Released May 17, 2011
Developed by Rockstar Games, the third person, open world
crime thriller gave me a run for my money. The game’s development went well,
especially because it boasted some of the best motion captures in the business.
It definitely showcased the graphics to their full extent and I think a sequel
would be well warranted.
Following the story of Detective Cole Phelps, the player is
charged with solving a string of murders to catch a vicious serial killer. It’s
everything you want from a great crime drama (mystery, lies, smooth-talking
gumshoes), and all the rawness that comes with it. Honestly, it was difficult
to look at some of the crimescenes due to their graphic nature. That says a lot
considering I’m no stranger to video game violence.
While the game is long and certainly rewarding, I think it
might have lasted too long. The formula for solving crimes became evidently
repetitive; survey the scene for clues, talk to witnesses, apprehend suspects,
determine if you nabbed your man, and repeat. Toward the last quarter of the
game, I found myself struggling to get through it. I was relieved when it
ended, but I was determined to finish the story. Trust me, it’s sad.
