A puzzle/adventure title for the easily pleased gamer (Shadow Of Memories (PS2))

Member Name: Lurchajn

Product:	Shadow Of Memories (PS2)
Date:	08/05/02 (260 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You can finish it in a few hours, realise your mistake and exchange it the same day before it loses too much value.

Disadvantages: Poor plot, Too short, Too easy

Check any gaming site for a review of this release and you will find it scoring quite highly. Frequent mentions of strong gameplay, great graphics and an intriguing story-line pulled me in.

The premise is that your character, Eike, is murdered but, is given the chance to save himself by a mysterious being. Once returned to the land of the living you can make use of a portable time-travelling device to unpick the reasons behind your death and make changes in the past to stop you from dying in the present. Sounds good....

....it isn't. The game-play is formulaic and lateral. Often you are guided towards the correct choices to make in the game by glaringly obvious signs. The plot is simply dazzling in it's lack of depth and integrity.

I do not understand the buzz this game seems to have generated and no, it is not that I didn't get it, it's that there is nothing to get.

It is too heavy on the cut scenes - I often found myself grinding my teeth at the inane dialog.

The puzzles are far too easy - I won't give any hints here, you won't need them.

The graphics are poor when compared to other titles - The main characters could be either sex and their body proportions are way out of whack.

The repeat play value is minimal - I was too bored to play it after the first day.

It is much too easy - There are five different endings, I completed it three times the first day I played it but, just couldn't be bothered to come back to it again to get the last two endings.

The plot line is full of holes and the paradoxes it throws up are ludicrous. I can only imagine that those who loved this game aren't used to thinking too hard.

If you're looking for an engrossing, challenging and enjoyable gaming experience then look elsewhere.

Summary: