~ LOOM ~
LucasArts / TTI
Super CD-ROM
1992
Loom originally appeared on the PC and was quite a success before transitioning to the Turbo's Super CD unit. It's a strange game to say the least, and it certainly isn't for everyone. It's quite reminiscent of Sierra's line of King's Quest episodes, and if
you enjoy that type of point-and-click adventure game (as I do), you'll probably be enthralled with this title (as I am).
But be aware that it's slow. Truth be told, Loom can be a relatively tedious affair at times, as the hero walks slowly, the plot unfolds slowly, and the game loads up slowly. Despite all that, it's very short: you probably won't need more than a single
afternoon to complete it.
If you decide you can live with its pacing and length, Loom will have you assume the role of Bobbin Threadbare, a weaver who plays patterns of musical notes on his distaff to make incredible things happen. He sets off to find the other weavers (who have all
been turned into swans, of course)...
...and along the way he meets plenty of interesting folks from the Glassmakers, Shepherds, Blacksmiths and Clerics guilds.
Eventually, he stumbles upon an evil plot that the Clerics are devising and gets himself into a ton of trouble.
Loom won't deliver much action, but it will keep most players entertained. Bobbin eventually gains many powers, including the abilities to change straw into gold, see in the dark, alter the colors of objects, turn invisible, and strike fear into the hearts
of living things; and experimenting with the various drafts will lead to some truly hilarious moments.
Loom is a fabulously funny game; Bobbin is a witty, cynical young lad who isn't afraid to crack distasteful jokes or tell off the most powerful of villains. The wacky people and creatures he encounters during his quest provide plenty of laughs as
well.
"Ahem."
Loom boasts solid aesthetics to accompany its wonderful sense of humor. As you would expect in a game that places so much importance on sound, the music is brilliant. Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake composition possesses a leisurely, ethereal quality that adds to
the majestic feeling of the game. And while none of the character sprites exhibit much detail, the background graphics are often very well drawn and look like simple-but-cool paintings.
There's little doubt that Loom's slow gameplay will drive some people out of their minds. But if you're patient with the title, it'll probably keep you very entertained with its clever sarcasm and charismatic cast while really making you think.
