Hotel Dusk: Room 215

Perfect Film Noir on August 03, 2008

The story starts off with Kyle Hyde checking into Hotel Dusk. From there you meet engaging charcters, search for clues and crack witty jokes. If you enjoy mystery novels with a bit of grit this is your game.

Pros:
-Witty dialogue. Whether you're telling off the manager or searching for clues, Kyle Hyde is anything but dull.

-Intersting interface. This game uses the ds in a clever and unique way. Holding it sideways makes you feel as though you are literally in an interactive novel. Bonus: you can set it up to be more comfortable whether you are right-handed or left-handed.

-Amazing artwork. Gritty, barely coloured and sketchy artwork just adds to the feel of being in a 1970's film noir wth plenty of atmosphere.

-Great storyline/characterization. Whether you are contemplating why Bradley betrayed the police force or laughing at Louie's wise-cracks, you are always enertained. Each character is fleshed out and makes you feel sympathy for them. That's pretty rare in a handheld game.

-Realistic storyline. This isn't one of those games where if you were supposed to do something at 4 but forget until 8 you can go back and fix it. The game is in real life time. Meaning that as time goes by, so does the plot. Be sure to check every nook and cranny.
Cons:

-Lengthy dialogue. If you are the type of person who likes to skip the speech and head straight into the action this is not your game. The dialogue is the main focus of this game, and if you find reading a bore you'll be disinterested.

-Simple puzzles. This is, above all, a mystery novel turned game. If you are looking for something like Professor Layton (where there is a puzzle around every corner) this isn't it. The puzzles here are simple, and best descrbed as things to pass the time untill the next chapter.

Overall:

I would give this game a 4.5 out of 5 just for being so unique and intriguing. If you are even remotely interested in this game I recommend trying it out.