The game was released in 1997 by Broderbund and was created by Jordan Mechner, the brain behind Prince of Persia. Two weeks before release Broderbunds marketing department quit, giving the game no advertising before release. Even though the game was rated quite high and won several awards, it didnt even sell more than 100,000 copies. Shortly after that the company went under, causing the game to go out of print. Interplay picked it up as a budget title in 2000, but then also went bankrupt. As you can see this game really got screwed.
On to the game itself. The entire story takes place on a train in 1914 going from Paris to Constantinople. There are tons of plot twists, and the character development is like nothing I have ever seen. From everything they say to some of the looks they will give you when you walk by them, it is all top quality work. Also incredible voice acting that makes it even more believable.
Next this game is the best use of "real time" that I have ever seen. In one part there is a concert in the dining car that last 20 minutes. During this scene you are free to walk about the train. If you leave for 10 minutes and come back, there is still 10 minutes of the concert left. This is also true with the TONS of NPC conversations you hear as you walk by. You can sit and listen if you want, but if you leave and come back the conversation did not stop. Its amazing to think that they recorded so much dialogue and most of it you will never even hear. This is probably what makes the game more lifelike than anything. The only parts not in real time are when your character is sleeping and some of the cutscenes.
Last but not least is the amazing visuals. Its pretty much a graphic novel brought to life. They were made using a process call rotoscoping, the same process used in Prince of Persia that Mechner is famous for, but on a way more advanced level. Sometimes I wish the animation was fluid, but I think it might distract me from the amazing storytelling going on.
As to a way to play this game, I found new copies(the Interplay release) on ebay for $20 shipped, and its available on Gametap. I have never used Gametap and can't suggest it. I myself pirated a copy as no one is making any money off this game. I do want to buy one just to have in my collection though and I plan on it.
Anyway, I know there are some point and click adventure junkies around here, so I thought I would share this amazing gem. Heres some screens to drool over!
