Publisher: Access Software

Tex Murphy: Overseer (1998)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Tex Murphy: Overseer – A Cyberpunk Detective Adventure Classic

Released in 1998, Tex Murphy: Overseer is a groundbreaking adventure game that immerses players in a dark and atmospheric cyberpunk world. As Tex Murphy, a down-on-his-luck private investigator, you’re drawn into a dangerous conspiracy involving murder, corporate espionage, and a sinister secret that threatens to plunge the city into chaos.

A Gripping Neo-Noir Storyline

Tex Murphy: Overseer boasts a gripping neo-noir storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The game’s central mystery revolves around the apparent suicide of a wealthy businessman, but as Tex digs deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.

Along the way, Tex encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, including the femme fatale Chaney, the enigmatic Dr. Eva Rossi, and the shady underworld figure The Overseer. Each character has their own motivations and secrets, and it’s up to Tex to unravel the truth and expose the sinister forces at play.

Innovative Gameplay and Immersive Atmosphere

Tex Murphy: Overseer introduced several innovative gameplay features that set it apart from other adventure games of its time. The game’s 3D environments allowed for a more immersive and interactive experience, and the use of full-motion video cutscenes helped to bring the characters and story to life.

The game’s interface was also designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Players could interact with objects and characters simply by clicking on them, and the game’s dialogue system allowed for branching conversations that could lead to different outcomes.

A Cyberpunk World Brought to Life

Tex Murphy: Overseer’s cyberpunk setting is one of its most distinctive features. The game’s gritty urban environments are filled with neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and advanced technology. Tex interacts with a variety of characters from all walks of life, from street urchins to corporate executives, each with their own unique perspectives on the city’s underworld.

The game’s soundtrack, composed by Mark Morgan, perfectly captures the game’s dark and atmospheric tone. The music is a blend of ambient electronica and jazz, creating a sense of unease and paranoia that permeates throughout the game.

Critical Acclaim and Legacy

Tex Murphy: Overseer was met with critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its immersive atmosphere, engaging story, and innovative gameplay. The game was nominated for several awards, including Adventure Game of the Year from Computer Gaming World.

Tex Murphy: Overseer has had a lasting impact on the adventure game genre. Its innovative use of 3D environments and full-motion video cutscenes helped to raise the bar for future adventure games. The game’s dark and atmospheric cyberpunk setting also influenced a number of subsequent games, including Deus Ex and Cyberpunk 2077.

Conclusion

Tex Murphy: Overseer is a classic adventure game that still holds up today. Its gripping neo-noir storyline, immersive cyberpunk setting, and innovative gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Tex Murphy or a newcomer to the series, Overseer is an unforgettable experience that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Amazon: Guardians of Eden (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Amazon: Guardians of Eden (1992)

Introduction

Amazon: Guardians of Eden is a movie adventure game developed and published by Sierra On-Line in 1992. It was one of the first games to feature super VGA graphics, digitized voice-overs, and an online hint system. The game is set in the Amazon rainforest in 1957, and follows the story of John Marshall, a young pilot who is sent on a rescue mission to find a lost expedition.

Gameplay

Amazon: Guardians of Eden is a point-and-click adventure game. The player controls John Marshall as he explores the Amazon rainforest, solves puzzles, and interacts with other characters. The game features a variety of puzzles, including inventory puzzles, logic puzzles, and environmental puzzles. The player must use their wits and observation skills to solve the puzzles and progress through the game.

Story

The story of Amazon: Guardians of Eden begins in 1957, when John Marshall is sent on a rescue mission to find a lost expedition in the Amazon rainforest. The expedition was led by Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned scientist who was searching for a cure for cancer. John is joined on his mission by Maria, a local guide who is familiar with the rainforest.

As John and Maria travel deeper into the rainforest, they encounter a variety of challenges, including dangerous animals, hostile natives, and supernatural forces. They also discover that the lost expedition was not the only group of people searching for the cure for cancer. A rival team of scientists, led by the evil Dr. Vargas, is also in the rainforest, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to find the cure first.

