Good graphics, interesting options
The game plays well and stays interesting but shuts down shortly after being started. That is very frustrating.
This is a good game with very nice graphics. It includes a overhead town view which regulates movement and it is very well done. When the main character is at any particular location, the game zooms in for views which include nice detail and considerable variety both around and inside buildings. There are plenty of non-essential characters who provide interesting and sometimes humerous dialog. One thing I disliked about the game is the method used for the main character to acquire money. It is like an Easter egg hunt where considerable time is spent going over the same areas again and again picking up money that keeps randomly popping up and is only visible when in close proximity. Another analog is time spent on community service picking up litter as punishment. There are also artifacts which are acquired in the same repetitive manner and which must be sold for cash. Finding each artifact is like finding the Holy Grail. Each one pops up, spins in the air with flashing lights, etc. The first two events were interesting. After that happens hundreds of times, it becomes boring and just adds time. I say that because I wish I could toggle that process off and I am only 10% through the game. Both of those money acquisition systems are mind numbingly boring. Why did it never occur to the game designer to not just put this guy on a salary and let him solve the mysteries while keeping an active social life? Another issue which is only a matter of personal preference concerns the supporting cast. The dialog is interesting and well written but the body types lack variety. Gamers who prefer looking at large and extra large women will be pleased. Those who prefer average, slightly thin or thin women will be disappointed. The facial and body images on the characters are good. There is a wide range of personality types. The hints included save time and are optional. There are different ways the game can proceed which adds replay variety.
This is the first game I have played that uses this format. It is interesting and challenging although somewhat repetitious. The graphics are good and the story line is easy to follow. My low rating is because there are several confusing clues that I was not able to resolve. Some of those can be ignored as there are several threads to follow and I assumed they could be bypassed by taking more time and repeating hours of progress thinking maybe the sequence of actions is unforgiving. However, I am halfway through the game and my progress is completely blocked because of those clues and hints I cannot work through or around. I cannot make any progress after spending many hours looking and relooking for any clues I might have missed. The game does offer hints which speeds play and prevents many hours of walking in circles. However, there are times when those hints are not enough. It would help me if it was possible to ask for assistance, but I am resigned to just deleting this game and never playing it again.
