Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click
- Platforms: DOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Sierra On-Line
- Publishers: Sierra On-Line
Police Quest: Open Season (1993)
Crawl Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer
Released in 1993, Police Quest: Open Season is the fourth installment in Sierra On-Line’s gritty crime drama adventure game series. This time, players take on the role of Detective John Carey, a homicide detective tasked with investigating a series of gruesome murders that have terrorized the city.
A Dark and Twisted Tale
Police Quest: Open Season is known for its dark and disturbing storyline. The game opens with the discovery of a young woman’s body in a local park. As Detective Carey investigates, he uncovers a string of similar murders, each one more gruesome than the last.
The victims are all young women, and the killer seems to be targeting them based on their physical appearance. Carey soon realizes that he is dealing with a serial killer, and the clock is ticking to stop him before he claims another victim.
Innovative Gameplay
Police Quest: Open Season introduced several innovative gameplay elements to the series. The game features a non-linear storyline, allowing players to investigate the case in their own order. Players can also choose to focus on different aspects of the investigation, such as interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, or pursuing suspects.
The game also features a unique “mind-mapping” system, which allows players to visualize the relationships between different characters and pieces of evidence. This system helps players to keep track of the complex plot and make connections that they might otherwise miss.
Critical Reception
Police Quest: Open Season was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its dark and suspenseful storyline, innovative gameplay, and realistic graphics. Many reviewers also commended the game’s mature themes and its willingness to tackle difficult subject matter.
The game was nominated for several awards, including Adventure Game of the Year from Computer Gaming World. It was also ranked as one of the top 100 adventure games of all time by IGN.
Legacy
Police Quest: Open Season is considered to be one of the best police procedural games ever made. The game’s dark and gritty storyline, innovative gameplay, and realistic graphics set a new standard for the genre.
The game has also been praised for its mature themes and its willingness to tackle difficult subject matter. Police Quest: Open Season is a challenging and rewarding game that will stay with players long after they finish playing.
Conclusion
Police Quest: Open Season is a classic adventure game that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s dark and suspenseful storyline, innovative gameplay, and realistic graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding game that will stay with you long after you finish playing, then Police Quest: Open Season is the perfect game for you.
Review Score
8/10
