After the release of the smash hit book The Da Vinci Code, the famous Italian polymath, inventor, and artist was everywhere. From literature to gaming, his influence was suddenly in vogue once more, if it had even gone away. One seriously overlooked gaming title from this period, and a standout VR release, was House of Da Vinci. We discuss why it must be given a second look in the article below.
The Original House of Da Vinci
The original House of Da Vinci was released in 2017, which seems like an age ago. However, it has held up extremely well, particularly in its field of VR puzzlers. It was created by Blue Brain Games, whose meticulous weaving of the narrative with Renaissance period events makes the title stand out. Without this, the game would have suffered immeasurably.
Imagine an escape room, done through VR, in old-time Italy and you are halfway there. You play the part of Da Vinci’s apprentice, who must locate his missing master. This is done by solving different puzzles to progress the narrative. It often includes the use of two lenses which grant additional abilities. One lets you see events that happened in the past, and another gives you the ability to see hidden ciphers.
Sequels and Related Games
At the time of the game’s release, a few other titles arrived on the market, making it a glorious period for Renaissance-themed games. If you enjoy puzzle and chance games, then Da Vinci Diamonds is a great little aside. Part of the iGaming sector, which involves online casino games, the title falls under the real money slots category. However, it provides so much more than other titles. This is down to the tumbling reel features, which add an element of unpredictability. It is often included in the top ten slot categories and has remained popular despite other similar titles arriving on the market.
If you want more of the same, then the game did manage to have two sequels. The second was released in 2019, with the conclusion of the trilogy coming in 2021. It is a game where you should probably start at the beginning instead of picking it up halfway. While there are no plans to revive the series, this year, the studio will release the House of Tesla, which should keep you puzzling a little longer.
Commercial Reception
What blew many players and critics away with the game was the graphical quality. Everything is extremely immersive and detailed, dropping you right into the heart of the period so it feels as if you have jumped back in time.
Added to this are the puzzles. Unlike many games of this nature, they are interconnected. At no point do you feel like you are completing a puzzle for the sake of being in a game. Each one has a purpose, taking you further toward the goal of finding your master.
At some points, you may be wishing for a bit more action. The point-and-click nature drives the game to this, but for true puzzle fans, this just makes it all the more authentic. If you are looking for a standout VR game with bags of character, then this is for you.
