Interesting game idea that has not captivated me throughout

First of all: The CD only contains the English version of the game. The English is well understood and content is not particularly challenging. But as it happens (spoken and written) relatively large amount of text, you should speak the language reasonably, otherwise it will be difficult with the search for clues. The package also a Steam-Key is included; possibly a German version available online.

The installation on my laptop (Windows 8) worked only at the third attempt, but then went very quickly and easily. Control is via keyboard and mouse, and is in need of improvement. The movements are too fast for my taste always either or too slow, so it is a bit tedious to get around and to look at things more closely.

As a player you take the role of Katie, who returns after a month-long trip home and finds her family left the property. The aim is to find out the basis of the whole house hidden clues as to what has happened in their absence. The track search is based largely on the Click & Point-Principle; using the mouse you can / open doors drawers / cabinets, take all sorts of objects into their own hands and take a closer look. Everywhere messages in the form of letters, discarded scraps of paper, tape messages are so scattered about which one learns gradually more about the family. A central role is played by Katie's sister Sam, who has come in their absence in the High School and there apparently was once heartbroken. Periodically, probably always, if you have discovered an important subject diary entries are processed in the background Sams, the basis of which you can learn more about their experiences and especially their emotional state.

At first I really liked the game. The property is huge, and there's really a lot to discover. Everything is designed with great attention to detail, even things that are more important for the story. Thus one finds, for example repeatedly postcards Katie sent from their trip, each provided with meaningful text. During the tour you will discover also different cartridges that actually play music while soaking in the cassette player. Initially, the search is still quite exciting because you have no idea what to expect. It is often eerily quiet in the house, the atmosphere somehow sinister, and the first half hour I have ever expected that something happens (burglar creepy discovery etc.).

At some point - long before the end - the whole was then pretty boring. They shuffled through dozens of rooms, is constantly looking for light switches, keys, codes. It sometimes makes you feel like a stalker, because a normal visitor rarely digs indeed in all drawers, pulling even from the recycle bins, the paper and read private letters. When I finally arrived at the loft (it has lasted an eternity, until I find the key for it), I was by the whole story then pretty annoyed. The answer to the question, where Sam is and why they did not wait for Katie, has not really interest me at this time and was also a bit disappointing. Ultimately (Warning, spoilers!) Is "gone home" the love and coming-out story of a teenager. It is partially touching, but does not fit somehow to the voltage and the sinister atmosphere that is built especially initially.

Overall, an interesting game idea, which has, however, not all the way made me really fun.