CLeM is a narrative-driven puzzle adventure game with a dark twist. Wake up in a world where puzzles intertwine with exploration, weaving a unique narrative rooted in alchemy. A voice awakens you. It gives you purpose. To guide you, you find a notebook with mysterious entries and a house to explore.
At the core of the experience, players navigate an abandoned house, encountering a variety of puzzles that they must solve to uncover the game's mysterious narrative. Reviewers describe this as a "new genre" that blends puzzle-solving with open-ended exploration, often referred to as "Puzzlevania." As players delve deeper into the house, they must use their observational skills and logical reasoning to tackle new challenges and progress through the story.
According to reviews, the game features a diverse set of puzzles that range in difficulty, providing a satisfying challenge for players. Reviewers describe the puzzles as "well-crafted" and "logical," requiring critical thinking without becoming overly frustrating. Many noted that the puzzles strike a good balance, engaging players without resorting to "haphazard guesses."
The exploration and puzzle-solving are designed to flow seamlessly, allowing players to revisit previous locations and solve new challenges as they acquire new abilities or "magical toys." Reviewers praised this backtracking mechanic for keeping the gameplay fresh and encouraging them to re-examine familiar areas with a new perspective.
A key strength of the gameplay is the way the puzzles are integrated with the game's mysterious story. As players solve puzzles, they uncover more of the narrative, which reviewers describe as "fascinating" and "compelling." The puzzles are not merely standalone challenges but actively contribute to the player's understanding of the game's world and characters.
Reviews mention that the game's controls, while not traditional point-and-click, are well-implemented and responsive, allowing for smooth navigation and puzzle-solving. Additionally, the inclusion of in-game help features is appreciated, making the game accessible to a wider range of players.