User Reviews (1 - 11 of 38)

Show these reviews first:

Highest Rated
Lowest Rated Newest
Oldest Most Helpful
Least Helpful

Terrific melding of video games and movies

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 18 / 20
Date: September 26, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Note: I own the Xbox version of the game. From what I've seen, the two games are about equal in terms of graphics so my review should be accurate for the PS2 version as well.

There have been games throughout the years that have truly done something original, different and completely engaging. It always seems to be that these games fall by the wayside in terms of popularity which is a shame. Indigo Prophecy falls into this category as an original game with a fantastic premise and incredibly exciting gameplay.

Never before have I played a game that was so interactive in its story-telling. When trying to describe this game, I would point to God of War, a PS2 game in which there were scenes where you have timed button presses that would move forward a cutscene. It helped bring you into the story, the cutscenes so that it was you that were doing all of the cool acrobatic manuevers killing the hydra. Another game that used this to a lesser effect was Resident Evil 4, for example with the knife fight that you had to push buttons to keep Leon safe. Indigo Prophecy takes this idea and pushes it to the extreme.

IP is basically and incredibly interactive movie. It mixes the adventure genre, which is seldom seen on console, and movies and melds them into a cohesive and incredibly engaging story. It starts off with a bang as you immediately find yourself killing someone you don't know in a diner. You feel like you're not in control of your actions and as a result you have a body in a restroom and a policeman drinking coffee in the restaurant. What do you do? You're free to act from here on out. Do you leave the body and rush out? Do you hide the body? What about the blood? What about the blood on you? What about the knife? When you leave do you pay your bill? You can take care of all or none of the options above. And the story will be different, sometimes marginally sometimes drastically. Oh, and by the way, that cop sitting outside needs to use the restroom and soon the screen will split and you better be out of there before he makes it to the restroom.

This opening sequence exemplifies everything this game is about. Choices, story and gameplay all merged into one. But innovation doesn't end there. As soon as Lucas (the murdering protagonist) is free of the diner, you take control of two police detectives who investigate the scene. You can switch between the two on the fly and you have to find clues, make theories and basically do everything in your power to catch Lucas. Its this give and take gameplay, where you have to play one side against the other, that truly gives the game a sense of urgency and excitement.

Going back to the God of War example, when you have cutscenes in this game, you better not put your controller down. Gameplay pushes forward the story-centered bits as well. Whether its doing a simon says type control scheme to manuever your character past cars that are hurtling toward him, alternating between the L and R trigger as fast as you can to save someone who's drowning or using the R stick to make dialogue choices on the fly (you're timed) to hear all you can, the game makes sure to bring you into the story. Its very effective and really ratchets up the tension.

If there is one sore spot in the game its the graphics. While not bad, exactly, they don't necessarily push the Xbox in the way that this last year of Xbox life should. It looks like a first or possibly second generation Xbox game. Artistically the game is good. The characters in the cutscenes move really well and realistically. And there is never a moment of lag or skipping seen in a lot of games today. The character's faces have some nice emotion to them and the graphics aren't stellar, like I said, but they do a decent job. There's a ton of aliasing, however, which is sad.

Another sore spot is the controls. When you are in direct control of your character (i.e. actually moving them as opposed to having control of the cutscenes via button pressing) the game is pretty loose. It reminds me of playing the old Resident Evil games. You have the cinematic camera which causes some confusion as to which direction you should push your character. As a result, you will do a lot of figure 8s in the game which can cause a lot of problems when you have to hide the evidence because a cop is at your door and the timer is going down. Character animation while moving is also very stiff and a big difference from the cut scene animation.

The audio is terrific, however. While the box says the game does not run in 5.1 in game, I think it lies. My receiver lights up whenever 5.1 is being used and its always lit with this game. And it sounds like 5.1 is being used. The voice acting is absolutely wonderful and professional. Each voice matches the character and it helps enhance this feeling of playing a murder mystery movie. With voice acting becoming so important in games today, this is most welcome and really helps sell the game. Musically, the game also excels by using the very talented Angelo Badalamenti to score it. That name might not mean much on the outset but he has created scores to many Hollywood movies including most by David Lynch (Lost Highway, Mulholland Dr., Twin Peaks) but also Dark Water, Arlington Road, etc. The score is absolutely beautiful and moving; it really fits in with what is happening on screen.

What this game does best is meld the story-telling of a movie with the gameplay of video games. It exposes the limitations of both and yet uses the best of both to create an engaging, moving and very interactive story. For me, this game is a perfect building block for video games. I can overlook most of its flaws because it is so different, so exciting and so damn cool. It warrants a 5 star review simply because of what it did. I would most heartedly recommend this game to those who love a good story, like action adventure games and want to be impressed with what video games and movies can accomplish together.

