Been getting pretty bored with the same old game formats lately, so this was a breath of fresh air.
It's basically like a game version of the CSI TV show where you get to analyze a crime scene. I didn't like the CSI games but this is totally different.
It has video scenes with actors in it, and the environment you walk around is actually a real place. Hard to describe but worth checking out the trailer or playing the game to have a look and see what I mean. I haven't seen anything like this before.
There are forensic tasks you must complete, which range from really simple but mechanically enjoyable, to more difficult 'boss' games at the end of each section. Some of the activities include working with DNA, analyzing fingerprints, warming up chemicals in test tubes, map based puzzle, audio cassette tape analysis, and more. All up I guess there is about ten or so different ones.
The main environments are photo-realistic. Not like static photos, but more actual rooms that you can walk around. Like I said above best to look at the trailer to see what I mean. When you are walking around it looks just like someone is walking around a room with a camcorder. I haven't seen this anywhere else before and I'm not sure how long it's been around but I'm keen to find other games that use this.
The cut-scenes and clips are all filmed in a crime-drama style. It's nice getting instructions form a human actor rather than a plastic fake looking character you normally have to deal with in 3D games.
Looking forward to Episode two, as there is a preview which you unlock at the end of finishing the game.
Would be great if more game studios would try to break the mold like this.
Casebook Episode 1 is exactly what the above score says: an enjoyable game that's well worth checking out if you like adventure games or crime dramas. The story is well written and well presented, thanks to the interesting twists and turns and the strong acting throughout the game. The gameplay is simple to learn and easy to work with, and the different mechanics are easy enough to understand and work with, even if you've never seen a crime scene investigation show in your life.
It's true that the game is a bit on the short side, and the game isn't anywhere near challenging, and some sort of adjustable challenge option might have added more to the game, which unfortunately offers you no reason to come back to it once you've finished it. For the low price, however, Casebook Episode 1 is pretty much worth it, simply because if you're a fan of the genre of game or the genre of story, you'll easily get your money's worth from it and more.
Despite the faults, ACG can say that Casebook is shaping up to become among the most unique and rich episodic adventure game series from an indie developer. If future episodes can address some of the game's current shortcomings and further expand the game's core features, the series may succeed in delivering the full interactive experience that it has promised.
ACG has been granted an opportunity to interview Sam Clarkson, Areo's Creative Director, about Areo, Areograph, and Casebook. In the interview, Clarkson speaks to them about what makes the essence of a good mystery game, how much care and attention has been taken to bring into the games the realism that is made possible by the use of FMV, and how Casebook showcases Areo's patented camera technology.
