The Pandora Directive

"The Pandora Directive: a Tex Murphy Mystery"

Full of frustration, betrayal, disbelief, true love, and hatred, this game tells the story of a old-style detective in the future, when people can fly in cars, apartment doors have passwords, and the world is otherwise the same. Tex Murphy (sometimes blindly) leads you through the world, collecting clues, making friends, and occasionally getting shot at. With a dazzling story line, wide array of characters, and fast game play, this game does not only fulfill the players needs, but exceeds their wishes.

Graphics-8/10-Though the graphics seem fabulous at first, you soon realize that these are not slightly blurry drawings, but actual footage of actors. Though good most of the time, the ''movies'' can sometimes drag, and the pictures can become jumbled. Pretty good overall!

Story line-10/10-Wow. That is the only word to describe the emotion that actual goes through your body while playing this game. Kidnap, death and theft are only two of the bone-chilling occurrences during this game. Living in San Francisco, many different story lines and problems arise for Tex at once. These all need to be dealt with, and a hint guide built into the program is there to help. Wonderful Story line!

Characters-9/10- As with the graphics, some characters are blurry. Even so, their personalities are prevalent through their attitudes, frustrations, and reactions. Sometimes surprising you, the characters put on a show any audience would enjoy.

Replayability-9/10- As I have replayed this game many times, I find only one problem in replayability: you end up solving everything in the same manner, and therefor receive the same ending. Even so, with as long a game, as developed characters, and so many different ways to interact, something new is always discovered when this game is replayed.

Sound-9/10- like the characters, the soundtrack to this game can be sketchy at times, but beautiful at others. During ''movies'', the graphics and sound mix to create a movie like situation. With so many different characters, the voices are endless. A good point: if the soundtrack is sketchy, you can always read the dialog on the word bar below the main picture.

Buy or Rent?-BUY- you may not find the game again, if you find it, and will miss out on a great opportunity. If you liked movies like Dick Tracy and the Bone Collector, you'll love this game! Go out and find it today!

Overall-9/10-(grade stated below, also). A great game, Pandora Directive is a good choice for a present for anyone. Replayable, with a great story line, soundtrack and character development, this game is one of the best detective games released on the PC. Try it today!
Good luck, and easy playing!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/08/01, Updated 01/08/01