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CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (PC)
Publisher:  Ubisoft Developer:  Radical Entertainment
Genre:  Adventure Release Date:  03/25/2003
ESRB:  Mature More Info on this Game
By Avi Fryman | April 30, 2003
Join Gil Grissom and the Vegas crime lab star in this point-and-click forensics adventure based on the hit series.
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Pros Cons
Solid voice acting by the original cast; decent graphics; humorous dialogue. First four missions are way too easy, the last is way too frustrating; low replay value.

Every week, millions of TV viewers tune into the latest crime-solving adventures and wisecracking antics of Gil Grissom and his team of forensics experts on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The show's winning formula (two grisly crimes per episode, usually unrelated, are simultaneously investigated, and generally solved within the hour) has spawned a second TV series, a five-issue comic book miniseries, and now a point-and-click graphic adventure game featuring the voice talents and likenesses of the original cast.

As a new CSI recruit, your job in CSI (the game) is to gather evidence and interview suspects in five crime scene investigations, the first of which is a sex-related murder. Unlike the TV series upon which it is based, the game does not hop back and forth between simultaneous investigations, making it easier to concentrate on matters one at a time. Players are eased into the point-and-click dynamics at the start of the first mission, which serves as a tutorial mode. Within minutes, you'll know everything you need to know about navigating a scene, using your forensics tools to detect and gather evidence, interacting with other characters, and hopping between locations.

During each mission, one member of the CSI team joins you to introduce the crime scene, offer advice, wax poetic, convey wry scientific witticisms, and even provide hints as needed. Upon gathering evidence, it's a good idea to bring it to the lab, where Greg (the lab tech) will analyze it. You've also got access to a microscope and lab computer, where you can compare tiny items, perform fingerprint scans, and access other information when applicable. In murder cases in which the victim's body has been located, it's possible to get additional information from chief medical examiner Al Robbins at the coroner's office. Jim Brass, captain of the homicide division, will provide search warrants and other assistance as each case, um, warrants.

Despite all the help, you may get stuck from time to time. To obtain a hint, you simply click on your current partner, then either click on context-sensitive questions or drag an item from your evidence folder onto the partner to find out more about the item. Upon solving each case, your performance is evaluated, with points taken off for information overlooked and hints used.

Most players will have no trouble passing the first four missions without using a single hint. For starters, it's impossible to use any of your tools improperly. Should you try to dust for prints where there are none to be found, your partner will announce, "There are no prints here." Try to use your adhesive lifting tape when you ought to be spraying an item with blood-revealing Luminol, and your partner will say, "You can't use that here." Ultimately, it's a matter of trial, error, and simple logic.

For fans of the series and casual gamers, this title will serve as a fun diversion for a few evenings. A unique take on a familiar, arguably outdated game genre, this title features a number of nice touches that will make it worth the price of admission for some. Crime re-enactment scenes share the swiftness and dramatic flair of those on the series, and a couple of the plot twists are worthy of an episode or two. The dialogue was written by CSI scriptwriter, Max Allan Collins, and is well-acted by the original cast.

Chief medical examiner Robbins analyzes murder victims.
The graphics are decent, with some environments allowing for 360-degree movement. Still, those who have played the Myst games or other similar point-and-click adventure titles will feel considerably limited by the general lack of movement and exploration in this title. Whereas some cases feature more locales than others, there aren't nearly enough nooks and crannies available here to make your discoveries seem genuinely revealing.

Further, it is only possible to investigate certain items, as signaled by the shifting color of your mouse cursor when applicable. Should you come across a bookcase, chances are that only one title on the shelf will be available for viewing, and you will magically turn to the correct page to further your investigation upon selecting this particular book. Such details prevent the game from ever truly transcending its own linear narrative function. As such, you'll feel less like an up-and-coming investigator and more like a point-and-clicking passive observer over the course of this game.

Catherine stares down a devious inmate.
The final mission ultimately proves to be the only real challenge, by which time it's too little too late. The frustration level of this final challenge is unanticipated, especially in light of how swiftly the rest of the game unfolds. Here again, the shortcomings of this title are revealed, as players will find themselves at a loss until they've simply clicked on everything in sight (and a few things out of sight).

Overall, the game falls short of its potential, serving more as a sort of interactive blueprint for a few decent episodes that would probably be more entertaining on TV. It's tough to recommend CSI to anyone other than hardcore fans of the show.


Game Information

Reviewer System Specifications
Pentium IV 1.3 GHz; 196 MB RAM; Windows XP; DirectX 8.1a; 64 MB NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 420; DirectX-compatible sound card; 48x CD-ROM drive; cable modem.


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