Fahrenheit

Never in my gaming life have I _ever_ played such an intense game. I didn't took the first interviews and previews about Fahrenheit very serious. Another game-developer that claims to have created the ultimate game where _you_ control the story, etc. 'it plays like a movie', sure, we've heard that before!

But seriously, this movie plays like a game! Uhh.. this game plays like a movie! See, I'm getting all confused here! This game literally takes you of the edge of your seat and beyond...

The story is original, the controls are a bit weird some times, the plot twists and turns are great and the game-play is almost flawless... You can actually choose your way through the game. Some choices are good, others lead you thwarts a painful death.

I'm not going to spoil the story here, not even if I wanted it, because it's to complex. But I can tell you it will never be boring! And when it will get boring, "Get Ready!" suddenly appears, and it just stopped being boring... Don't know where the ... I'm talking about? Just play the game then!

The best feature, for me, is the way you play all the main characters in the game and _you_ decide when you switch characters. This way, you know certain things and it is you who decides how fast the story unfolds... It is you who commits the crime, it is you who solves it. And even if you know who did what and why, the characters don't, but it is up to you too lead them into the right direction.

The longer you play the game the more sympathy you get for both the criminal and the law. The longer you play the game the more sympathy you get for the people who made this game. A game with a story so intense it could only be made in the dark basements of Hollywood, and yet it feels a bit Japanese because of the high X-files factor in the game.

I can't convince you more without spoiling some things, a must-play, is my conclusion.

*And I was not supposed to like this genre...*

I played the original game way back then ... and I replayed it last year in the remastered version for the PS4 too. Although it was better graphically speaking, it still lacks what technology has done to newer games. There are other technical flaws and issues too when it comes to controlling that could not be rendered away - no pun intended. But what remains at heart is an amazing and great story! A story that makes fun to play and find out where it leads you.

If you don't mind the issues I talked about ... I suggest to go on and try it. Do not judge this after 30 minutes - but if it is fun all the way up to that point, you can expect it to be the rest of the way too! Very well told and more than intriguing.

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)

i have played many games in my life and this game i found a bit different from other games. because in this game the movie is being played in the game and it seems that Ur completing the movie of this game.No doubt its very exceptional and logical game.strategy is also needed. the graphics are fine and most of all I'm inspired with the story line and the way it is being told step by step as u move on. this game seems to be addicted to me and i cant pass a day if i don't play this game.this game has everything mystery,horror, love,emotions,investigation,thriller, sex and action.

this game has some key features which makes it an interesting game. it has a strong story line ,flawless vocal performances and music.u have to be totally involve in this game.

i have reached 23 chapters so far and the story is turning to be more interesting.if u haven't played this game then go and play this game i highly recommend it.

Many of you will know and appreciate Heavy Rain, Beyond Two Souls and Detroit: Become Human but where that genre truly started was right here with Fahrenheit otherwise known as the Indigo Prophecy (Or Indigo Child).

It tells the story of several people all connected to a murder that took place in a diner bathroom. A man on the run, police officers after him, but nothing is quite what it seems and a supernatural force appears to be overseeing everything that transpires. But to what end?

I was gripped from the opening moments, the decisions I had to make to progress the story were really quite fascinating and I can confidently say the first time around I didn't make the most logical ones.

With a great voice cast, a powerful psychological thriller of a story and intricately woven decision making system I was suitably impressed.

Sure it looks dated and the controls are more than a little clunky but that was to be expected back then. Everything else makes up for it ten fold, not to mention the fantastic soundtrack. Had it not been for Fahrenheit I wouldn't have been introduced to the incredible band Theory of a Deadman.

An absolute masterpiece, if you haven't play it then do something about that.

The Good:

Incredible story

Brilliant decision making system

Outstanding soundtrack

The Bad:

Finale is questionable

Clunky and ugly in places

Things I Learnt From This Game:

I have a major softspot for interactive movies

I'd make a terrible murderer

Pushing up to thrust is both a satisfying and creepy experience