A great concept translated well

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 20 / 20
Date: October 04, 2005
Author: Amazon User

So I receive my copy of Indigo Prophecy last week and I can't help but be intrigued by all of the hype about playing a "movie". I'd read the reviews on the gaming sites and I kept saying to myself that this is an awesome concept if it can be pulled off right.

It's been done right. From the onset you know you're controlling something truly different. The tutorial will walk you through the basics, as this game play like no other. Basic movements, slight shifts of the right analog button and you;re controlling every slight action the character has from opening a refrigerator to closing a window.

You start the game as Lucas Kane, but you dont know that. basically you're the murderer in a restaurant killing and the police are now after you. You manage to escape, but now the entire story unfold in a very detailed, very story oriented fashion.

Split screens, flashbacks, odd lighting and off the beaten path chapters make this game unreal. You play through the eyes of a few characters, and some acts may have you simply pouring some coffee and heading to work, or having a workout in the gym, but overall everything you do affects the storyline somehow.

As the game progresses you have tons of mini games which can feel frustrating or reptitive, but they downright make you sweat as you help one of the characters do what they need to do.

You almost always get the feeling that something is lurking behind you or about to flash before you and sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesnt. But everytime you get chills from every corner.

This game is downright addictive, I've played it just about through in my first week, and I never do that.

Excellent

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: September 24, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I recently purchased this game for the PS2, though I wanted it for XBOX. The graphics aren't mind blowing anyway (they don't need to be) so it doesn't really matter what system you get it for. Just get it. The story and gameplay are all top notch. Being an adventure game, there are "puzzles" but not in the tradition sense. Since the game is set in the real world, all items and puzzles are things you would find and use in the real world in a real fashion. You won't be killing a giant wolf to find a magic amulet or pixel hunting, you'll be using your brain the way a normal human being does. As for replay value, the jury's still out on that. Being an adventure game, it does have a fairly linear story, but the overwhelming number of choices you have in your actions and dialogue really do affect what path you take. I've only been playing the game for about 5 hours and already I can think of 8 or 9 things I would have done differently. A definite must rent for everyone, and a definite must by for gamers with more mature, discriminating tastes.

Excellent Game, Not for Buying

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: November 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I'm going to start out by saying that this is probably one of my all-time favorite games. It resembles an adult-oriented Choose Your Own Adventure book (remember those?), of which I was a fan way back when. This game was a breath of fresh air compared to the more generic games out there today.

The storyline in this game is complex, and the script is very well-written. It plays out very dramatically, with you influencing the outcome through the decisions you make. There are three final endings, not to mention the countless sub-endings you can get throughout the game for screwing up. The game gives you a strong sense of control, as you get to pick what your character will say during conversation and what your charcter will do in a situation (hey, that rhymes), and every decision you make changes the scene. There's also some action thrown in to very the gameplay. The cops are comming to check out your girlfriends apartment. Where do you hide? After picking a place, you must perform a series of timed thumbstick movements to keep your cool and prevent yourself from sneezing. Situations like that make the game what it is.

Every scene in the game is motion-captured, with top of the line voice acting. It would feel like a real movie if it wasn't for the graphics, which are very lacking for a game of today's standards. That's not to say that the graphics take anything away from the experience, they just could have added more.

As you complete scenes, you can replay them to see how they'd go if you'd done something different. Also, there's a variety of extras to unlock if you can find bonus cards throughout the game. These include funny extra scenes (all the characters from the game dancing in a parking lot, for example), concept art, making-of movies, and songs from the soundtrack.

The only drawback I find in the game is its length. I finished it entirely in a weekend: every ending, and all the bonuses unlocked. As good as it is, I don't recommend buying this game. Instead, rent it. It won't take that long to complete.

All in all, this is an excellent game that allows you to shape the storyline however you want. It's a game to play at night in a comfortable chair, wrapped in a thick blanket with a cup of cocoa at your side. You'll want to savor every moment, and experience it in the most plesant way possible. I cannot praise this game enough.

You just might be surprised

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: November 25, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This game offers a new cinematic approach to it's gameplay. And I must say it deliveres a truly orignal gaming experience. As a very picky video game buyer, it's not too often I find a game that lives up to the hype, so when a sleeper title like this comes along it's always a joy. I hope that more titles like this come along, it would offer a welcome relief from the monotonous and repeatitive titles that we've been overwhelmed with. By no means am I saying this game is without flaw, but comparatively speaking it's worth the investment.

The prophecy, unleashed!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: December 03, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Creative and unique! I applaud Atari for their efforts! This game has style and innovative gameplay.

