Context is important in any review so I will first provide mine, then give my impressions of the game. I enjoy SciFi, I play games for story and atmosphere first and do not mind a more spare UI so long as it does not interfere with the gameplay/story progression (look at Alan Wake for an example of this, I would not recommend it for the gameplay alone but I enjoyed more than one playthrough because I enjoyed the atmosphere and story). Impressions of the game. UI simple but usable, there are some fun aspects moving from camera to camera and the range of your access being limited by the location of your access point (the phone held by Hope) is a nice touch. The stealth aspects are not strikingly innovative but they are solid and entertaining in the ratios presented. The story is enjoyable in a Deus Ex kind of way (this is a totally different game, but the backdrop for it and the characters/interactions all have elements reminiscent of both the first title in that series and Human Revolution). Some players may not enjoy the collection of items 'side-quest' but they are totally optional and I really enjoyed the voice over in character assessments of various literary works. I often play games in longer sittings and this was no exception, finishing the first three chapters in one sitting so I cannot say it was a lengthy play experience but it was a satisfying one for me. Those looking for a story based on a twist or diverging drastically from familiar dystopian themes will likely not find it here, but those who will enjoy a story that raises questions about the ethics and implications of surveillance and censorship set in a 'near future' scifi dystopian world should check this title out. This gamer at least finds it easily worth the price of admission.
I have purchased four copies of this game over the years and played it mote times than I can count. Even years after it's publication it still stands head and shoulders above most RPGs (and as an RPG fan, for me it stands head and shoulders above most other games). It proves hands down that a quality story and setting implemented with real gameplay that allows players to make decisions about their own story will always make for a high quality product than simply trying to mimic the latest fad in genre or technology (as is too often the case with games today). Thank you GOG for making this excellent classic available once more.
