A brilliant point'n'click in a cyberpunk universe
A brilliant point'n'click in a cyberpunk universe
Pros
- Engaging story with alternating character gameplay
- Unique dystopian universe and atmospheric design
- Dialogues voiced by real actors for better immersion
Cons
- Dated gameplay mechanics
- Non-intuitive control system
- Understated artistic design in a crowded genre
Brief Description
Gemini Rue: An engaging, new-age point-and-click adventure game with a unique dystopian universe, reminiscing past glories of the genre.
Dystopian Universe and Story-driven Experience
Bringing together elements of science fiction and film noir, Gemini Rue introduces to its players Azriel Odin and Delta Six - two men stranded in distant reaches of a galaxy designed much in the flavors of Blade Runner. One amongst them is an investigator haunted by a troubled past while the other is a patient at a rehabilitation center. The game unfolds in a futuristic, rain-soaked setting indicative of a totalitarian society, which lends to the dark yet intriguing charm of the game. A major strength lies in its storytelling, which keeps the player tied-in through its riveting pace and well-scripted narration. The gameplay alternates between the two characters, gradually revealing their interconnected stories.
Classical Gameplay: Engaging but Needs Refinement
Gemini Rue's gameplay primarily revolves around exploration, engaging with game elements, and communication in the dystopian world. It also has planned combat episodes that offer a fun break from exploration. However, the gameplay, heavily influenced by classic games of the 1990s, feels dated. The game controls lack intuitive design and the cumbersome handling seems to exasperate an already complex game. This results in unnecessary downtime and could have benefited from some improvement.
Artistic Design: Retro and Simple
The game's visual design is not luxurious, showcasing coarse pixels and an art style that struggles to shine in the saturated steampunk genre. However, the game manages to maintain a distinctive taste with its compelling gameplay and distinctive narrative. What's notable is that the game's dialogues are voiced by real actors, bringing life to the game's strong storyline. Although the musical score is understated, it offers a committed supplement to the overall game atmosphere.
Conclusion
Gemini Rue stands out for its intriguing atmosphere, its haunting dystopian universe, and the quality of its voice acting. Considering it's an independent game, Gemini Rue secures itself a strong place among recent point-and-click adventure games.
Pros
- Engaging story with alternating character gameplay
- Unique dystopian universe and atmospheric design
- Dialogues voiced by real actors for better immersion
Cons
- Dated gameplay mechanics
- Non-intuitive control system
- Understated artistic design in a crowded genre
