Another young woman, a Latino named Antonia Maldonado, has been brutally murdered and left in an alleyway, similarly stripped of her possessions and dignity. Like the previous victim, she’s got a message in lipstick across her torso, this time “Kiss the blood. BD†The same MO, but is it the same murderer, or a copycat killer taking advantage?
I mimicked the previous actions of the PR guy; checking the body for clues, and combing the area for useful clues. Your partner will prove invaluable in your hunt for clues, but there’s also an in-game hint system to make things a little easier. Be frugal with hints though, as they use up the limited intuition points you earn throughout the game.
My investigation unearthed a series of clues that lead me on a city-wide search. I’m hesitant to reveal too much about the case itself, because doing so would deprive you of that joy when the game releases next month. What does become apparent though is that the killer seems to be toying with the LAPD, dropping hints as to where to continue searching.
Much of the case revolves around interviewing people and interrogating suspects – which is where MotionScan, the frankly incredible performance capture technology used in the game comes in to play. More than just a visual gimmick, the ground-breaking MotionScan captures actors’ entire performances, right down to incredibly subtle facial nuances; furled brows, quick wayward glances and other facial tics that betray the speaker’s dishonesty. You’ve seen preview videos, but it efficacy really has to be experienced first-hand.
During investigations, you can tick off questions you ask suspects with a list of evidence found, giving you the opportunity of matching the right evidence to make your suspect squeal. Conversely, making the wrong choices will get the suspect clamming up, making your job as an investigator harder.
I love the slower-paced, methodical and analytical pace that makes up the meat of the game – but there’s plenty of action to be found as well. In my single-case play through I had one unarmed melee confrontation, and an exciting car chase through LA’s busy city streets. It’s evident, with the episodic nature, that the outcome of each case will be the same, but the dynamic means of just how you get to that outcome will ensure it’s a different experience for everybody.
At the end of it, the suspect, with evidence heavily stacked against him, was apprehended and arrested – but is he the right man? Are the murders all related with a single killer behind them, or is it a string of copycat murders?
I have no idea – but I’m aching to find out. After playing the game last week, it’s been the only thing on my mind, and I can’t wait to play more when the game hits retail next month.
It really is a refreshing change of pace for Rockstar. This isn’t GTA or Red Dead Redemption set in the 40’s. After much thought the game that it reminds me of most, curiously, is Police Quest. It’s the perfect, modern evolution of the point & click adventure game. Just with bits of Mafia, Phoenix Wright and Heavy Rain thrown in for good measure.
Last Updated: April 12, 2011
