PC CD-rom
Point and click adventures have been out of vogue recently and it seems a long time since the likes of Sam and Max and Day Of The Tentacle were the in thing. That, however, may be about to change.
While Blade Runner can't compare with the humour and content of those games, the underlying game engine remains similar. Westwood studios have put a great deal of effort into converting Ridley Scott's epic 1982 movie in to an interactive 3D game, rather than an interactive movie. Unlike those other games, Blade Runner has a real-time story structure, creating a unique experience every time you play. This means the gameplayer determines the path of the game, not vice versa, and this is no mean feat.
The backdrops, which are suitably futuristic, feature smoke, fog, fire and rain in the gritty world of Los Angeles 2019, and are animated. You are a Blade Runner and your objective is to figure out who the replicants are (the voigtkampff test can sometimes be used to check out suspects). Once found they must be retired.
There are more than 70 characters in the game and they all have their own artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently they have their own agenda. The gameplayer therefore feels completely immersed within the story.
Blade Runner is a huge game, coming on four CDs. Experienced players will, no doubt, revel in its attention to detail. The game is full of deft touches that ooze class. The makers have avoided the mistakes of other games of this nature. And in doing so they have made one of the best point and click adventures ever.
Graphics: 93%, Sound: 90%, Gameplay: 96%
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