49 Keys Nintendo Switch Review 8/10 🗝️ @2Pcom @49chiavi

A game based on a celebrated Italian gamebook titled ‘49 Chiavi’, released in 2022, 49 keys has been adapted for consoles adapted by the original author, and hits all the right notes as a slow-burning text-heavy adventure title.

Set in 1520, your character travels to a distant abbey - following the last wishes of your former master - on a quest to unveil the secrets held within. Presented as if in the form of an ancient manuscript, 49 keys features incredibly evocative writing, crisp visuals and puzzles that will get your grey matter pulsating. Keening, aching music will accompany you as you make your way around the island, collecting items and taking notes – all the while getting closer to the centre of the mystery.A game that dovetails perfectly with its original text, 49 keys is an adventure that isn’t afraid to take its time, letting the situation breathe, whilst allowing you to drink in the text and artwork of the unfolding tale. A quietly atmospheric title, perfect for a dark evening, it also allows touchscreen controls for its mechanics, which blend point-and-click gameplay with a visual novel presentation. 

The only real issue I had whilst playing was a bizarre micro-delay on the controls, which leap from one interactive area to the next, I would have much preferred either free movement with the thumbstick, or a more instant response, meaning that I eventually plonked for touchscreen controls in handheld mode, where possible. 

SUMMARY

This gripe aside, 49 Keys feels quite unique in its presentation and high level of writing, don’t let the ‘7’ age rating put you off, this is definitely one to get stuck into, and is currently under a tenner!