Under A Killing Moon (CD-ROM)

Animated Adventure by MINDSCAPE

Reviewed By Lu Richardson.

I know that this game was released some time ago, but this is the 
first time I've seen it; and, since there are not all that many 
adventure games on CD at the moment, someone who's just bought a CD 
ROM player might be interested to find out if it's worth buying.

Well, you see, I am probably one of the few people who though that 
the Martian Memorandum was terrific.  Sorry, but I did.  Under a 
Killing Moon is a kind of sequel, and therefore I was very likely to 
enjoy it, too.

This product, as the previous game, relies heavily on graphics, 
which are absolutely gorgeous.  I tried to give you a sample by 
saving some screens, but they just don't do them justice.  No way.

Take that away, and you are left with are a very ordinary 
investigative game.  You are, indeed, a P.I. trying to get back into 
the big time.  The story takes place in 21st Century St. Francisco, 
not that it matters.  If you like sleuthing, you need not go any 
further.  

For all that, this game was hyped as something special in the way of 
interactive movies but, frankly, it has some shortcomings you should 
know about.

For instance, the interface looks simple to begin with, but have a 
look at the manual (oh, no, don't screech!) and you will see the 
amount of options available for manoeuvres which other products 
attend to with a few clicks here and there.  Moving, for instance, 
is a nightmare if you are using the mouse (and most people will).  

Although there are hints on screen which, even if they cost points, 
will help the bewildered amongst us, they mostly consist of "find 
such-and-such"; which is all very well, only you'll have an awful 
job actually seeing the items against the superbly rendered 
backgrounds.

The sound is awfully good and I guess it ought to be, to accompany 
the brilliant videos in which most of the story develops.  
Nevertheless, you also have the option of seeing the dialogue, 
something I very much favour - I don't always understand Americans.

So, split this product down the middle - videos, graphics and sound, 
terrific; the sort of thing you use to show off your new CD-ROM to 
your friends.  Actual gameplay, pretty pedestrian.  From the latter 
point of view, by no means a memorable game.

