Dynamix's first adventure game, Rise of The Dragon is one of the most atmospheric graphical adventures ever made and Jeff Tunnell's masterpiece. As futuristic private eye and ex-cop Blade Hunter hired to investigate the death of the mayor's daughter in Los Angeles circa 2004 AD, you soon find yourself embroiled in a wide-scale drug ring and an ancient Chinese prophecy. The game's atmospheric graphics and comic-book style cutscenes that advance the storyline greatly enhance gameplay, which is a good blend of traditional inventory puzzles and excellent arcade sequences that would merit a game on their own. Adventure gamers who despise action sequences in adventure games will be pleased to know that Rise of The Dragon will automatically let you win the sequences if you die one too many times. One of the game's many original concepts is the use of a non-linear plot, with many optional puzzles and subplots that lead into multiple endings. This makes the game highly replayable. The game also has realistic characters that DO remember your actions and respond appropriately (hint: don't cross your girlfriend). Puzzles are, for the most part, easy, except for some frustrating pixel hunting and time constraints. Overall, Rise of the Dragon is a must-play for every adventure fan. Even the death scenes are so well done that I remember trying different ways to die just to see them all. Two thumbs up! Reviewed by: Underdogs |