INTRO: I first played this game on a friends PS2, 3 of us sat on the couch watching and taking part - deciding actions and movements, taking the challenges in turn depending upon who we felt was best suited (for some reason I ended up with the love and action sequences, it must be my good looks, charm and abundant athleticism). Despite the fact we took it in turns, not one of us left our seat when someone else took over. Indeed in 7 hours one night we left our seats only for bathroom and coffee breaks (and even then we shouted back and forth to each other the goings on).
Unfortunately I went on holiday so didn't get to play the final 'third' of the game. In response I purchased the game on Ebay in order to complete the game to my satisfaction. My only grumble? The final 'third' turned out to be 10 minutes game-play.
THE GAME: Fahrenheit follows on the heels of games such as the "Broken Sword" Trilogy, but incorporates elements of the "Blade Runner" VG (in particular the conversation routes, insertion of action sequences and more immersive sound and visuals) and also the detective/crime noir of Max Payne (from the setting, to the winter to the dark humour). Character depth is well founded, at least on par with those you would find in your average fugitive vs police TV show, and you feel you have a good grasp of your character very quickly through the use of some unintrusive monologues.
The action is dealt with well, or at least in a novel fashion. I hankered for a more open ended action sequence at times, but found it all challenging enough without. Criticism can (and should) be made that the action sequences are little more than 'obstacles' to prevent the progress of the story - but all (bar one) really add to the story without causing considerable delay. The controls are occasionally a bit fiddly (the ability to 'backpedal' slowly rather than 'turn around' would have been handy for the occasions you overran something - due to the models requiring a few feet either side of them to make a turn).
PC Users may find that the game, whilst playing flawlessly on the highest graphic setting, has 'timing' bugs with regards to these action sequences. Normally dropping the graphic settings down to minimum will aid in the completion of what may otherwise be a frustrating sequence. Sometimes the Simon Says colours can be harder to see on high graphic settings also due to the additional vibrancy of the background sequence.
Graphically the game is solid, if unspectacular. The skins and models are very well done, as are facial expressions, lip synch, and physical movements (thanks to motion capture). Everything else is simplistic, but effective (with occasional nice touches). Regardless it doesn't detract from the game in any way. Special effects are especially good, with emotive use of simple visual tricks.
Sound wise the game is also very solid, with good crisp voice acting from established voice actors and a steady score and licensed tracks from established artists.
STORY: The plot is excellent, until the final section. I'm sure I'm not the only person who felt that what was building up as an extremely interesting psychological thriller with supernatural edge was somewhat undercut by the final run in. But don't let that put you off from what is otherwise an extremely entertaining romp.
The game really warranted more time dedicating to it. I get the feeling the writer had more planned but couldn't include it all, it would be nice to see a Fahrenheit "Directors Cut" including the many sequences they didn't include due to time constraints.
OVERALL: I enjoyed this game, it installs fluidly, it plays extremely well, and it maintains a heady pace right the way through with some extremely satisfying action sequences. The story, the characters, the art and architecture through to the humour and adult orientated romance, all make this game unique in depth as it truly is the first playable movie since the haphazard attempts on the old Sega MegaCD. Try the game out and look how far we've come, and how much further a concept like this could go.
8/10
SIMILAR GAMES TO LOOK FOR: Blade Runner (Westwood Studios). Broken Sword 1, 2 and 3. Max Payne 1+2 (Action Shooter, but also crime noir rp)