As many of you have read from previous reviewers, Lucas Kane starts in a bathroom at a local diner in NYC and kills an older man, not knowing why he would commit such a crime. You take over at this point. Choices you make are crucial to the outcome of certain instances. Even more difficult, you have to choose what to do within seconds after a question is posed to you. This actually gives the realism of the game though. If you were a killer and trying to avoid getting caught and a question is asked, you have to give quick answers or suspicions will be raised. Every decision or action you do, can be the difference of you getting caught or buying more time to figure out why this has happened to you, which is the ultimate goal. Even more entertaining, you sometimes actually have to tell the truth in some instances or lie in others to keep the game going. I won't say which ones are which, but you never know when to lie or tell the truth. You really better be ready to think like a killer in this one!

You play 4 different roles in the game. Lucas, Carla, Tyler, and Lucas's Brother, the minister (I forgot his name). The first three being more prominent. It may seem a bit confusing to play four characters in a game, but you soon realize that it is creatively placed together. Choosing actions for each character to keep their morale up so they don't go down the path of despair. Drink water, eat pizza, use the restroom, listen to music, call a friend on the phone, watch tv (this can make you feel better OR worse, so beware.), work out, play a guitar (the songs sound quite good, by the way), punch a body bag, play basketball, spar in a ring against a co-worker, etc. Maintain their level of sanity, or else!

The mini-games throughout are quite unique. The "simon" method, as I like to call it, is used during cut scenes. It advises you rightbefore you start one to "Get Ready", but I would not advise putting the controller down while playing. You never know when you have to start this mode and a split second can change the outcome of that cut scene. The fact that this mode was even entered is quite creative. It still lets you be in the game, so to speak, so that you don't find yourself just sitting there watching. They place the "mini-simons (right analog and left analog)" in the direct middle of the screen so as to attempt to not let you miss any of the action. Once you get the hang of it, you will be fine. It can be confusing when you first try it. You definitely want to go through to tutorial before starting the game. This will give you a bit of practice to get the hang of it.

There are two cut scenes that I found to be awe inspiring. The one where Lucas is about to be arrested and goes NEO (the Matrix) on them, and the cut scene in Lucas's apartment when the spirits enter and rip his place to shreds. My heart was literally pounding. Mainly because of the "simon" parts trying to dodge everything and stay alive. These two scenes are truly awesome in their own right.

They even place playable scenes when Lucas was a child. You will find him daydreaming and it cuts back in time giving the cinematic feel to it. Then from there you have challenges to meet as well or it will also affect your morale.

All in all, this is a great game. The graphics could have been a tad better, but it does not take away from what was accomplished here. I started playing it on Thanksgiving and could not put it down. I have yet to finish it due to my work schedule, but plan on finishing it soon. I'm sure I am near the end. Overall, I probably played about 8-9 hours straight on that day. Very addictive game. It keeps you hooked so you will want to see what happens next. I would highly recommend this game and hope that Atari releases a sequel, hopefully using the same characters since sequels to movies usually bring the previous characters back (providing they didn't die in the first movie).

Rating based on demo

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 6
Date: July 21, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Yeah that's right I have only played the demo version of this game and after the demo was over I am still hungry for more. So my rating is just based on the demo if the demo is that great I can only imagine how good the actual game is. I've had a similar problem like someone else who has reveiwed this game, but unfortunately my mother will not buy me a copy :(. I could never save up enough money, but tomorrow is the day and i'm going out to buy my very own copy of the game. This game is really fun and is alot like you are controlling a movie. They did a very good job with the style of game it is. I have seen that the creators are also making a new game for the XBOX360 and knowing that alone could be enough for me to buy one. In the demo you start off in the bathroom of a resturaunt with a dead guy on the floor and blood on your hands. You have to quickly clean up the mess before the police officer in the resturaunt goes into the bathroom. You are able to see the police officer in another screen. Which you think may be an anoyance to have a second screen while you are playing but doesn't at all get in the way and makes the game more intense. Again this a very nice game and I love the concept. Definitely worth the money.

A storyline that requires some thought

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: September 04, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I thoroughly enjoyed playing Indigo Prophecy. In fact, I think it might be one of the best PS2 games I've played thus far. It has a great blend of gameplay and storytelling, and plays out better than many movies I've seen. I do wish it had been a little longer, but if it had been they may have run the risk of slowing things done a little too much.
The story is interesting if you look at it from a straight-forward approach, but if you take the time to pick up all of the subtle details it is much more interesting. I noticed one review mentioned the romance angle that was used towards the end, and I agree that it seemingly was just thrown out there, but if you think about it based on some of the subtle clues, it is possible the romance was originally based on the fact that Carla and Lucas were kind of thrown together in an extraordinary situation. Some people will cling to one another when they are thrust into such situations, and that might have been what happened with them at first, since after gathering information she does begin to believe he is not the killer she first saw him as, and since the epilogue mentions that they've been together three months it is likely their relationship became something more stable in that time together.
If you take the time to think about what is going on while you are playing as the different characters you can become quite attached to them, especially since you control their interactions with each other. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Tyler and Sam, since it was like a real relationship. I also thought the whole subplot with Tyler owing money to Jeffrey was humorous, and the fact that they would play a game of basketball in the freezing cold for money is something I'm sure some guys would really do.
If you have the chance to play this game, I suggest you do so. I strongly believe that the experience will be different for everyone based on how they interpret the actions of the characters. Just remember that it is much more fun if you let yourself be drawn into the lives of the characters. If you approach it from a cold and clinical standpoint you will be disappointed.
If only the making-of stuff had been more extensive. I would have liked to have known more about what went into making the game.

