CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Dark Motives

"Liked the first LOVED the second"

Based on the highly watched show, CSI. This game is the sequel to the first CSI game which I really liked. So get ready to get teamed with Gil Grissom, Captain Jim Brass, Sarah Sidle, Nick Stokes, Greg Sanders, Catherine Willows, and the rest of the nighshift CSI team of Las Vegas.
Graphics 10/10
The graphics in this game are much improved then in the first one, although it could be better, it suits the crime solving/puzzle genre. The people in the game look pretty realistic (with Grissom's stubble on his chin) and the crime scenes with very good detail.

Gameplay 10/10
This is the best part of the game, you can use the equipment from the show (luminol, fingerprint powder and many more) to solve crimes that vary from murders, stunt sabotage to robberies.

Length 9/10
This is where the game falls short, its just as short as the first one. There are only five cases to solve each taking around 1 hr without using a walkthrough, and having the cursor changing colour when at a point of interest and auto evidence questions turned off. If you have everything turned on it will take round 30 minutes per case. But if you're using a walkthrough or playing it a second time through itll take around 5-10 minutes each case. So if you cheat it'll screw the game up and waste your hard earned cash.

Sound 10/10
The character voices are from the people off the show and the music when you find a new piece of evidence is chilling.

Replayibility9/10
For a normal person once through is probably enough but I played the game 5 times now on my sixth.

Rent or Buy?If you've played the first one and loved it this is a definite buy. But if your're new to the CSI games you should rent it. If you finished the game and still want to play it BUY IT.

Better then the first?
Definitely, better graphics, new equipment and an improved gameplay and AFIS system. Although the first game's storyline is better (SPOILERS- Unsolved crimes, catching the wrong suspect )

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/18/04