REVIEW: Grim Fandango

January 1, 2007

Well, it took longer than I would have liked, but Grim Fandango marks the first game beaten in 2007. I would of beaten it soon if I didn't leave it just sitting around for sometimes days before I would even pick it up again. Anyway, another home run from Tim Schafer and LucasArts. While it did take me a really long time to get around to playing it, (I had to track down a copy of it!) I am really glad I did. Its one of the hardest games I have played because of just how odd some of the puzzles are. Not that its a bad thing, but you really had to think about them. For example, when I played Full Throttle it seemed really easy. It was one of those things where the puzzles were common sense... at least to me. Grim Fandango on the other hand... you just needed to think outside the box... alot.... :)

While old, the graphics still give the game a cartoony, yet serious look. Sorta like if they were going to turn Casablanca into a video game. :D The game uses a a modified version of the "Sith Engine" which was used in Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II, and what also powers Monkey Island 4... I think. (It might be different but Grim Fandango and MI both look to be running the same thing.)

Sound is always something to look forward to when it comes to a LucasArts game, Grim Fandango continues that awesomeness. The voice acting is all top notch and even though everyone is dead, it really gives life to the game.... get it? ha ha ha. :) Music is also fantastic too. Nice mix of different types of genres.

If there was one thing I did not like about the game is the controls. The controls for using a keyboard just to not work well at all. Even though I used a gamepad for the whole game, even that was less than optimal. You just never seemed to go the way you wanted to go. I would always find my self going down some hallway or up a ladder multiple times just because the controls got so wonky. It didn't hurt my enjoyment of the game all that much, but I do wish it could of been better.

Overall, this is one game that everyone should play. Control problems aside, I think anyone who is a gamer would enjoy this. From the graphics to the great dialog to the game play, it all makes the game worth picking up. Could be a pain in the ass to find now, but if you happen to find a copy, I don't think you would be disappointed.