BlackStar: Agent of Justice
The graphics and attention to detail are definitely the high points of BlackStar. The graphics are very well-drawn, especially considering that this is essentially a one-man product, and there are many specific responses/retorts to your actions as opposed to the stock you cant do that or there is nothing to see here responses in most adventure games. Unfortunately, the user interface is far from intuitive: you have to right-click to exit any screen or cancel actions a very cumbersome requirement that will take adventure gamers some time to get used to.
Where the game suffers is that most important element in adventure genre: storytelling. Although the plot is no more hackneyed than most games, BlackStar is full of stereotypes that seem to exist only to gratify a hormone-surging, sex-deprived teenager who might happen to be playing it. For example, you can peep into peoples room by using the binoculars in the park. Most of what you see are either nude women or other adult scenes nothing important to gameplay at all. The fact that you cant see these scenes (or visit some of the more raunchy places on the map) until you play the paid, registered version is further evidence of how the author considers sex themes to be a more important selling point than, say, a good story & logical puzzles. That doesnt bode well for gamers.
And indeed, the more you play the game, the more it will begin to annoy you. Just when you get used to the quirky right-click interface, you will be frustrated at how illogical it is. Like most other adventures, BlackStar is extremely linear. But instead of developing the story in a gradual, natural manner as in most games, here it is very illogical. If you try to do anything that is not directly the next step in advancing the plot, BlackStar will say something along the lines of "I'd rather not". When you do the exact same things after the plot has been advanced (sometimes without your knowledge), he will inexplicably be able to do it. As a result, most of the game its just a matter of trying to click everything (and also use everything in your inventory on everything else, because many puzzles dont have logical solutions) until you advance the plot. Can we say bad game design?
Overall, BlackStar is just plain disappointing. As a murder mystery/private eye adventure, its not as logical or fun as Pleurghburg: Dark Ages, a freeware game. As a game that tries to adult themes of sex and violence, its as superficial and banal as Interplays Voyeur games, and much less funny even than Steve Meretzkys notorious Leather Goddesses of Phobos 2. It tries to be cynical, sarcastic, and witty and fails at all three. If not for the clean graphics and some decent puzzles, it would certainly be a Real Dog in my book.
Average Rating: | 7.81 [49 votes] |
Genre: | Adventure |
Designer: | Thomas Vitacco |
Developer: | Worwyk Software |
Publisher: | Worwyk Software |
Year: | 1992 |
Software Copyright: | Thomas Vitacco |
Theme: | Mystery |
Multiplayer: | |
Related Links: | |
More Info: | Mobygames | The Web |
System Requirements: | DOS |
If you like this game, try: | Pluerghburg: Dark Ages, Private Eye, Dare to Dream |
Thanks to... | frodo098 |
Technical Notes: |
Screenshots © The Good Old Days