(note that I played the "Director's Cut" version on a PC: as far as I know, the only differences were sex scenes and nudity that were taken out of this version, as well as somewhat sharper graphics on the PC)
With developer Quantic Dream's next game, Heavy Rain, now out on the PS3, I went back to check out this, its predecessor from five years earlier. Having played the newer game first, my biggest impression was that they a) took the basic formula for this game as the foundation for Heavy Rain, and b) improved upon it in every way. Still, I found this to be an immersive supernatural thriller, introducing Quantic Dream's unique brand of "interactive movie" gameplay.
Like Heavy Rain, there's an overall cinematic feel to Indigo Prophecy that lends a unique atmosphere to the presentation. This is evident from the very beginning . . . which is probably one of the best opening scenes in any video game.
In terms of story (without spoiling anything), it's a psychological thriller that, as it progresses, takes on more and more over-the-top supernatural elements. I imagine many would be turned off by the far-fetched twists and turns that the plot takes, but I took it in context and enjoyed the ride.
Much of the gameplay takes the form of QTE (Quick Time Events, quick-reflex button presses following on-screen prompts). Here, in a more primitive form, they resemble the old 80's electronic toy Simon, but the idea is still more or less the same as it is today. In addition, adventure game elements (walking around an area, searching for "hot spots" to interact with) co-exist with "choose your own adventure" style of dialogue (several conversation options at select points - you're asked to pick one quickly to determine where it goes from there).
My biggest impression is that Indigo Prophecy was a refreshingly unconventional risk from a game developer that likes to march to the beat of its own drummer. Swallowing the story takes an imaginative leap, an open mind, and a certain off-the-wall taste . . . but, if you have that in you, it can be a pretty fun and spooky journey. If you haven't checked out Heavy Rain yet, it's, to me, a much better game, but I'd consider this to be well worth revisiting.
My five stars are for accomplishing what it did in 2005, in terms of originality and opening new doors. And hey, it also gave me a very fun playthrough, five years after hitting the shelves.Get more detail about Indigo Prophecy.
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