short, but it’s a nice little diversion if you have some time to spare. Whilst the gameplay is something to be desired, the writing will keep you going through it.