"Good...while it lasts."

A brief introduction. This game is based on a TV show called (surprise, surprise) CSI. The show is about a team of Crime Scene Investigators working in Las Vegas. The game gives you five typical cases to solve in the CSI universe. You play a rookie team member and, as such, are accompanied on each case by one of the familiar CSI cast who can help you, if you ask them. The game would be enjoyable to non fans as well though, which is a major plus with a TV-franchise game.

Graphics - 9/10

The graphics are good and do what they're supposed to. The characters and environments are well drawn. Of special note are the reconstruction movies which are extremely cool and can be replayed at any time during the case. No complaints here.

Sound - 10/10

The voice acting is provided by the cast of the show and therefore is extremely convincing. Minor characters who crop up in the game are also well done.

Gameplay - 7/10

Bog standard point and click interface that you'd find in any adventure game. Sometimes you'll have to use various evidence collection and detection tools, or analyse things under a microscope, or on the computer. This is quite fun - looking for matching fibre samples, searching for fingerprint details, rap sheets etc.

Length - 4/10

This is where it really falls down. Basically if you pick up everything you possibly can and analyse it you'll have no problems. The game will steer you in the right direction also. If you get stuck, which frankly is quite unlikely as the game is very easy, you can ask your CSI partner for help. However this will affect your final evaluation (basically % completion.) You unlock bonus material for getting 100% on each case but it's nothing special. You, like me, will probably finish the game in a few hours.

Replay value - 1/10

Replay value is practically nonexistent. The only reason to replay the cases is to get 100% and the reward for doing so isn't great.

Overall - 8/10

I like puzzles, and I like murder mysteries and whodunits so this game was a pleasant afternoon distraction for me. This game is worth picking up if you see it in the bargain bin. I wouldn't pay too much for it, purely because of the lack of length length and lack of replay value. The game is good - there just should have been more of it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/18/04