John and Maria must race against Dr. Vargas to find the cure for cancer and save the rainforest from destruction. Along the way, they will learn about the secrets of the Amazon and the power of the Guardians of Eden.

Characters

  • John Marshall: The player character. John is a young pilot who is sent on a rescue mission to find a lost expedition in the Amazon rainforest. He is a skilled pilot and a resourceful adventurer.
  • Maria: A local guide who joins John on his mission. Maria is familiar with the rainforest and its dangers. She is also a skilled tracker and a capable fighter.
  • Dr. Emily Carter: The leader of the lost expedition. Dr. Carter is a renowned scientist who is searching for a cure for cancer. She is a brilliant scientist and a compassionate woman.
  • Dr. Vargas: The leader of the rival team of scientists. Dr. Vargas is a ruthless and ambitious man who is willing to do whatever it takes to find the cure for cancer. He is a skilled scientist and a dangerous adversary.

Graphics and Sound

Amazon: Guardians of Eden was one of the first games to feature super VGA graphics. The game’s graphics are lush and detailed, and they bring the Amazon rainforest to life. The game also features digitized voice-overs, which add to the game’s realism and atmosphere.

Reception

Amazon: Guardians of Eden was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its beautiful graphics, compelling story, and challenging puzzles. It was also one of the first games to feature super VGA graphics and digitized voice-overs. Amazon: Guardians of Eden is considered to be one of the best adventure games of all time.

Legacy

Amazon: Guardians of Eden was a groundbreaking game that helped to define the adventure game genre. The game’s beautiful graphics, compelling story, and challenging puzzles set a new standard for adventure games. Amazon: Guardians of Eden is still considered to be one of the best adventure games of all time, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.

Conclusion

Amazon: Guardians of Eden is a classic adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s beautiful graphics, compelling story, and challenging puzzles make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a classic adventure game to play, then Amazon: Guardians of Eden is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive (1996)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive (1996)

Introduction

Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive is a science fiction adventure game developed by Access Software and released in 1996. It is the third game in the Tex Murphy series, and the first to use 3D graphics. The game follows Tex Murphy, a private investigator, as he investigates a UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico.

Plot

The game is set in the year 2043. Tex Murphy is hired by a mysterious woman named Laura Cruz to investigate the crash of a UFO in Roswell, New Mexico. Tex soon discovers that the military has sealed off the crash site and is covering up the truth about what happened.

As Tex investigates, he uncovers a conspiracy that reaches all the way to the highest levels of government. He learns that the UFO crash was not an accident, but part of a secret government project to develop new weapons. He also learns that the government is working with a group of aliens who are planning to invade Earth.

Tex must race against time to stop the aliens and save the world. He must also uncover the truth about the UFO crash and the government conspiracy.

Gameplay

Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive is a point-and-click adventure game. The player controls Tex Murphy as he explores the game world, interacts with characters, and solves puzzles. The game features a variety of puzzles, including logic puzzles, inventory puzzles, and dialogue puzzles.

The game world is rendered in 3D, and the player can move Tex around the world by clicking on the screen. The player can also interact with objects in the world by clicking on them. The game features a variety of dialogue options, and the player can choose how Tex responds to other characters.

Characters

  • Tex Murphy: The protagonist of the game. Tex is a private investigator who is hired to investigate the UFO crash in Roswell. He is a tough and resourceful detective, but he is also a bit of a loner.
  • Laura Cruz: A mysterious woman who hires Tex to investigate the UFO crash. Laura is a member of a secret organization that is trying to stop the aliens.
  • Colonel Mortimer: The commander of the military base at Roswell. Mortimer is a ruthless and ambitious man who is determined to keep the truth about the UFO crash a secret.
  • Dr. Eva Rossi: A scientist who works at the military base at Roswell. Eva is a brilliant scientist, but she is also disillusioned with the government’s secrecy.
  • The Aliens: A group of aliens who are planning to invade Earth. The aliens are powerful and technologically advanced, and they are determined to conquer Earth.

