Developer: Peter Moorhead

Murder (2015)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Murder (2015): A Cyberpunk Noir Where Morality and Sentience Intersect

From the creators of the critically acclaimed “Stranded” comes a haunting and thought-provoking cyberpunk narrative adventure that explores the intersection of morality and sentience in a dystopian future. Murder (2015) invites players to question their own values and grapple with the consequences of their actions in a world where both morality and sentience have become commodities.

A Cyberpunk Noir Setting

Murder is set in a gritty and neon-soaked cyberpunk metropolis, where towering skyscrapers cast long shadows over the teeming streets below. The city is a melting pot of humanity and technology, where advanced prosthetics and cybernetic enhancements are commonplace. However, beneath the gleaming facade lies a dark underbelly of crime, corruption, and moral decay.

A Compelling Narrative

The game’s story revolves around a private investigator named Jack Keller, a hardened and cynical man who has seen the worst that the city has to offer. Jack is hired to investigate the murder of a prominent businessman, and as he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and intrigue that reaches the highest levels of power.

Choice and Consequence

Throughout the game, players are presented with a series of choices that shape the narrative and determine Jack’s fate. These choices range from seemingly mundane decisions to profound moral dilemmas, and each one has the potential to alter the course of the story.

Murder’s branching narrative system ensures that no two playthroughs are exactly the same. Players are free to explore different paths, make different choices, and experience the consequences of their actions firsthand. The game’s multiple endings reflect the complex and often unpredictable nature of morality in a world where right and wrong are not always clear-cut.

Exploring Morality and Sentience

At its core, Murder is a game about morality and sentience. The game raises questions about the nature of consciousness, the value of life, and the limits of human empathy. Through Jack’s journey, players are forced to confront their own beliefs and consider the ethical implications of their actions.

The game also explores the commodification of morality and sentience in a cyberpunk future. In this world, people can buy and sell their own memories, emotions, and even their very consciousness. This raises disturbing questions about the nature of identity and the value of human experience.

Stunning Visuals and Immersive Soundscape

Murder’s visuals are a perfect complement to its dark and brooding narrative. The game’s pixel art style is both evocative and atmospheric, capturing the gritty realism of the cyberpunk setting. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a blend of electronic music and ambient sounds that create a truly immersive experience.

Critical Acclaim and Recognition

Upon its release, Murder received critical acclaim for its compelling narrative, thought-provoking themes, and innovative choice-based gameplay. The game was nominated for numerous awards, including the Independent Games Festival’s Seumas McNally Grand Prize.

Conclusion

Murder (2015) is a must-play for fans of cyberpunk, narrative-driven games, and anyone interested in exploring the complex themes of morality and sentience. The game’s branching narrative, thought-provoking choices, and stunning visuals combine to create a truly unforgettable experience that will stay with players long after the credits roll.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Stranded (2014)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Stranded: A Minimalist Masterpiece

Stranded (2014) is a minimalist point-and-click adventure game developed by Strange Loop Games. It was released for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux. The game follows the story of an astronaut who wakes from cryostasis to find their ship stranded on an uncharted planet. With no memory of how they got there or how to repair their ship, the astronaut must explore the planet in search of resources and clues that might lead to their survival.

Stranded is a unique and atmospheric game that stands out from other point-and-click adventures in several ways. First, the game features no dialogue or puzzles. Instead, the player is left to explore the game world and piece together the story for themselves. This open-ended approach allows for a more immersive and personal experience, as the player is free to interpret the game’s events and characters in their own way.

Second, Stranded features a beautiful and haunting art style that perfectly captures the sense of isolation and mystery that permeates the game. The game’s world is rendered in a muted color palette, with a focus on simple shapes and textures. This minimalist aesthetic creates a sense of otherworldliness and makes the game’s environment feel truly alien.

Third, Stranded features a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s visuals. The soundtrack is composed of sparse, ambient soundscapes that create a sense of unease and tension. This soundtrack helps to immerse the player in the game’s world and makes the experience all the more memorable.

Overall, Stranded is a unique and unforgettable point-and-click adventure game that is sure to stay with you long after you finish playing it. The game’s minimalist art style, haunting soundtrack, and open-ended gameplay create a truly immersive and atmospheric experience that is unlike anything else in the genre. If you’re a fan of point-and-click adventure games, or if you’re simply looking for a unique and thought-provoking experience, then I highly recommend checking out Stranded.

Gameplay

Stranded is a point-and-click adventure game played from a first-person perspective. The player controls the astronaut as they explore the planet, interact with objects, and solve puzzles. The game features no dialogue or puzzles, so the player is left to piece together the story for themselves.

The game’s environment is divided into a series of screens, each of which contains a variety of objects that the player can interact with. The player can click on objects to examine them, pick them up, or use them with other objects. The player can also use the mouse to move the astronaut around the screen.

The game’s puzzles are all environmental, and they require the player to use their wits to figure out how to progress. For example, the player may need to find a way to open a door, or to repair a machine. The puzzles are all fairly straightforward, but they can be challenging at times.

Setting

Stranded is set on an uncharted planet that is home to a variety of strange and wonderful creatures. The planet’s environment is harsh and unforgiving, but it is also beautiful and充滿活力. The game’s world is rendered in a muted color palette, with a focus on simple shapes and textures. This minimalist aesthetic creates a sense of otherworldliness and makes the game’s environment feel truly alien.

Characters

The player character in Stranded is an astronaut who wakes from cryostasis to find their ship stranded on an uncharted planet. The astronaut has no memory of how they got there or how to repair their ship, so they must explore the planet in search of resources and clues that might lead to their survival.

The astronaut is a resourceful and determined individual, but they are also alone and vulnerable. The player must help the astronaut to overcome their challenges and find a way to survive on the planet.

Themes

Stranded explores a number of themes, including isolation, survival, and hope. The game’s protagonist is stranded on an alien planet, with no memory of how they got there or how to get back. They must learn to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment, and they must never give up hope of finding a way to return home.

Stranded is a powerful and moving game that explores the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Conclusion

Stranded is a unique and unforgettable point-and-click adventure game that is sure to stay with you long after you finish playing it. The game’s minimalist art style, haunting soundtrack, and open-ended gameplay create a truly immersive and atmospheric experience that is unlike anything else in the genre. If you’re a fan of point-and-click adventure games, or if you’re simply looking for a unique and thought-provoking experience, then I highly recommend checking out Stranded.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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