The tagline of Keepsake is "An Unforgettable Adventure." That's not only about the most generic and vague description possible, but it's also completely untrue. Keepsake is so dull and forgettable that once you reach the end of the 10-plus-hour adventure, you'll have a hard time remembering why you...

Unique and challenging puzzles; Handy hint system helps keep the game moving

Some of the worst voice acting you will ever hear; Blurry; low-res backgrounds; Dull characters and an uninteresting story

Genre: Adventure Publisher: The Adventure Company Developer: Wicked Games Release Date: March 31, 2006 There used to be a time when all adventure games were more or less like this: set in far off fantasy worlds with themes of wizardry, dragons, mages guilds, and an ever-lingering sense of journey.

A winsome medieval tune surrounds Lydia as she makes her way over the shady path through the verdant forest. As she crests the hill, the Academy of Magic appears before her in all its castle-like fortification, with purple domed turrets and stone parapets reaching into the sky.

Keepsake has been in development at Montreal based Wicked Studios for some time now (we did an interview with them about the game back in the fall of last year). Thanks to The Adventure Company, North American gamers everywhere can get their hands on the title, and it was well worth the wait.

Become a student in a world surrounded by magic and mystery.

This game runs fine on Win 7 x64, with no need for compatibility settings. It is an adventure/puzzle game, and the graphics, while dated, are still nice. I find that I am using the hint button a lot, just to see exactly where to go next, because it's not really clear (like when you start the Trials...

One might think that it's a little late to hop on the ‘student in an academy of magic' wagon that everyone seemed to be jumping on a couple of years ago, when a certain first movie in a series came out in the theaters. Well, it is, so at this point you have to hitch your own wagon.

Graphics & Sound: Keepsake 's gorgeous locations are just one of the many features that help to make this game your typical adventure title. Most of the game takes place in Dragonvale Academy and the surrounding grounds. Each pre-rendered location is a stunning piece of artwork.

Every so often this happens. I'm talking with a publisher lining up games for our staff to review when I'll notice one, ask about it and be told, "That came out six months ago." Oops. Such is the case here with TAC's Keepsake . I'd heard of it, but never heard of it coming out.

Keepsake has plenty to recommend, but it really isn't for everyone. Those whose idea of a good adventure involves inventory puzzles and plenty of characters to talk to may be put off by the emphasis on solitary exploration and puzzle solving, particularly given the game's surface resemblance to...