Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude

"Reviews from "The Other Side""

Before I start reviewing this game I want to point out that this review is being written by a girl, so because I do not drool at pixelated mammilla, I think that I can be objective and reasonable with my options. With disclaimer out of the way...on to the review

Story - 8/10

The story is a classic one. You're an underachieving college guy who has spent more years than he should have trying to chase that fresh young girl. Because Larry is well...a loser past his prime, the story is filled with cheesy lines and come-ons. One thing that was very enjoyable was the story's for each of the girls. Each girl was unique, although typically a stereotype of a majority of women out there. Because of this, you get some good laughs as Larry triesd his best to impress.

Gameplay - 6/10

While the control system is very easy to learn, the game play is dampened by excessive loading screens and long load times. Granted, you usually get to gaze at a beautiful girl (Less you've got a screen of Sweet Lou up there), but in some places the load times get to be monotonous. The mini games are fun and thankfully there is more than one type...although, they do tend to repeat themselves with new graphics. A thumbs up goes to the "drunkard physics" where the mini games are harder to maneuver through when Larry is a bit sloshed. Clipping is minimal and overall movement is smooth.

Sounds - 9/10

The dialogue is great! The synch is right on, so there is never the horrible issue of the "phantom" lips. Each girl tends to have her own theme as well during the mini-games, so it is fun to hear the heavy beats for the Russian Zanna as well as the light riffs for the Italian Bird, Analisa. Lastly, the creme de la creme to this game's sounds..."I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred. Yes, if you're not sold already, you are now.

Graphics - 8/10

While the graphics are very comical and cartoonish, they are well done. I think that taking a more realistic approach to this game would have pushed it into the AO category, but leaving the graphics as cartoonish as they were helped to keep the game comical and well within the M category. Plus, there is nothing funnier than watching a guy with a head one third the size of his body try to pick up on a proportionally perfect woman.

Overall - 7/10

This game is going to give you some laughs, but it will not give you dozens of hours of fun. It's something great to pick up for maybe an hour each week, especially when you're feeling blue or perhaps even a bit rejected? Watching Larry's ups and downs make you feel a little better about your sad, sad life. This game is funny for both guys and girls a like. Guys can relate to the beautiful girls and girls can shake their heads, knowing some guys are actually like Larry. I would not suggest dropping 50 bucks on this game, but if you see it for 20 or on sale, pick it up for a quick hit of fun.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/10/05