Schizm: Mysterious Journey (DVD-ROM)

Rating:
Summary: For Hard-Core Adventure Gamers Only
Review: Usually I write a review to "gush" all over a product, but for me this game is the exception. In my opinion, some gushing and some caveat emptors are in order for Schizm: Mysterious Journey. First, a review I read before I purchased the game said it best: "Albert Einstein on his best day could not beat this game without a walkthrough!" Plain and simple, some of the the puzzles in Schizm are HARD--VERY, VERY HARD. Second, although other reviews I've read complain about the acting (it's really adequate for a computer game), one main reason I buy an adventure game is for the artwork, graphics, and atmospherics. In Schizm, these elements are "drop-dead gorgeous!" I have never seen an adventure game so beautifully rendered. Also, the music and sounds compliment the game perfectly. Finally, I strongly suggest that anyone purchasing this game buy the DVD version (presuming your computer is so equipped). I'm told that the DVD's graphics are far better than that of the CD-ROM version. So in sum--if it's easy puzzles, a great story line, and "award winning" acting that you want in an adventure game, keep looking. However, if you value REALLY HARD puzzles, a gripping plot, super graphics, marvelous sound and ethereal music, buy the DVD version of Schizm: Mysterious Journey. But beware: it's one for hard-core adventure gamers only.

Rating:
Summary: Great graphics, boring game...
Review: Yes, as all of you have heard, the graphics are fantastic...but thats about it. Unlike Tombraider, where you can look up, down, sideways and walk pretty much wherever you want with Laura, Schizm does not allow this. You can only walk in one direction most of the time and cannot even stop untill the game lets you.
And the puzzles in the game? For me they were imposible without the game walkthrough and even then, it was tough and, after a while, boring.
The game packaging states "Freely explor many fascinating landscapes", which is bogus. Like I stated, the game does not allow you to venture off anywhere other than a predetermined path controled by the game. Boring