Masterpiece!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: November 14, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This game is completely refreshing.
New ideas from the creator of the game ,David Cage about the gameplay! This is the first time, that a game is really "cinematic". Yoy feel like you are IN the story, you don't only play your character, you are there..
The music is by A.Badalamendi, so its amazing and atmospheric!
The graphics are very good with nice style and fancy. And the expressions of the characters in the game.. I loved ths game and I didn't want to finnish it.
I recommend to everyone who wants to play a well structured game, to try somethnig new BUT succesful.
Its not for you if you think that video games is just shooting monsters!
Thank you for the new experience David Cage!

When a video game trancends the barrier between gaming, and a motion picture

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: December 03, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Indigo Prophecy sets out to do somthing very ambitious from the moment you fire up the game. Seriously, don't even start the game. Listen to the beautiful music, and let the trailer roll. After that, start the tutorial. At this point, you should realize that, Indigo Prophecy is not trying to be a movie any more. It is a movie, just in the guise of a console game.

For the sake of not ruining the game, I will not reveal anything plot releated, however I can easily tell you, even after watching the trailers and such, you will not be expecting the massive twist this game puts on the player, about 5 hours into the game. Of course, the ending might be a tad loose or less then what gamers are expecting, but it's still quite good...or rather, "they" are quite good. Yes, your actions in the game reflect the ending you will wind up with, so make those choices wisely. Of course, you don't have an absolute control over everything, but there are parts where your choices will dramatically effect the flow of the game.

The most unfortunate thing is, once it is all over, the developers of the game did not give you an option to watch it all over again, which I would have loved. A pre-recording of my entire game, so I could just sit back and enjoy the game without playing Simon says and doing other tasks...since, it prides itself on being the most cinematic experience on the PS2.

It pretty much nails that objective though, with characters you really will enjoy getting to know, and a well developed plot and story, that while becoming a bit cramped near the end, it never fails to entertain. The voice acting is top notch, and the game itself plays smooth enough, combing what one might call Simon says for the action elements, and the tricky concept of hitting the L and R buttons in succession to survive other parts. Even a part where you need to navigate in first person, and control a characters breathing. If you fail, your character panics...a very good choice to show what a person with Clastrophobia goes through in a small cramped space. The music is also top notch, and runs from catchy Rock tunes, to insanely catchy, somewhat 70's funk, all the way to fully orchestrated themes, including the very well done "Battle" theme you will hear many times throughout the course of the game.

Again, I have a hard time calling it a game, because for me, it was much more. I bought it, and beat it on the same day. I spent about 9 hours total, and then I went back and beat it again, doing all different things when I had the choices to make. You can actually wind up with some very funny dialoge/dramatic moments should you decide to do somthing, that normally, you wouldn't consider.

In fact, the only bad things about this game really, are the short finish time, and the fact that you can't watch the entire game once you beat it, as a movie. Aside from that, and the minor gripe that the game takes on an entirely new genre and direction halfway through...lead me to say that for some, this won't be a keeper.

However, I do recommend it highly. It's like those old Lucasarts adventure games. Classic, but once you beat them you know everything, and how to solve all the puzzles and such. It still doesn't mean you can't replay the game, but the initial magic is somewhat lost. Indigo Prophecy is very much in the same boat. I view it more like a DVD. I play the game/watch my movie, and then put it back on the shelf. Later on, I can play it again, knowing exactly what to do, or not do, and experience it again and again. It is very much like a good movie.

Through fantastic dialoge, a good plot, and a very rewarding system of gameplay and storyline branching, Indigo Prophecy will most likely appeal to fans of less known games. Before I finish, just know this. Indigo Prophecy is one of the few games, that really captures the cinematic feel of a great movie. In other words, it's the most theatrical, cinematic, and compelling games in almost a decade. Despite the minor gripes, I can't give this anything but a 5 in total, because from start to finish I was hooked without a chance of breaking free, till the credits rolled at 5 in the morning.

Review Page: 1 2 3 4 Next 

Actions