Space Quest V: The Next Mutation

"A masterpiece of comedy!"

Introduction- With only one of the original programmers going at it this time, this game succeeds unbelievably. It's perfect in almost all areas. It abandoned some of the Space Quest staples and started out in a fresh direction. I can't tell you how excited I was to get this when it first came out, I even had it pre-ordered at the local PC shop. I knew if it was even half as good as SQ4 (keep in mind the disk version of SQ4, not that speed would have been a problem with the CD version at the time, but it sure is now, but I digress), it would be worth the purchase. It even came with it's own interplanetary tabloid, which not only gives you a laugh, but serves as a unique form of copy protection.

Gameplay (10/10)- In my opinion, the best point-and-click game, ever. Period. Tied with SQ1 and SQ3 as my favorite of the series. Although the taste and smell options are sadly missing, as is some of the trademark sarcasm, it gives you the all important 'order' icon, as you are a captain, but more on that later. The game plays smooth, with puzzles that are neat but not especially hard (though diffusing the cloaking device is a challenge at first). The game is best played for laughs, the story is interesting, but more or less one big Star Trek paroday (and that's a good thing). Copy protection exists in the form of coordinates you must enter to get where you want to go. Most of these are found in the above mentioned tabloid, meaning if you bought this game illegally or incomplete, you won't get very far. Anyone looking for a serious game should steer clear, anyone who wants a hilarious adventure should look no further.

Story (10/10)- Very goofy and likable, and it holds your interest. After the events of SQ4, Roger has enrolled at the StarCon Academy, hoping to become the captain of his own ship. He does become one (done through cheating off of a fellow student on the aptitude test, and a convenient malfunction in the grading machine), though it's of a garbage scow, and it's wise cracking crew, including Flo, Drool, and Cliffy. He's constantly annoyed by Capatin Quirk (don't know who he's spoofing :-)), and is chased by another android from the Gippazoid novelty company for mail fraud (even through the order form in SQ2 said it was free). The main plot of the story is the spreading of a deadly slime that turns anyone it touches into a slime monster. Roger even meets his future wife, Bea. I'll give away no more, you have to figure out the story on your own, you'll find it funniest that way.

Graphics (9/10)- The backrounds look just as good as SQ4, as do the characters from far away. However, Sierra incorporated it's Dynamix engine with this game. As a result, characters look pixellated up close, though on a whole not too bad. There are constant little sight gags, as well as some nice close ups, throughout the entire game. The graphics are sure to get a laugh from anyone.

Sound (10/10)- Just as good as SQ4, too. The music sounds great, and effectively sets the mood for each scene, whether it be goofy, serious, what have you. The sound effects also sound good, and are often hilarious (listen whenever Roger sits in his captain's chair). Sierra did a great job here, too.

Replayability (10/10)- Although the challenge is very low, this game has the best replayability simply because it's so funny. You can't get all the jokes the first time through. After beating it once, you have to go through it again and really click on everything, many (most) responses give you a humorous little comeback. This game lacks a speech enhanced version, and this was never corrected, not even on the Space Quest Collection CD (I believe). That's kind of disappointing, but it doesn't really hurt the game.

Fianl Recommendation- BUY. That's all I have to say. The game's only real fault is the slight blockiness of charcaters up close. Other than that, it's perfect. It beats SQ4, and especially the VGA SQ1, easily. and remains one of the most playable games ever, in my opinion. You must go buy this game, especially since it doesn't cost very much, and you'll get more than your money's worth.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/16/03