Released in early 2003, the graphics in this game aren’t overly impressive. They sometimes resemble a 360 degree view composed of several pictures stitched together, like hotel room views that you can find on the internet, but overall they don’t detract from the game. The character models are relatively close to the actual actors, and they are good enough so you can pick out clues and evidence in the areas without too much difficulty, though they won’t jump up and slap you in the face. The interface is simple enough for most casual gamers, and relies on an effective point-and-click interface that old-school adventure gamers will be at home with. You can easily look around areas with mouse look, and tabs help keep all your evidence and tools close at hand. Double clicking will bring up descriptions of items which, as you get more clues, will update and help you get close to solving the case.

The music and sound in the game help to immerse you into the stories, since you have the voice talent and music from the actual television show. If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll often get a chuckle out of the constant stream of facts that Grissom likes to share, or the smart-alecky way that Greg Sanders conducts the DNA lab. The fun continues, as you have the opportunity to use a wide selection of tools which have been used in the show (and by actual CSI teams), such as fingerprinting tools, UV lights, and Luminol (which makes blood evidence glow an eerie blue). In addition to simply collecting evidence, you also get to work closely with Detective Jim Brass, getting warrants and interviewing possible suspects in the interrogation room. The interrogations weren’t my favorite part of the game, but still interesting. Based off of the clues you’ve gathered, you have a selection of questions to ask each suspect, but regardless of which you choose the ultimate outcome will end up the same. This makes the process seem a bit linear for my liking.

Though at times you may get stuck, the game isn’t overly difficult. Even those who don’t follow the show should do pretty well. Each level will give you a percentage rating, letting you know how you did collecting evidence and solving the crime. I’m not sure exactly what the percentage is based off of, but it seems to be the efficiency at which you solve the case. Of course, if you find yourself impossibly stuck, you can talk to the CSI working with you, and they can give you hints about evidence, and other case info, though it does subtract from your final score. Depending how well you do, you can also unlock neat bonus material at the end of each level, such as storyboards and character art.

Being a big fan of the point-and-click style adventures, this game definitely appealed to me. Ever since Monkey Island first debuted back in 1990, I’ve been hooked on games that require you to solve puzzles, without the potential to get yourself killed around every corner. As a long time fan of the series, I jumped on the opportunity to check out the game first hand, and wasn’t disappointed. It did pass by a bit quickly for my taste, but since it’s moderately priced this wasn’t much of an issue. With the enthralling story, and the fun of joining the cast of a great television show, I’d definitely recommend this game to others, and look forward to playing more games in the series.