It's May 2005, and I'm walking though Wal-Mart with only $10 left from my 15th birthday party the week before. A copy of Grim Fandango catches my eye. By now I've heard nothing but great reviews of the game, but I was reluctant to get it because of it's age and the fact that I don't like slow paced games. I go to put it back, and I think, "... ah what the hell, it's $10!" So when I got home I played my new copies of God of War and Mercenaries, got tired around 2 a.m. and crashed. When I wake up, my little brothers hacking away at a hyrda on the PS2 and I'm thinking "Great, I get to play the game from '98." Damn I was naive. This is one of those games that would have bored the hell out of me if it wasn't for some of the greatest characters, amazing locations, an epic sense scale and the true feeling of being in some alternate reality. I can't begin to describe my feelings about this game, because I'll never shut up. So I'll try to put them in an organised stats system. Gameplay: 9 Even in 2005, the game holds up as a fun adventure game. Although all you do is move Manny, select items and press enter, the fun comes from thinking of a crazy solution to a crazy puzzle. This game surprised me so much, in that it made me love a combination of genres I usually have no interest in. One problem you may find is that most puzzle's solutions aren't obvious, and it helps to have a strategy guide near-by in case you can't get past a particular hurdle. But when you do solve a puzzle, the reward is more than worth any frustrations you had. Graphics: 7 The graphical limitations at the time were perfect for the art style of this game. In '98 blocky characters with low-res textures were the norm. So instead of trying to make characters and downgrading their look for the system specs, they had the idea to use the character design of Mexican Folk Art, and mix it with a great film noir setting. It comes off very well and looks great all these years later. Sound: 8 Great voice-overs, immersive ambient noise and an equally great soundtrack make up the sounds of the game.The voice-overs in the game are above average quality, and tend to bring the characters to life with truly witty, always interesting dialogue. My thanks go out to Tim Schafer and his team for creating some of the most memorable conversations in a game, or movie for that matter. The ambient sound helps to give you that extra layer of immersion and the soundtrack always fits the mood and setting. Combine these qualities and you've got a formula for rhythmic success. Value: 10 The main selling point in the game is the ride it takes you on. The transitions between the "Years" in this four year journey give each chapter it's own look and mood. His fall from Grim Reaper greatness brings about an amazing story of revenge, friendship, love, and redemption. All the while keeping you on your toes, entertained, and wondering what great new adventure Manny and company have to take on to get to their final destination. Tilt: 10 The main downfall of the game is that it ends. By the time you've gone through virtual years with these characters, and made tons of great memories, you wont want to leave the land of the dead. You'll watch the final scene, happy for the closure of an epic tale, but sad that you'll no longer get to see the gang together. Games like these are rare gems, and few games equal it's distinct feeling and it's totally immersive story. In short, go to the store and pick this one up. You won't regret it.
Adventure games have been around for many years, but very few have actually stood the test of time.One such game is 'Grim Fandango' STORY - The Story of Grim Fandango is the most bizzare story you'll ever come across.... Read Full Review
Point-and-Click Adventures. Love 'em or hate 'em, there's no denying that some of them are the most revolutionary games ever. And Lucas Arts have made some of the best of them. So, in 1998, when the chapter of adventure ... Read Full Review
