Belief and
Betrayal is an adventure game that was previously released in Europe in 2006
and 2007. Lighthouse Interactive is releasing a North American version for
2008. This review is of the North American version.
After an
initial movie depicting a monk setting fire to some old, historic city, the
game opens in Manhattan, New York City. Jonathan Danter
is a journalist based in New York. However, his assignments require frequent
international travel. Currently, he is set to travel to Miami, FL, for an
interview with Cardinal Gregorio. These plans are interrupted by an unexpected
phone call from Scotland Yard from London. Apparently, an uncle he believed to
be deceased has just been murdered under mysterious circumstances. Inspector
Twinings of Scotland Yard believes that
Danter is in danger, and also wants
Danter’s assistance in his investigation of the
case.
These
mysterious circumstances evidently have something to do with the Catholic
Church’s past, and parallel subjects such as the Knights Templar and other
like groups.
The initial
game-play is set by Danter’s editor outlining his
current assignment over the phone. When this conversation is finished,
Danter is supposed to pick up a few necessary
items and be on his way. As this is a point-and-click adventure, players will
move Danter around the screen and click on various
interesting items that show as “hotspots.” The interface is pretty basic, and
consists of right-clicking to choose an action, then left-clicking to
accomplish that action. Hotspots that are only for viewing will produce
statements on the lines of “I don’t think that is wise,” which I became very
tired of hearing. It would have been nice if these comments had been more
varied.
The settings
are beautifully drawn, and Danter’s New York apartment is really cool (and
really HUGE). It does beg the question of how he can afford it, though, on a
journalist’s salary. Private fortune? Subsequent
settings are just as nice. The characters aren’t quite as attractively drawn
and appear stiff in their movements.
The puzzles
are fairly interesting and are a good mixture of manipulative and inventory
based types. They are mostly pretty easy, though, and don’t require a lot of
thought. They are still interesting, though, and fit the story line nicely.
There is one puzzle that did have me wondering. It involves the use of an
object to make a knot, an object that not many people would imagine using in
such a manner. Maybe it was supposed to be humorous, but I’m not sure. Much of
the game is spent watching cut scenes after each
major puzzle is solved, so this game ends up being a short gaming experience.
There are actually three characters the players will be using from time to
time, but the main character is Danter.
This is a
likeable enough game in a quirky way, but the story is somewhat silly. I’m Ok
with fiction, but I can only suspend my belief so much. It’s not just that the
main plot is thin, but that many of the things that happen are pretty
unbelievable, as well. For instance, that Scotland Yard would insist that
Danter fly to London because his life is in
danger, so they can protect him and get his assistance in solving his uncle’s
murder. Immediately after that, a high-ranking officer acts in a wholly
unbelievable manner. (I can’t go into details that will spoil the story).
The
quirkiness mainly stems from the translation to a North American audience, I
believe. Some of the phrases are supposed to be funny, but come across as odd.
Danter doesn’t sound Welsh at all, which he
supposedly is.
Overall, this
is a decent enough adventure for those who like easy games that don’t require
a whole lot of thought. It is very attractive and polished in its packaging
and is pleasant to play. If players can get past the story, or if they like
conspiracy theories, then this game could be a good summer diversion.
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Gameplay: 6.0
The
gameplay is easy and straightforward, there are no
mind-numbing puzzles. It is also a short game. However, it’s fun enough while
it lasts for those who like these types of stories.
Graphics: 8.0
The
localities and objects therein are drawn quite well and lend an attractive
ambience to the game. The characters aren’t as pretty.
Sound: 6.0
Wholly
average music and sound effects.
Difficulty:
Easy
Most of the game is really easy.
Concept: 6.0
The
content isn’t anything new, but the presentation is good.
Overall: 6.5
This
is an average adventure game. There are some good features, but on the whole
this is nothing out of the ordinary. The puzzles are very easy, and the story
isn’t all that exciting. It looks good, though, and it’s fun to explore all
the localities. People who enjoy easy adventures may have fun.
