Fahrenheit (1995)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Fahrenheit (1995): A Pioneering Full Motion Video Game

Released in 1995 for the Sega CD and Sega 32X, Fahrenheit is a full motion video (FMV) game that tells a suspenseful and thrilling story with branching paths and multiple endings. Developed by Sega Studios and published by Sega, Fahrenheit was one of the first FMV games to be released on a home console, and it remains one of the most well-regarded examples of the genre.

Gameplay

Fahrenheit is a point-and-click adventure game in which the player controls the protagonist, Carla Valenti, as she investigates the murder of her sister. The game is played entirely through FMV sequences, with the player clicking on hotspots on the screen to interact with the environment and progress the story.

Fahrenheit features a branching narrative with multiple endings, depending on the choices the player makes throughout the game. The player’s choices can also affect the relationships between Carla and the other characters in the game, and can even lead to Carla’s death.

Story

Fahrenheit tells the story of Carla Valenti, a private detective who is investigating the murder of her sister, Laura. Carla soon discovers that Laura’s death was no ordinary murder, and that she was involved in a dangerous conspiracy.

As Carla investigates Laura’s death, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies, and she soon finds herself in danger. Carla must use her wits and determination to uncover the truth about her sister’s death, and to bring the killer to justice.

Characters

Carla Valenti is the protagonist of Fahrenheit. She is a private detective who is determined to find out the truth about her sister’s death, no matter what the cost. Carla is a strong and resourceful woman, but she is also haunted by the memories of her sister’s death.

Other important characters in Fahrenheit include:

  • Detective Johnathon Braddock: Carla’s partner in the investigation. Braddock is a cynical and world-weary detective, but he is also a good friend to Carla.
  • Dr. Richard Morton: A psychiatrist who is treating Carla for her nightmares. Morton is a kind and compassionate man, but he is also hiding a dark secret.
  • Laura Valenti: Carla’s sister. Laura was a beautiful and talented woman, but she was also involved in a dangerous conspiracy.

Development

Fahrenheit was developed by Sega Studios, a division of Sega that was responsible for developing games for the Sega CD and Sega 32X. The game was directed by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who would later go on to direct the critically acclaimed games Rez and Space Channel 5.

Fahrenheit was one of the first FMV games to be developed for a home console. At the time, FMV games were still a relatively new concept, and there were many challenges involved in developing them. One of the biggest challenges was the large amount of storage space required for the FMV sequences. To overcome this challenge, Sega developed a new compression technology that allowed them to store the FMV sequences on a single CD-ROM.

Release

Fahrenheit was released in North America on September 29, 1995, for the Sega CD and Sega 32X. The game was released in Japan and Europe on December 15, 1995, for the Sega CD only.

Fahrenheit was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its suspenseful story, well-developed characters, and innovative use of FMV. Fahrenheit was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Fahrenheit is considered to be one of the most important and influential FMV games ever made. The game’s success helped to pave the way for other FMV games, and it also helped to establish Sega as a leader in the development of FMV technology.

Fahrenheit has been praised for its suspenseful story, well-developed characters, and innovative use of FMV. The game has also been criticized for its linear gameplay and its lack of replayability. However, despite these criticisms, Fahrenheit remains a classic FMV game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today.

Conclusion

Fahrenheit is a groundbreaking FMV game that tells a suspenseful and thrilling story with branching paths and multiple endings. The game features well-developed characters, innovative use of FMV, and a memorable story. Fahrenheit is a classic FMV game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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