The Da Vinci Code

"So-so game based on a movie based on a book"

I read The Da Vinci Code a few years ago. I really didn't care for the book. It had too many things that were just too unrealistic but the book required them to advance the plot. However, I was excited about the movie. My favorite male and female French actors were going to be in it. I just had to see it. I saw the movie on opening day and I must admit. I really liked it. Jump forward almost 2 months and I've played and beat the game. I must say I'm very disappointed.

The story is the same as the book and movie. Someone has been killed, our hero seems framed. An ancient mystery about Jesus. Action, whipping and all of that fun stuff. The plot is a huge focus in the game and there seemed to be almost more cut scenes then actual game play but it's needed to move the plot along.

Graphic wise the game is alright. The locations all look interesting but the problem is that it's kind of bland at times. The character models look nothing like the actors in the movie which surprised. They look interesting but not what I imagined the characters to look like. Oh well.

Sound wise the game is alright. The music is fantastic. Best I've heard in a while. Voice acting is alright but didn't seem to be the actors from the movie. Sound effects are okay as well but nothing exciting.

Control wise the game felt kind of sloppy. Think of a poor mans Indigo Prophecy. Fighting is silly Parappa the Rapper type combos. On the screen flashes what you need to press. It's just stupid and dumbs the game down. It doesn't even move fast, it's rather slow. Moving around was fine but trying to find the clues felt more like a chore as it moved to slow and the hot spots were too tiny.

So how does the game play. The game is split into 9 stages. There are also 2 bonus stages. These are specific locations and you need to wander around and find clues and pieces to the puzzles. If you've played a point and click adventure then you know how this plays. You can also sneak around to avoid fights and I described the fighting above in the control section. It doesn't advance past that.

Hunting for clues is simple. The objects tend to stick out and when you need to explain a specific area for clues you go into a first person view and scroll around the area looking for an action command. It's all very simple. The problem with it all is that anyone who has played a point and click game will figure out these puzzles with no problems. It's a little too easy. If you've seen the movie or read the book then it will be even easier and you'll know the basics.

The game was fairly short. About 20 minutes for each stage. Some were shorter than that. Some of the areas themselves feel really closed in. Stage 9 itself is very tiny, making it even easier to find what you need and advance further. The game offers hidden items in each stage which unlocks art work and all of that fun stuff.

I rented The Da Vinci Code and I am very thankful that I didn't buy it. It's really feels like it took the point and click idea, threw in the Indigo Prophecy fighting bits (but really dumbed it down) and tossed in the story. Fans may like it but there are so many better adventure titles out there. Rent if you're really interested but just skip on this generic adventure.

Story - 7/10
Graphics - 6/10
Sound - 7/10
Control - 5/10
Game Play - 5/10
Replay Value - 5/10

Final Score - 5/10

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 07/31/06