Smooth as a Humphrey Bogart movie, Grim Fandango is a game of pure beauty.
Loosely based on an Mexican folklore theme, Grim Fandango follows the mishaps of Manny Calavera. On earth, he lived an unsavoury life and thus, continues to do so in death. Working for the Department of Death in the underworld, it is Manny's job to pay off his sins by helping the newly dead achieve travel to the eternal rest. Saints take the train; sinners go by foot. Manny seemingly winds up with the latter clients, hence why he can't get any of them decent travel packages. Dom, his rival, is the opposite: he's a charismatic, high-flying travel agent, great with the ladies and wears nice aftershave. Manny hates his guts, obviously. Down on his luck, Manny decides to poach a client from Dom - the beautiful and saintly Meche Colomar, but Manny still can't get her a ticket aboard the Express. She runs off, Manny discovers corruption in the company and decides to track her down to make ammends. From there, Manny searches all corners of the Underworld, fending off dodgy businessmen, backstabbing broads and even tempermental pigeons all for the sake of making it up to her.
Much like LucasArts' other creation, Guybrush Threepwood of Monkey Island, Manny Calavera is a brilliant protaginist. Of course he's as charming as a rabid hamster to the other characters in the game, but the blend of tragicom and Humphrey Bogart smoothness make him both funny and charismatic. The same can be said for the hyper and hearty Glottis, Manny's demon accomplice who has a pathological love for cars; the sassy Mercedes Colomar channels Bette Davis as the deceptive romantic lead. The situation of Manny following who he believes is a saint rather than a heel clicking diva is endearing.
Grim Fandango features gorgeous graphics with expert direction in art. The visuals are beautifully rendered with detail and dark effects that emphasise death in a cartoony, Tim Burton-esque look. The tones of the locations and characters have been detailed superbly well, giving them a great sense of personality in their appearance. Animation is also flawless, much is the intriguing and strange scenarios seen in the game. Without a doubt, Grim Fandango is a milestone in graphic adventures.
The weapon in this game is not just your thinking and logic, but your scythe, which is used for good purposes. A genius weapon is also the sprout gun, which if shot with, turns you instantly into a shroud of flowers. Personally, I think the conversations are the best part of the gameplay, the wit and viewpoints of the plot from these characters is fascinating and amusing, interesting enough to keep you gripped. While the gameplay doesn't break any new grounds, it just about parries any distraction in thinking it sits above the mould of the rest of the games in its catergory. The game paces really well, taking you to some fascinating places along the way.
Grim Fandango also excels in the music. The voice acting is superb as well as the mexican music. The dynamics flow in with the locations, situations and sound affects. In this aspect of the game, it is easily overshadowed compared to the other outstanding aspects of the game but it is completely flawless and in my opinion, probably the best thing of the game. The music content flows from Mexican jazz and folk music which amazingly conveys the atsmophere in the game. The mexican theme is orchestrated and brillantly demonstrated throughout the game. Pat on the back goes to the actors of Manny Calavera, Mercedes Colomar and Manuel who provide the funniest spice to their characters.
Ideas flow beautifully, the story is classy as a Martini and is paced like any great novel. Grim Fandango is no great game - it's a damn wonderful one. That this strange world is filled with memorable characters along the way, you will not forget the hapless but lovable Manny Calavera or his quest to help his beau that easily. When saying goodbye to a game becomes hard is the sign of undoubted genius. A timeless masterpiece is what Grim Fandango truly is.