In Cold Blood
Recommended requirements (not minimal)
Pentium 266 or equivalent
64 RAM
Direct X7 compatible sound card
16MB 2D graphics card
32 bit color
200 MB space
The game can be minimum installed or full install. Either works out well.
Even with the minimum install disc swapping is not a problem.
Let me start this whole process to say that I am absolutely biased in
favor of this game. I loved the dark, moody and superb graphics. I thought
the characters were some of the most expertly developed and highly
captivating figures I've seen in a game. The plot was masterful and well
advanced by the narrative, character interactions and amazing cut scenes.
Imagine that you find yourself dazed and confused in the hands of a power
mad scientist intent on world domination. You are being tortured and can
not at first remember who you are and then how you got to that point.
Through a series of cut scenes and the flashbacks to the missions
themselves (which are remembered during the interrogations) you slowly
start re-building your identity and memory. But There is now a deeper
mystery: What is the ultimate intent of this evil man holding you and more
importantly Who or what betrayed you and why.
I know - at this point you are perhaps saying to your self - well it
sounds interesting but keyboard controlled !! Errr and then action... Lets
lay this to rest here and now. I have but a modest level of exposure to
any keyboard based game. Grim Fandango - EMI and a few others. I had a
very short learning curve on this game. If I can handle the interface -
just about anyone can. Secondly, although there is one particularly pain
of a drone to dispose of in a later mission, for the vast majority - you
don't have to enter into a "timed sequence until you decide to jump in and
only after you have scanned the area and devised a strategy. The game book
itself states clearly "Cord should avoid combat wherever possible" This is
a stealth game - you are trying to infiltrate not boldly stomp through
locations. However there are instances where you must take action. One
really nice thing about this is that the gun auto aims. All you have to do
is point it in the general direction of whatever you are trying to hit and
fire. This is easier action than some of the timed adventure sequences in
other games. As always - you can also opt for a cheat mode - though I
didn't find it necessary at all. You do need to search your environment at
all times and in particular enemy soldiers that you have indisposed
heh-heh. This is where you get ammo, keys, health packs and other cool
stuff.
In the end I would say: If you enjoy spy adventures, (like James Bond), if
you don't mind a little action mixed in with your exploits and if the
medium violence and some strong scenes (the protagonist is being held
captive) then I highly recommend this game.
The plot is intricate and highly involving. The characters are strongly
developed and easy to get into. Plus the cut scenes and particularly the
end sequence are masterful. I particularly loved the way the cut scenes
integrated with and advanced the plot and character development so
seamlessly.
Just be warned this isn't Myst. This is an immersion type game into the
realistic world of a spy out there in enemy territory - trying to uncover
a plot to rule the world and uncover the traitor from within. As in real
life - the politics of such a scenario are frequently muddy and
conflicted.
If this is something that intrigues you...it is a must have game.
Developed by Revolution In Cold Blood.
Published by and available through Dreamcatcher (also most major outlets).
Review Grade: B+
copyright © 2004 GameBoomers