Themes

Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive explores a number of themes, including:

  • The dangers of government secrecy: The game shows how government secrecy can lead to corruption and abuse of power.
  • The importance of individual responsibility: Tex Murphy is a flawed character, but he is also a hero. He is willing to risk his life to stop the aliens and save the world.
  • The power of hope: Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Tex Murphy never gives up, even when the odds are stacked against him.

Critical Reception

Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative use of 3D graphics, its engaging story, and its well-developed characters. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive is considered to be one of the best adventure games of all time. The game has been praised for its groundbreaking graphics, its engaging story, and its well-developed characters. The game has also been cited as an influence on a number of other adventure games, including the Myst series and the Broken Sword series.

Conclusion

Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive is a classic adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative use of 3D graphics, its engaging story, and its well-developed characters make it a must-play for fans of the adventure genre.

Review Score

9.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Tex Murphy: Martian Memorandum (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Tex Murphy: Martian Memorandum (1991): A Sci-Fi Noir Masterpiece

In the year 2033, San Francisco is a dark and dangerous place. The city is plagued by crime, corruption, and a growing sense of unease. It is in this dystopian setting that we meet Tex Murphy, a private investigator with a knack for getting into trouble.

Tex is hired by Laura Reilly, the beautiful daughter of a university professor, to investigate her father’s death. What starts as a simple missing person’s case quickly spirals into something much more sinister. Tex soon discovers that several other prominent members of the scientific community have also died under mysterious circumstances.

As Tex digs deeper, he uncovers a web of conspiracy and intrigue that reaches the highest levels of government. He learns that a group of rogue scientists are planning to use a powerful new technology to take over the world.

With the help of his loyal companion, Chelsee Bando, Tex must race against time to stop the scientists and save the world. But can he do it before it’s too late?

Gameplay

Tex Murphy: Martian Memorandum is a point-and-click adventure game with a heavy emphasis on story and character development. Players take control of Tex Murphy and explore a variety of locations, talking to characters, solving puzzles, and uncovering clues.

The game’s interface is simple and intuitive, with all of the necessary commands available at the bottom of the screen. Players can click on objects to examine them, talk to characters by clicking on their portraits, and use inventory items by dragging them onto objects in the environment.

Puzzles

The puzzles in Tex Murphy: Martian Memorandum are challenging but fair. They require players to think outside the box and use their wits to solve them. Some of the puzzles are inventory-based, while others require players to use their knowledge of the game world to find solutions.

Characters

Tex Murphy is a well-developed and engaging protagonist. He is a flawed character, but he is also intelligent, resourceful, and determined. He is also a bit of a ladies’ man, and he is always ready with a quip or a flirtatious remark.

Chelsee Bando is Tex’s loyal companion and confidante. She is a skilled hacker and a valuable asset to Tex’s investigations. She is also a strong and independent woman, and she is not afraid to speak her mind.

The supporting cast of characters is also well-developed and memorable. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations, and they all play an important role in the story.

Setting

Tex Murphy: Martian Memorandum is set in a dark and futuristic San Francisco. The city is a melting pot of cultures and technologies, and it is home to both great wealth and great poverty. The game’s setting is both atmospheric and immersive, and it helps to create a sense of realism and danger.

Story

The story of Tex Murphy: Martian Memorandum is well-written and engaging. It is full of twists and turns, and it keeps players guessing until the very end. The game’s story is also thought-provoking, and it raises important questions about the nature of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Graphics

Tex Murphy: Martian Memorandum was one of the first adventure games to use digitized actors for its character portraits. This gave the game a more realistic and immersive feel than its predecessors. The game’s backgrounds are also well-rendered, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and place.

Sound

The sound design in Tex Murphy: Martian Memorandum is excellent. The game’s music is atmospheric and immersive, and it helps to create a sense of mood and tension. The voice acting is also top-notch, and it brings the characters to life.

Overall

Tex Murphy: Martian Memorandum is a classic point-and-click adventure game that is still enjoyable today. The game has a well-written story, engaging characters, challenging puzzles, and a dark and atmospheric setting. If you are a fan of adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Tex Murphy: Martian Memorandum.

