Fahrenheit

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

I've just completed the game and i think it is absolutely amazing. the story is brilliant and the voice acting is class. I'm a big fan of the Shenmue series so i loved the QTE's with the analog stick. I couldn't stop playing this game it just sucked me in. The tension, the sex, the twists everything. definitely best game of the year and definitely ranking as one of the best games I've played. I'm sure everyone who's played it by now thinks the same. If you haven't got this game read all the comments on it because you must play this game. its that good. if anyone who has got it and doesn't like it you've got no say on the matter.

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.

First, I must say that I wasn't not at all in for adventure games. But thanks to this little crown-jewel, I am now. I "devoured" it in two days, because it is purely addictive, you can't stop playing. The way the story is told is truly unique, and no game before this one managed to achieve such a perfect way to exploit a story(the story itself is pretty thin and predictable, but the way it is told makes all the difference). You play with three characters, two detectives and the criminal, who isn't exactly a criminal...I let you find out why. The sound is another strong-point of the game. The music and the voice acting are almost perfect, making the game more credible. Being a console-game, the graphics is "consoleish", but it looks damn good. For some, the weak spot is are the controls, which are a little weird. But that only for a short period, because you get used to them fast, and if you use a keyboard. If you are the owner of a game-pad, you won't have problems. After that, it will be a piece of cake to move, reply fast or react quick. I won't explain, once again, I let you find out.

Towards the end, the story becomes ridiculous, but that doesn't really matter, thanks to the way it is transmitted to us.

Play this game and be amazed!

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)