Blacksad: Under the Skin

There's a bit more exploration and action here than one might normally expect from an adventure game, but the end result is about the same. If a methodically paced, dialogue-heavy game filled with clue collection and logical deduction isn't typically your thing, there's no reason to think Blacksad: Under the Skin will be the game to change your mind. That said, fans of the genre -- and the comic series upon which the game is based -- are bound to find plenty to like. The dark story doesn't shy away from the challenging themes presented in the books, inserting perhaps even more moral ambiguity via the player's agency and ability to make key decisions. Indeed, the best parts of the game are the conversations, which force players to really think about how to respond and what each response could mean for both Blacksad and the story. And the visual presentation is frequently beautiful, including memorable character models and animations, plus locations strongly inspired by the comics. It's clear that the game's makers have an appreciation and respect for the source material.

But where the game may end up turning off some is in its play mechanics. The quick-time events -- a staple of the adventure genre -- are pretty unforgiving here. One mistake can lead to the game reloading your last checkpoint. You never get pushed too far back, so it's not a severe punishment, but repeated mistakes can have the effect of ruining immersion in and the excitement of the situation. And while piecing together the clues you collect to make deductions is surprisingly simple and satisfying, finding some of these clues can feel like a bit of a chore thanks to Blacksad's somewhat slow and awkward movement. Blacksad: Under the Skin is a loving and well-made tribute to the books that gave birth to its titular detective, but it hasn't got much to lure those who are unfamiliar with its hero and lack a soft spot for adventure games.