Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Innovative"

My initial impression of this game was I was really impressed. The facial details and graphics in general are impressive to say the least. I loved the whole idea of solving homicide cases and being a detective. Nothing beats a good ol thinking game. The game really pushes mature gaming to the limit which is something I can appreciate. You'll have to play yourself to know what I mean.

Technically this game is very refreshing and different in a way that deserves the highest praise. Unfortunately the game becomes repetitive and watered down after about a 1/3 of the way thru. Most homicides play out like the following............

1. Woman gets drunk.

2. Woman gets killed.

3. Go to the crime scene.

4. Go to the bar the woman got drunk at.

5. Interview bartender.

6. Drive around and interview the abusive husband/boyfriend, random person, etc.

7. Chase a suspect on foot or by car.

8. Send suspect to jail.

9. Interrogate suspect.

10. The suspect gets accused and/or goes to jail.

11. Repeat (over and over and over).

It all sounds good in theory, but once you've done basically the same thing over and over with a slight variation each time the feeling of repetition starts to set it. The game would have been better being a 12-15 hour game with each scenerio having more variation.

It probably sounds like I'm being overly critical ....I know, but I love the ideas and premise and I was hoping the game would offer more. Another thing that hurts the game is the GTA driving and gunplay. Movement and shootouts feel clunky and driving is mediocre with occasional frame rate drops that will cause traffic incidents. There is also random story lines and flashbacks that seem all to random as you play thru that will cause you to think WTH.

I really like the game, but it seemed flawed in execution at times. Everyone needs to give this game a try, but it won't be for everyone. I think the game makes a perfect rental or a $20 or less purchase. I'll be looking forward to more games like this in the future.

I recommend playing "Heavy Rain" if you enjoyed this game or even if you didn't. It's a much more polished and interesting game, but for different reasons.