I'm Chilling With Adam Wolfe! Will You Join Us? – Adam Wolfe: Dark Detective Mystery Game Review

Update after completion of Episodes 2 and 3: Since my original review was submitted after playing Episode 1 and is very detailed, I will keep this continuation very brief. Throughout both of Episodes 2 and 3, we revisit our protagonist detective, Adam Wolfe, as he is introduced to brand-new, distinct, spine-tingling, and minacious paranormal cases; in addition, both episodes brilliantly achieve essences of beguiling, allure, and wonderment with regards to the ingenious originality of context and idea. This is one of the few series of this genre that has wholly captured my attention and absorbed me into its environment where I feel as though I have been transported to/within an actual television series. The only negative point is that the episodes are very short for the price when you consider the amount of playtime; it is still a very rewarding and satisfying way to spend your time though. Original review from on or about October 9, 2016, as follows: This game combines the stylistic elements of Film Noir, one of the most intriguing genres of film, with traits of dark and supernatural fantasy; elevated levels of bustling and action-packed suspense are highlighted, together with sentiments of anticipation and unease. This game contains appropriate, distinct characteristics related to this genre: 1. Gloomy, oppressive setting; low-key lighting: The gritty, raw setting takes place within the city limits, which gives it an urban edge. This is detailed through appropriate imagery, such as the typical shadowy and night-time scenes of the corrupt underworld; murky, dark, and claustrophobic underground tunnels; and dimly-lit, low-budget apartments. 2. Obsession with the past/flashbacks: From the outside, you appear as a mellow, cool-cat paranormal specialist who is in pursuit of a mysterious, demonic entity with a ubiquitous, supernatural ability to set fire upon everything it touches; however, pessimism casts its shadow as you are haunted by disturbing nightmares arising from the guilt and desperation you feel over the disappearance of your sister. 3. Voiceover narration, a hallmark of Film Noir: A distinct feature is the heavy emphasis on diction to enhance the story and build on the protagonist's contemplations; narrative techniques are rendered through two temporal movements: "real time", in which events are currently unfolding and "remembered" time, which gives the player a premonition of what has occurred in the past with a flashback. 4. Unconventional, skewed, wide angles: Bands of action scenes come into view in distorted sequences and are positioned adjacent to each other from all angles; your thoughts are sometimes conveyed as visual fragments of comic strips at times. There is an uncommon, intermittent shift in perspective, from a first-person point of view to a third-person point of view, as you visually see yourself interact within the environment at times. The graphics are impressive with clear, sharp, and precise attention to detail; the colors consist of darker shades to achieve a gloomy, ill-boding ambiance. You are gifted with a paranormal ability of sight, but I won't ruin your sake of discovery. The game is complimented by realistic and technological elements, such as a cell phone that functions as an authentic device with a hands-on approach as you receive incoming calls and snap and send photos. You will use intuitive gestures that are unfamiliar to the vast majority of players, such as sliding and manipulating objects in lieu of tapping them. You can customize your settings. Inventory is labeled, interactive, and puzzle-like. The map permits fluid transport to labeled locations and indicates objectives. The HOS are very informative as you gain insight into the backstory; many times, you will identify items in accordance with narration. The puzzles are suitable to the theme; one such example is when you use a forensics kit to take fingerprints using relative tools. Transition is smooth and brisk; no glitches. The gameplay implements light inventory usage and sparse HOS; there's not much to do in each location. It also highlights heavy narration and steady action; many players might not appreciate this structure as it deviates from the traditional HOA format. I appreciate a free demo to be afforded the opportunity to discover what a game has to offer. I enjoy the clever and rare twists on gameplay that separate Madhead from other leaders in the field; I suggest you give this one a well-deserved chance. I did deduct a star because the length is fairly short.
Review by KimTwilight69 on Adam Wolfe: Dark Detective Mystery Game.