Score: 8.5/10

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Tex Murphy: Under a Killing Moon (1994)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Tex Murphy: Under a Killing Moon (1994)

Tex Murphy: Under a Killing Moon is a groundbreaking FMV adventure game developed by Access Software and released in 1994. The game follows the adventures of Tex Murphy, a private investigator in the year 2042, as he investigates the murder of a prominent scientist.

The game is notable for its use of full-motion video (FMV) technology, which was cutting-edge at the time. The FMV sequences are used to tell the story and to create a more immersive experience for the player. The game also features a branching storyline, which allows the player to make choices that affect the outcome of the game.

Tex Murphy: Under a Killing Moon was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best FMV adventure games ever made. The game has been praised for its well-written story, its engaging characters, and its innovative use of FMV technology.

Story

The game is set in the year 2042 in San Francisco. Tex Murphy is a private investigator who is hired to investigate the murder of Dr. Edward Benton, a prominent scientist. Benton was working on a top-secret project for the government, and his murder has sent shockwaves through the scientific community.

Tex soon discovers that Benton’s murder is part of a much larger conspiracy. A shadowy organization known as the “Order of the Phoenix” is trying to steal Benton’s research for their own evil purposes. Tex must race against time to stop the Order of the Phoenix and bring Benton’s killers to justice.

Gameplay

Tex Murphy: Under a Killing Moon is a point-and-click adventure game. The player controls Tex as he explores the game world and interacts with objects and characters. The game features a branching storyline, which allows the player to make choices that affect the outcome of the game.

The game also features a number of puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress. The puzzles are varied and challenging, and they require the player to use their wits and problem-solving skills.

Characters

Tex Murphy is a complex and well-developed character. He is a cynical and world-weary private investigator, but he also has a strong sense of justice. Tex is determined to stop the Order of the Phoenix and bring Benton’s killers to justice, no matter what the cost.

The game also features a number of other memorable characters, including Tex’s partner, Chelsee Bando, and his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron.

Graphics

Tex Murphy: Under a Killing Moon was one of the first games to use FMV technology. The FMV sequences are used to tell the story and to create a more immersive experience for the player. The FMV sequences are of high quality, and they help to bring the game’s characters and world to life.

Sound

The game’s sound is also top-notch. The voice acting is excellent, and the music is atmospheric and suspenseful. The sound design helps to create a truly immersive experience for the player.

Overall

Tex Murphy: Under a Killing Moon is a classic FMV adventure game. The game has a well-written story, engaging characters, and innovative use of FMV technology. The game is a must-play for fans of the adventure genre.

Review Score

9/10

Pros

  • Well-written story
  • Engaging characters
  • Innovative use of FMV technology
  • Challenging puzzles

Cons

  • Some of the FMV sequences can be a bit cheesy
  • The game can be difficult at times

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Links LS: 1998 Edition (1997)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Links LS: 1998 Edition – The Pinnacle of Golf Simulation in 1997

Released in 1997, Links LS: 1998 Edition marked a significant milestone in the world of golf video games. As the first game in the Links series to run natively in Windows 95, Links LS 1998 Edition introduced a host of new features and enhancements that set a new standard for golf simulation.

Revolutionary “Look Ahead” Rendering

One of the most groundbreaking innovations in Links LS 1998 Edition was its “look ahead” rendering technology. This technology allowed the game to predict where the player’s next shot would land, significantly reducing redraw times and providing a smoother, more immersive golfing experience.

Enhanced Visuals and Environmental Effects

Links LS 1998 Edition also boasted a number of visual enhancements over its predecessors. The game introduced water reflections, waving flags, blimps, balloons, airplanes, and environmental haze and fog, creating a more realistic and immersive golfing environment.

New Tournaments and Internet Play

In addition to its improved graphics, Links LS 1998 Edition also expanded the game’s content with two new offline tournaments, bringing the total to six. The game also introduced an internet play mode, allowing players to compete against each other online for the first time in the Links series.

Improved AI and Player Customization

The AI in Links LS 1998 Edition was also significantly improved, with computer-controlled golfers now exhibiting more realistic behavior and decision-making. The game also introduced a black-skinned golfer, likely in response to the success of Tiger Woods at the time.

