Nowadays, most of the games that are made are clones of other games. Sports games are all the same, FPS’s are the same just with a different plot, and RPG’s are obvious clones of some of the better ones (Final Fantasy). But recently we have seen some creativity in newer games. And now, a new game has been released that implements more creativity: Fahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy).
A good way to explain this game is that it’s a “movie” game. By that I mean that it’s like you are in a movie; an interactive movie. You start off in a bathroom restaurant where you, Lucas Kane, have just stabbed a man to death. And this is where the game begins. From here you have a choice. You could either just casually walk out, run out, or clean yourself up first, or hide the body, etc. You get the point. That is one of the main ideas of the game. The fact that you are have to make a decision, just makes the game that much better. And of course, like in real life, certain choices come with consequences. Make a wrong decision and you are screwed. But this isn’t so in all of the game. Depending on your decision, it gives you certain dialogues. And from there the police start trying to find out who killed the guy in the restaurant, which they later find out that you are the main suspect, or are you?
As for the controls, its pretty simple. You use the right analog stick the most, mainly just make a decision when people ask you something or to find out more on the plot. Also, you will have to pay close attention to the game, even during the “cutscenes”. You would assume that you don’t have to do anything during the cutscenes, but even then you should be careful. In most parts of the game, a you are going to have to use both the left and right analog sticks when a “simon-says” picture shows up (you know, that circular toy with the red, green, blue, and yellow buttons). You will also be using the L1 and R1. This is mainly used when Lucas has to run, swim, or any kind of physical activity. Another interesting feature, is the Sanity Meter. If you get it too low you will be Wrecked (game over) and if its full you will be Neutral. A lot of things can affect the meter, such as watching TV, talking to people, eating, and going to the bathroom.
Well, it’s obvious that they didn’t intend to spend a lot of time on the graphics. If you’ve played a recent GTA game, then these grapics are going to look familiar. The sounds in the game are freakin perfect. Not only are the voice actors great, but the music just sets things up. Just walking down the street while Lucas is thinking, there’s music that really goes well with the moment and adds “emotion” to the game, just like movies usually do.
As for the name of the game, the NTSC version is called Indigo Prophecy and the PAL version is Fahrenheit. Unlike Fahrenheit, Indigo Prophecy is missing a couple of scenes (sex scenes, of course)due to the fact that it would’ve gotten an AO rating if it had included them. I played Fahrenheit and I found the sex scenes should really be included because it goes with the story and adds more “love” in the plot.
Before you run out to your local game store, I just have to say that this game is not very long. Anyone should be able this game in about 10 hours or so. Other than that, this game is perfect. So if you’re into adventure/mystery games, then Fahrenheit is right up your alley.