TL;DR
TR-49 is a captivating departure from modern action titles, delivering a brain-teasing interactive audio drama set within a mysterious basement terminal. Developed by Inkle, this text-based puzzle game challenges you to recover lost knowledge by scouring archives and decoding secrets with zero hand-holding. Success relies on your powers of observation and memory rather than quick reflexes. While its minimalist graphics run smoothly on both PC and mobile, the experience shines on a larger screen where the intricate details of its atmospheric world truly pop. TR-49 is a rewarding, logical gem that offers a refreshing pace for those who crave a cerebral challenge over high-speed thrills. If you are ready to trade your controller for a keyboard and solve a mystery that could change everything, this is a title you can't afford to miss. Dive into our full review to see if you have what it takes.
In TR-49 we find an old computer hidden in a basement. It contains an archive of lost books and a secret that can change everything. Through a crackling speaker, a man asks you to find a stolen book. He only knows the title. Time is short and it is up to you to find the answers before it’s too late.
TR-49 is truly as far from an action game as you can get. This game is built on text-based puzzles and your ability to piece together information to then enter the correct code to proceed. The mysterious man on the other side of the microphone leads you through the work, but don’t think for a second that the game holds your hand. Here, it relies on you being observant and having a good memory.
The graphics are stylish but very simple, so you don’t need a powerful computer to play the game. Four to eight GB of RAM is plenty, along with a basic graphics card. I tested the game on both PC and iOS. In terms of graphics, the games do not differ at all, but I still found it easier to play on PC. It is also possible to play with a controller, but for certain elements, you still have to use the mouse.
On the phone, I sometimes found that reading all the text became a bit small, but that could also be because I’m rapidly approaching 50. When playing on a phone, I also recommend wearing headphones so you don’t miss anything that is said.
So what is the gaming experience like? This is no ordinary game, but rather an interactive audio drama where you navigate through all the diaries, articles, and other information; if you don’t like puzzle games and are looking for high-octane action, this is definitely not the game for you. I like it precisely because it is so different, and it’s relaxing while at the same time it can be frustratingly difficult at first. Once I got the hang of it, it became both easier and more logical, and eventually, I was navigating the game without even thinking about it.
In summary, this is definitely not a game for everyone, which makes it difficult to recommend. However, for those of us seeking something different and who love puzzle games, this is a fine little gem worth experiencing.
Inkle sent a review code for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests.
