Ultimately flawed in many ways this game is non the less intriguing, compelling and pretty much unique. I played it originally not long after it was released and had fond memories of it. This GOG release is definitely improved, the shooter sections are now much more playable although there are still design issues such as enemies being able to shoot you whilst being seemingly out of range, and in some places not even rendered due to distance culling making it impossible to hit them without closing the distance. But issues aside, my second play through had me hooked in just the same way as it did originally. Given the graphical limitations of the time it creates a very immersive world with a strong story line and interesting mix of game mechanics including the ability to possess other NPCs and play as them. The musical score by David Bowie and Reeves Gabrels is excellent. It's essentially an 'explore, solve the puzzles and unravel the mystery' game which is lengthy, detailed and takes you through a series of different environments and situations as the story progresses, mixed with marshal arts combat and first person shooter sections it provides sufficient challenges aside from the explore and discover aspects. Whilst graphically dated with some control aspects seeming awkward at times, taken as a whole it is imo a masterpiece of game design and vision and I highly recommend playing it.
OK, if you bought into all the hype then its probably never going to meet your expectations but as I didn't and came to it with an open mind I have to say I'm enjoying it. I have not suffered from any crashes, I do get occational graphical bugs, I dislike the bland somewhat non interactive ambient NPCs and sometimes iffy AI, but otherwise this has been a good experience with some great characterisations, superb main character models and animation, fun combat and interesting missions and storyline. The graphics look fine to me running on High settings @ 1080p and performance is quite adequate at between 52 and 75 fps depending on location using a 1080 card. I'm expecting a lot of the bugs to get ironed out in the forth coming patches, as is the way with most RPGs and open world games. Maybe not what a lot of people were expecting, but a good game non the less!
This game simply kept me coming back for more. Strong characterization with excellent voice overs, a compelling story line set in an effective futuristic game setting and graphical style. Although more walking simulator than interactive game, there is sufficient interaction and the unraveling of the story keeps the momentum going. I liked the ending too, it seemed fitting given the exploration of the characters and situations leading up to it. Well done Daedalic! I'd love to see more like this.
