Around the World in 80 Days Game Review: An Epic Strategic Adventure

Introduction

If you're a fan of thrilling adventure strategy games and travel-themed journeys, the Around the World in 80 Days game for the Game Boy Advance is a must-play experience. Based on the classic novel by Jules Verne, this interactive historical adventure will immerse you in a quest to circumnavigate the globe within the ambitious timeframe of 80 days. Developed by Cosmosphère and published by Destination Software in 2003, Around the World in 80 Days masterfully blends strategic planning, addictive puzzle-solving gameplay, and an engaging storyline inspired by 19th century world exploration. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable low competition adventure that will test your wits and determination every step of the way.

Thrilling Story Based on a Literary Classic

The Around the World in 80 Days game stays faithful to the source material while adding its own unique twists to the thrilling premise. You play as the eccentric English gentleman Phileas Fogg, who makes an outrageous wager at his prestigious club: he claims to be able to travel the entire circumference of the Earth in just 80 days. With his steadfast valet Passepartout by his side, Fogg embarks on a historical journey filled with unexpected obstacles, shady characters, and narrow escapes. The developers did an excellent job of capturing the spirit of exploration and adventure that made Verne's original novel so captivating. While the core storyline follows the book closely, the game's writers have taken creative liberties by adding new subplots and interactions that flesh out the vibrant world. From Paris to Bombay, San Francisco to Yokohama, every leg of Fogg's 80 day quest feels like a fresh, engaging chapter in an ever-unfolding tale of daring and determination.

Intelligent Blend of Puzzle, Strategy, and Resource Management

What sets Around the World in 80 Days apart is its seamless integration of three distinct gameplay elements: strategic route planning, inventory-based puzzle solving, and resource management on a global scale. At its core, the game is a strategic adventure puzzle where you must carefully chart Fogg's course around the world while optimizing travel time. Using a world map interface, you'll have to consider factors like travel costs, transportation methods, geographic barriers, and potential delays for each leg. Making the right decisions is crucial, as miscalculations can quickly derail your chances of meeting the 80 day deadline. Yet your strategic planning is only one part of the challenge. When visiting new destinations, you'll engage in classic adventure game puzzle-solving to overcome obstacles or gather vital resources for your journey. These brain-teasers often incorporate items from Fogg's inventory in clever ways, resulting in some head-scratching yet satisfying "aha!" moments. Managing Fogg's resources - finances, provisions, and travel gear - is another key layer of strategy. Budgeting money for transportation, lodging, and supplies while keeping an eye on your dwindling daycount creates a tense and thrilling dynamic. You'll need to prioritize spending at times, deciding whether to splurge for faster travel or ration supplies to extend your funds. Balancing these interconnected gameplay systems is immensely rewarding. One careless move on the world map could strand you in the middle of nowhere, while overlooking a crucial inventory item might prevent you from solving a puzzle blocking your way. The gameplay loop of planning routes, solving environmental puzzles, managing resources, and advancing the story makes for an utterly addictive experience.

Beautifully Retro Visuals and Globetrotting Soundtrack

While the ingenious hybrid gameplay is the star attraction, Around the World in 80 Days also shines through its wonderful audiovisual presentation befitting an epic world-spanning adventure. The game's visual style adopts a vibrant, retro aesthetic that channels the romantic spirit of 19th century globetrotting and exploration. Detailed 2D backgrounds depict famous landmarks like the Suez Canal and San Francisco's cable cars, while character portraits exude a timeless charm. The overall graphics won't dazzle by modern standards but possess a refreshing simplicity that suits the game's historical setting perfectly. The sound design is equally impressive and immersive. You'll be accompanied by a dynamic and varied soundtrack that shifts between upbeat, spirited melodies during fast-paced travel sequences and more serene, atmospheric tunes while exploring cities. Each exotic locale gets its own distinct musical identity. Sound effects like the rhythmic clacking of trains, the bustle of crowded markets, and the roar of ocean waves further sell the illusion of circumnavigating the globe. From the colorful character art to the diverse musical tapestry, Around the World in 80 Days demonstrates that superior artistic direction can elevate a game's sense of time and place just as effectively as cutting-edge technical achievements.

Conclusion

Around the World in 80 Days accomplishes the challenging feat of taking an iconic literary adventure and transforming it into an equally compelling video game experience. With its rewarding blend of strategic route planning, brain-teasing puzzles, resource management, and a rich interactive storyline, this hidden gem delivers an addictive, globe-spanning quest unlike any other. While some dated gameplay elements were inevitable for a GBA title, the core adventure remains immensely satisfying and replayable thanks to its depth and variety. As a single player experience, Around the World in 80 Days ranks among the best adventure strategy games from its era. Even 20 years later, few games have captured the sheer thrill of circumnavigating the world quite like this timeless gem. If you're seeking an engrossing adventure, top-notch strategic gameplay, and a celebration of Jules Verne's pioneering spirit of exploration, this is a quest every fan of single player historical adventures needs to experience. Whether you're a veteran gamer who missed this title back in 2003 or a newcomer seeking a refreshing twist on classic adventure games, Around the World in 80 Days stands the test of time as one of the GBA's most unique and rewarding experiences. Answer the call for an extraordinary strategic adventure that will leave you eager to embark on your own 80 day journey of puzzle-solving and globetrotting thrills.

Key Strengths

• Ingenious hybrid of strategic route planning, adventure game puzzles, and resource management
• Captivating interactive storyline inspired by Jules Verne's classic novel
• Perfect blend of challenging yet accessible gameplay for all skill levels
• Vibrant retro visuals and atmospheric soundtrack that enhance the globetrotting adventure
• Compelling replay value by mixing up travel routes and solutions

Target Audience

• Fans of strategic/puzzle adventure games
• Lovers of the original novel by Jules Verne
• Solo players seeking an immersive story-driven experience
• Retro gamers with an appreciation for classic gameplay reinvented
• Anyone intrigued by Victorian-era world exploration and discovery

Bottom Line

Blending cerebral strategy and rewarding adventure in one epic global quest, Around the World in 80 Days stands out as a true overlooked gem. Few games have captured the spirit of Jules Verne's timeless tale as ingeniously or entertainingly as this GBA classic. An absolute must-play for fans of strategic adventure puzzle games.