The Last Express

As with Sentient (reviewed opposite), I've got a lot of respect for what Broderbund have attempted to do with The Last Express. Also, like Sentient, it's a very nice game with one rather annoying flaw. Essentially a first-person perspective adventure game, it relates the story of the last journey of the Orient Express in 1914 and features all the classic elements of the period - namely romance, intrigue, murder and mystery. The key difference here though is that everything seems to happen in real time. As you wander around various areas of the train, all the other characters lead their own lives and have their own individual goals. Events happen at scheduled times and, depending on your actions, can change with each game.

In a sense, it works very well indeed. It's very captivating, very atmospheric - the sense of 'being there* is very nicely achieved - and has a plot that really does draw you in. The only thing going against it is the very odd graphical style used throughout. It's not exactly what you'd call fluid animation and it's not still screens, but a kind of stop-motion effect which is unfortunately very offputting after a very short while. However, if you can put up with it, The Last Express is very rewarding. Be patient and you'll find it bold, brave and innovative. Which makes a change these days.