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March 23, 2009 Give Clueless A Clue
Clueless (*** out of four) is a newly released PC game based on the 1995 movie Clueless and the spinoff TV series of the same name. The game is designed to appeal to girls 10+ and is, like the movie, imbedded in Beverly Hills teen culture and fashion in a tongue-in-cheek fashion (pun intended). The program is mostly a fashion-based teen thing laced with teen-talk and the chance to dress on-screen girl friends, hoping they will appeal to the likes of other girls and, of course, boys. You take on the role of Cher, the star of the original movie, in her upper class "clueless" life. You’re presented with pictures of your friends and a stock of tops, dresses, pants, shoes and accessories. You are challenged to dress your friends in a specific style by using a drag and drop option to place clothes on the models. Styles required are beachware, corporate, hippie, military and others. You’ll be graded on how well you do, and you can’t dilly dally because you are racing the clock as well. You’ll score points and unlock more levels to play. You can check on how well your fashion sense appeals to your friends, both girls and boys. Gameplay takes place in several Beverly Hills malls, and you’ll need to create about a dozen or so outfits as play progresses. For each style you need to create, you’re given a choice of four tops, four pants or skirts and four shoes from which to choose at that level. Enough to create a drop-dead cool style or strike out with a "ewww," fashion road kill bomb. No real story line or character development here, but a few scenarios such as arranging a match between two of the girls’ teachers or battling for the attentions of a boy. There is, however, plenty of simple game play with the 18 levels to wade through using more than 500 pieces of clothing. Scattered throughout are a few simple games to play, such as match the model or a free for all photo shoot for your favorite fashions. If you like shopping and fashion and are into the "clueless" mentality, then give this program a try. If nothing else, it’ll be a stress reliever. By the way, two other movie-based games from the publisher are also available: Mean Girls and Pretty in Pink. From Legacy Games (www.legacygames.com), $19.99.
Syberia (**** out of four) is one of the most graphically beautiful role-playing mystery adventure games we’ve seen since Myst. Although an older game, it still holds its own against newer programs because of its charm and game suspense. The story line finds a New York lawyer, Kate Walker, traveling to an old-world Alpine village. Her job is to complete the acquisition of an old historic toy company that has recently fallen on hard times. The company specializes in making life-like toys and puppets--some maybe too life-like. When Kate arrives, she finds that the sole owner of the toy company had suddenly died and apparently left no heirs. But there really was a hidden heir, and your adventure begins as Kate searches for the mysterious heir. During her investigation, Kate uncovers a secret, and the follow-up will take her on a journey to other lands and times. What she learns may change her life forever. You control Kate’s actions as she tries to unravel these mysteries about the toy company, its founders and this hidden heir. In your quest you’ll be exploring the village and traveling to distant lands to gather information. Syberia is an incredibly crafted tale in which you must meet and interview many fascinating characters to piece together an intriguing story. You’ll also have to acquire many items, mostly wind-up toy keys, and solve many puzzles. Some puzzles are seemingly unsolvable. But that’s because you failed to pick up some needed item or take careful notes several scenes back. Some puzzles were admittedly quite contrived, but we didn’t mind because they are so beautifully rendered. Game play is straightforward, but you’ll need to pay attention to details and, of course, take notes. There’s only one conclusion to Kate’s quest in this mostly linear story, but since you can freely explore the many paths to get there, you’ll have loads of game play. And that’s OK because, if you’re like us, you’ll love being immersed in the beautiful, old-world, sometimes dreamlike scenery, original musical score and engrossing storyline. A special feature of this program is the ability to enjoy at any time any of the cut-scenes that you have unlocked. Syberia is an absorbing tale, full of wonderfully-depicted scenes, many with a dark eeriness and mysterious beauty. We enjoyed it mostly because of this beautifully done artwork and graphics, which are found in every aspect of the program. From The Adventure Company and Microids, Windows 98/Me/2000/XP. A followup adventure, Syberia 2 is also available tracking the further adventures of Kate. |