Immersive Gameplay and Smart Cameras

Links LS 1998 Edition offered a truly immersive golfing experience, with players now able to view other golfers on the main play screen. The action was tracked by eight smart cameras, ensuring that players always had the best possible view of their shots.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Links LS 1998 Edition received widespread critical acclaim. The game was praised for its stunning visuals, innovative “look ahead” rendering, and immersive gameplay. It quickly became one of the best-selling golf games of all time and is still considered by many to be one of the best golf simulations ever created.

Conclusion

Links LS: 1998 Edition was a groundbreaking golf game that set a new standard for realism, immersion, and gameplay. Its innovative features and stunning visuals made it one of the most popular and critically acclaimed golf games of its time. Today, Links LS 1998 Edition remains a beloved classic among golf fans and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Links series.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Links LS 1999 (1998)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Links LS 1999: The Ultimate Golf Simulation

Prepare to tee off with Links LS 1999, the groundbreaking golf simulation game that took the virtual fairways by storm in 1998. Featuring the prestigious St Andrews Links – Old Course and a host of other renowned golf destinations, Links LS 1999 offers an immersive and realistic golfing experience that will challenge even the most seasoned players.

Unparalleled Course Selection

Links LS 1999 boasts an impressive roster of meticulously recreated golf courses, each offering its own unique challenges and scenic beauty. Step onto the hallowed greens of St Andrews Links – Old Course, renowned as the birthplace of golf, and experience the game’s rich history and traditions. Tackle the undulating fairways of Bay Hill Club and Lodge, home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, or conquer the rugged terrain of Latrobe Country, where legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have left their mark. For a taste of desert golf, venture to Entrada at Snow Canyon, a visually stunning course nestled amidst the red rock canyons of Utah.

Enhanced Gameplay and Realism

Building upon the legacy of its predecessors, Links LS 1999 introduces a wealth of new features and enhancements that elevate the gameplay experience. The addition of real-time voice commentary brings the game to life, with professional announcers providing insights and analysis as you navigate the course. Spectator mode allows you to witness the action from a variety of perspectives, including following your ball in flight or observing the crowd’s reactions.

The game’s physics engine has been refined to deliver even more realistic ball flight and green behavior. Each shot you take is affected by a multitude of factors, including club selection, swing technique, wind conditions, and the slope of the terrain. This level of detail ensures that every round of golf is a unique and challenging experience.

Create Your Own Commentary

One of the most innovative features of Links LS 1999 is the ability to create your own sound scripts. This allows you to add your own commentary to the game, providing a personalized touch to your golfing experience. You can record your own voiceovers, complete with sound effects and music, and share them with the community. This feature opens up endless possibilities for customization and creativity, allowing you to create your own unique golf commentary team.

Online Multiplayer and Tournament Play

Links LS 1999 offers robust online multiplayer support, enabling you to compete against players from around the world. Join or create online tournaments, challenge friends to head-to-head matches, or simply enjoy a casual round of golf with fellow enthusiasts. The game’s tournament environment brings crowd galleries to the course, adding to the excitement and atmosphere of online play.

Stunning Graphics and Multimedia Tours

Links LS 1999 showcases stunning 3D graphics that bring the golf courses to life with incredible detail and realism. The lush fairways, undulating greens, and towering trees are rendered with meticulous precision, creating a truly immersive golfing experience.

In addition to the in-game graphics, Links LS 1999 also features interactive multimedia tours of each course. These tours provide an in-depth look at the course layout, history, and signature holes. You can explore the courses at your own pace, learning about their unique characteristics and challenges.

Conclusion

Links LS 1999 is a landmark golf simulation game that continues to set the standard for virtual golfing experiences. With its unparalleled course selection, enhanced gameplay, innovative features, and stunning graphics, the game offers an immersive and realistic golfing experience that will appeal to both casual and hardcore golf enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice just starting out, Links LS 1999 is the ultimate golf simulation that will provide hours of entertainment and challenge.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More