System: PC
Dev: Frogwares
Pub: CDV Software
Release: Sep. 4, 2007
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Mature
Review by Cole Smith

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

The puzzles are well designed as they make sense and have purpose. They aren't arbitrary and vague as in some games, though the solutions are not always apparent. You'll come across cryptic text, mechanized machinery, locked doors, secret compartments, footprints, and dead bodies. Employing your detective skills, you will be able to examine footprints and perform chemical analysis on certain clues to break down the composition to its basic elements. You will use tools such as magnifying glass, microscope, tweezers, scalpel, and chemicals. They can be a little temperamental; requiring some finesse and patience with the control system, but even though it may feel clumsy and awkward, you won't destroy a key piece of evidence by fumbling with it like a baboon.

There is always a prevailing sense of logic that keeps the game from becoming too esoteric. Regardless how deep into the supernatural the story gets, you will always maintain your identity as one of the best detectives the world has ever seen. What's great is that you don't even have to be that smart to feel that way. Just pay attention to clues the game gives you. I'm not talking about bits of clothing, blood, scraps of paper, and other samples, I'm talking about the hot spots, the dialogue, the evolving storyline, and the blunt, to-the-point comments that Watson utters. It's what truly makes the game engaging.

The Awakened will take you from London to other areas of Europe as well as locations in the United States such as Missouri and New Orleans, Louisiana. All of these locations look authentic. They are richly detailed and beautifully atmospheric. The characters are also well detailed but could have more facial expressions and smoother animation. There is lots of dialogue, and while the voiceacting is good, it's not amazing. The lines are delivered with the dryness of a news anchorman, but that's due to the fact that most of the dialogue is conveying information, and not intended for conversation or character development. The music is good. It doesn't get in the way, and it's never featured prominently. Overall, the production values are very good. Not unlike a high-quality made-for-TV movie.

The Awakened is a good romp. It treats the subject matter with respect, always mindful that this is first and foremost a detective game. Get out your pointers, and start clicking.

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer