Platform reviewed: Meta Quest 2
Also on: PSVR2, Meta Quest 3/3s, SteamVR
Price: $24.99
Playing The House of Da Vinci by Blue Brain Games felt like stepping into a masterfully designed escape room—one brought to life with incredible attention to detail. From the start, the graphics blew me away. The world is rich, immersive, and meticulously crafted, capturing the essence of the Renaissance and the mind of Leonardo da Vinci. It’s the kind of game where you stop to admire your surroundings because everything feels so thoughtfully designed.
The puzzles are where the game truly shines. They’re not just random challenges scattered across the room—they’re interconnected in a way that constantly keeps you thinking. One puzzle often leads to another area of the room or reveals a tool you didn’t realize you’d need until much later. The brilliance of the game lies in how seamlessly everything is tied together. It’s not just about solving individual puzzles but also figuring out the right sequence to progress. Sometimes, you’ll discover a mechanism that doesn’t make sense at first, only to later realize it unlocks something critical you’d previously overlooked.
This adds a strategic layer to the gameplay. You’re not just solving; you’re strategizing. It keeps you engaged, especially when you finally see how all the pieces fit together. There’s a moment of pure satisfaction when you realize that something you did earlier—like aligning gears or uncovering a hidden key—was setting the stage for the next step. It’s a rewarding process that keeps you hooked.
That said, as much as I loved the game, I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more freedom. The game operates on a point-and-click system, where you jump between fixed areas rather than exploring freely. Don’t get me wrong—it makes sense. A free-roaming setup might have made things too complicated or distracted from the puzzles. Still, I couldn’t shake the thought of how amazing it would be to wander through this gorgeous world and discover hidden corners on my own.
Even with that limitation, I understand why the developers made the choice they did. The focus is on the puzzles, and the point-and-click system keeps things streamlined. Honestly, the immersion is so strong that, after a while, I stopped minding.
Final Grade: A-
Overall, The House of Da Vinci is an impressive game. If you’re into escape rooms, puzzles, or beautifully designed worlds, this one is absolutely worth your time. Sure, it’s not a free-roaming adventure, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s an intricate, rewarding experience that pulls you into its world and keeps you engaged until the very end.
Review code provided through Press Engine
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