Review – Whirlight: No Time To Trip
The point-and-click genre is thriving. Every few months, another little gem pops up and quickly wins over adventure game fans. The latest title to join that club is Whirlight: No Time To Trip from imaginarylab. I’ve played it and, honestly, there’s no better way to put it: this is a fantastic game.
Hector, a somewhat lazy physics professor, wakes from a surreal yet strangely inspiring dream with the sudden realisation that he finally knows how to complete his latest invention. To make that happen, he heads for the beautiful, atmospheric town of Verice Bay. Naturally, things don’t go according to plan.
Soon, Hector finds himself dealing with unexpected complications and a growing sense that danger is never too far away. Fortunately, he’s not alone. Before long, he crosses paths with Margaret, an artist who proves to be the perfect companion for this strange journey through time and space.
Gameplay-wise, Whirlight: No Time To Trip is point-and-click adventure at its finest. You explore detailed locations, chat with NPCs, collect and combine items, and solve puzzles along the way. Both the main cast and supporting characters are wonderfully memorable, full of amusing quirks and flaws that make them instantly endearing.
The puzzles, arguably the most important element of the genre, are one of the game’s greatest strengths. Objectives are often delightfully absurd and occasionally surreal, yet they always remain engaging and satisfying to solve. More importantly, the game constantly keeps you moving forward; you genuinely want to figure out what to do next just to see where the story takes you.
Just as importantly, the puzzles are thoughtfully designed and grounded in logic. One of the biggest issues with many adventure games is how easy it is to get stuck when solutions feel random or frustratingly obscure. Thankfully, that’s rarely the case here. Objectives are clearly outlined in the journal, and players can highlight interactive elements in each location. At the same time, the game never feels overly simplistic. It strikes an almost perfect balance between accessibility and challenge.
Another undeniable strength of Whirlight: No Time To Trip is its ever-present sense of humour. The game is packed with jokes of every kind: witty dialogue, situational comedy, visual gags, and a constant sense of charming absurdity. No matter where you go, there’s always something amusing waiting around the corner, and that style of humour fits the story perfectly.
Fans of classic adventures will also appreciate the countless references to genre legends. Some nods are more obvious than others, particularly those inspired by the Syberia and Runaway series, but the game is filled with easter eggs that pay tribute to the greats of point-and-click history. It’s a heartfelt homage from developers who clearly have a genuine love for the genre.
Visually, Whirlight: No Time To Trip immediately feels like a nostalgic trip back in time. Certain locations deliberately evoke an old-school aesthetic, while the environments themselves remain wonderfully varied. The larger open areas are particularly impressive; the townscapes, with their tiny brickwork and intricate architecture, look absolutely gorgeous.
The decision to use stylised 3D character models against these richly crafted backgrounds works brilliantly, enhancing the game’s quirky, slightly grotesque atmosphere. The only noticeable drawback is that some animations feel a little dated. This is especially noticeable with the main characters, as transitions between walking and running occasionally lack fluidity.
The adventure is accompanied by a subtle, atmospheric soundtrack that never overstays its welcome. On top of that, the game features full voice acting, and thankfully, the performances feel natural and genuinely expressive throughout.
Ultimately, Whirlight – No Time To Trip delivers everything a great point-and-click adventure should. It offers memorable characters you genuinely enjoy spending time with, inventive puzzles that strike an excellent balance between challenge and accessibility, and a story packed with charm, humour, and just the right amount of absurdity. If you have any affection for point-and-click adventures, whether you grew up with the classics or simply enjoy a well-crafted modern take on the formula, this is absolutely a game you shouldn’t miss. Highly recommended.
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Graphics: 7.0 An old-school vibe that gives the game a distinctive and original look. Unfortunately, some of the animations feel a bit dated and lack the same level of polish. |
Gameplay: 7.5 A classic point-and-click adventure with highly engaging puzzles and a strong sense of momentum. |
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Sound: 8.0 The soundtrack and voice acting are both excellent, doing a great job of adding atmosphere while bringing the game’s eccentric cast to life. |
Fun Factor: 8.0 The humour, clever puzzles, and eccentric characters make this a genuinely delightful adventure. |
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Final Verdict: 7.5
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Whirlight: No Time To Trip is available now on PC.
Reviewed on PC.
A copy of Whirlight: No Time To Trip was provided by the publisher.





