Uninvited ...not a walkthrough!

Helping Hands

---

There are many walkthroughs all over the internet, but blindly following one makes playing any game rather pointless. Used as a reference, they're helpful to get you past those sticky bits that have you stumped - BUT NOTHING MORE. And I know all about that feeling all too well for this bloodthirsty adventure!

Anyhow, did you read our review of Uninvited? Go on, check that out :)

Uninvited is tough, and it's an understatement to say that some obscure puzzles are impossible to figure out because they make no sense whatsoever! Also, there are many areas used exclusively as a red herring - lots of dead ends with even more dreaded deaths (Ugh, remember that giant spider under the church?).

I figured I'd try to map what I can and provide some helpful tips that might help you out...

Generous Big Tips

---

* After escaping the car, look around before entering the scary mansion.

* Once inside, you'll notice an unlit fire and comfy chairs. Rest a while.

* Inside the library, there is an interesting book to read.

* Anything readable is often helpful for information, words to speak and numerical combinations.

* The hallway on the first floor has access to bottles for critters and phantoms.

* Hey, there's a spirit in the hallway on the ground floor, that's handy!

* Any books left lying about need to be examined and read.

* Flowers can be a sign of respect, especially when placed at the graveside.

* I always carry a box of matches with me because you never know...

* Aren't knives great for cutting stuff up? Vandals use them to slash things like chairs.

* Did you find a box in the Master's bedroom? If you're stuck, highlight the 'hidden' text below with your mouse: "pick up the box from inside the locked cabinet. This needs to be burnt in the fire"

* Gems make great keys for (erm) aptly shapely keyholes.

* The greenhouse is another enigma. Highlight this text if you're stuck: "use the watering can on the empty plant pot which is on the table on the left. Pick up the plant pot afterwards"

* Those dogs aren't that bad, they just need to hear a friendly voice. Reading is always helpful, right?

* If you don't go to church then you should - but the chapel is so vague and if you need help then highlight this text: "light the candlesticks and pick up the Cross. Don't forget to speak to the head..."

* The maze is its own entity of annoyance. Explore if you must but this is the part of the game where I "cheated" to find my way through. I know, I know but at least I'm honest! So, if you're fed up wandering around the maze like a fool, then highlight this text for directions: "north, west, west, north, north, west, west, north, north, east, east, north, north, east, east".

* It's here that you stumble upon a zombie! This is an easy kill but only if you were listening and paying attention right from the start? After the car explodes, you needed something. Can you go back? Ha!

* The maze still isn't over with and after killing the zombie, these are the directions to continue on: "East, east, south, south and you better have brought those flowers!". Hint? "only birds go inside a bird cage"

* Now we can leave the maze. Can you remember the way out? Okay, here you go: "north, north, west, west, west, west, south, south, west, west, south, south, east, east, south, south, east, east, south, south".

* Ice caves need melting. If you need help, highlight this text: "that brass pentagram which you thought was pointless is actually the way to melt ice. I know, I know... what a rubbish puzzle".

* Remember that little red demon that flies by every so often? Highlight time: "he loves cookies and can be found in the Recreational room on the ground floor".

* Dead body? Police might assume the worst so why not try dumping it?

* Drowning in the bathroom? Look up and keep trying.

* One final tip for the last task? John 14:6 ... Yep, you need a †

I hope my hints helped you out in some of those stickier moments. But please don't ruin this game by mindlessly following a walkthrough. Trust me, this adventure has its annoyances, but it's worth playing properly. Except for the maze, which is a stupid part of the entire quest - cheat all you like inside that place!

Okay, I'm being harsh because it's actually doable -but- only if you map it. This will take several attempts because of three things: 1) deadly creatures lurking in the maze. 2) dead ends. 3) Well, I won't spoil this one!! So, the best thing to do is draw a map and keep saving. This way, you can keep nudging your progress forward with each go. Yeah, it will take a while, so wouldn't it be nice if someone had already mapped it?

The Map!

---

Yeah, I've managed to map all of the rooms, paths and locations (that was fun!). It's complete, so download it. This took me several weeks to finish, so let me know what you think in the comments...

Yes, this image is merely a partial thumbnail. The download link is above, so grab it now!

Puzzling Puzzles

---

As I said in my review (go on, you know you wanna click it), there are many puzzles, but some are plain stupid. Success is always about being a good adventurer and leaving no stone unturned, so make notes and don't rush. Yep, slow down, grab that pen and paper, and you will do just fine (he says).

Before we see the absurd puzzles, let's take a look at some of the better ones I enjoyed...

Why would I need a paralysed spider? Well, isn't everyone scared of spiders? Everyone!

This is a game of experimenting, so look everywhere and why not see if... something... works...

Yeah, you sussed it out! But now a peculiar haunting dude shows up. Scare him away!

Interesting information is everywhere, so leave no stone unturned. Or chair.

What would you say to a gypsy? Well, I know, but let's be nice! (hint: read everything)

Absurd Puzzles

---

See how painless those puzzles are thanks to a little common sense? Plus, it always pays to read documents and books, as the information gathered will help. However, there are a few puzzles that are vague, so they stump even the most hardened adventurer. Heck, I don't think Spock could suss out some of these killers.

Melting ice, the church, and the greenhouse sections made no sense, and you know how I feel about the maze. There are some infuriating dead ends that are a pain in the bum, especially when you're worried about the "impending darkness". These aren't difficult puzzles, more like impossible, which is illogical to me.

Okay, you've waited long enough, let's take a look...

Stone faces talk, really? Candles scare away ghosts - in the daylight - that was weird!

One wrong move in the maze, and you've guessed it. Death! Did you save the game?

Another dead end that results in your gruesome death. So glad I save regularly!!

I cannot stress just how impossibly irritating this puzzle was. Cool ghost drawing though!

Perhaps the most annoying death of all - I had no chance without referencing a walkthrough :(

Funny Faces!

---

Let's end on a high note with some silly pixel art. Uninvited is stuffed with great artwork, but several screens are downright ridiculous, like the bathroom with its ugly miniature dolls hanging on the wall. Also, there are a few dodgy-looking monsters that certainly don't suit the "horror" theme (David Marsh, what were you thinking?). Quite odd compared to the other drawings, which are fantastic by comparison.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy this last batch of incredibly silly screenshots...

Attack of the killer tomatoes? Oh, and this was another ridiculous puzzle!!

Green fingers make this monster happy. Apparently...

One final demon to contend with, but only if you steal from the chapel! Whaaaat?

The weather brightens, and everyone is happy. Another day saved. Be happy.

lol yeah, that's me alright. And no, I don't have a printer!

What? Do you want even more?

---

Well, how about access to a hidden room? It's called the Art Gallery and is of no use whatsoever to your progress, but it is fun to visit. There is zero chance of stumbling upon it by accident due to the obscure way it's unlocked. Only by sheer luck, I spotted it on The Cutting Room Floor (works on Mac and Atari ST).

What I liked about this secret is that it's actually twofold: not only can you unlock and access the room, but you can also alter the girl in the painting. Give a guy half the chance... Yep, I'm talking boobs!

Again, thanks for stopping by, and remember to comment or share this article with the ST world...

As secrets go, this was nice to uncover, but... It's meaningless to your adventure.

Bring along the correct brush and hey presto, boobs!!!