The Academy: The First Riddle Review!

“THE ACADEMY IS NOW OPEN FOR ALL!! Play all 3 chapters entirely for FREE and discover all the secrets this puzzling school holds.

Arbor’s famed Academy has always been a place where brilliance and mystery go hand in hand. Step into the shoes of Sam, a freshman who will soon discover that both greatness and dread are to be found in the ancient halls of the school. With a little help from your friends, tackle all of the challenges the Academy has to offer and become a part of the story unlike any you’ve played.”

iOS Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-academy-the-first-riddle/id1470125745

Android Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snapbreak.theacademy&hl=en_GB&gl=US

Company: Snapbreak Games

Genre: Adventure

Rated: 9+

Offers in-app Purchases

Gameplay

The Academy: The First Riddle is a Puzzle-Adventure game that follows Sam, a pupil at the academy. During his time there, he discovers a bunch of secrets and magic, along with having to solve puzzles to make his way through the academic year.

The gameplay reminded me a lot of a console game, with the act of exploring the grounds and doing tasks in your own time. It’s the furthest thing from a mobile game I’ve played in a long time and I loved it!

Graphics

The graphics remind me a lot of Hogwarts Mystery, in fact, this is pretty much what I expected Hogwarts Mystery to play like rather than just energy games. I digress. The graphics are very good for a mobile game and don’t crash or lag at any point.

Music & Sounds

While walking around the grounds, you hear what you’d expect to hear outside a school. Birds chirping, kids talking, and other outdoor ambiance. There’s music during the puzzles but it helps your concentration in my opinion!

Controls

To move Sam around the grounds, drag the left-hand side of the screen. Once you get to an area you need to go to, just tap on the diamond that appears on the door and you will enter.

The Power of in-app Purchases

Chocolate

Chocolate drops hints while doing puzzles.

10 chocolates for £0.89
60 chocolates for £2.49
Unlimited chocolates for £3.49
VIP pack which includes unlimited chocolates and the removal of ads for £4.49

Purchase the whole story for £6.99 or the remaining chapters for £4.99 each!

The Verdict

The Academy: The First Riddle gave me straight-up Harry Potter vibes and I loved it. My only issue with it is that you have no choice but to purchase the rest of the game if you want to get past chapter 3. However, for £6.99 it’s not a bad purchase considering it’s a well-made game.

If you decide to download The Academy: The First Riddle, let us know what you think and if you agree or disagree with the things we said. Happy gaming and stay casual!

The Academy: The First Riddle Overall Rating: 4/5