Can you make the Connection?
A Review of Connections
by Craig Majaski
After months of reviewing mediocre games, I finally get to play one that'sactuallyenjoyable while remaining challenging. Connections, by Discovery ChannelMultimedia,is a breath of fresh air in an overcrowded PC games market. Connections is bestdescribed as an adventure game with some educational aspects thrown in. That'sright.You'll actually learn something by playing this game. It's based on thetelevision serieshosted by James Burke. This guy is so engrossing that it's hard not to listento everythinghe tells you. He makes the exploring and learning process an enjoyable one.
Connections is a very easy game to play. You see, everything in the world isconnected toanother object. This creates a link to everything and maintains the order inthe universe.This is known as "The Web". Something has broken the links and now the world ison thethreshold of complete chaos. It's your job to explore the world and findobjects that linkto one another. These items often represent innovations in technologythroughout history.As you find them, they are added to the chain as a link at the bottom of thescreen. Onceyou've recovered an object, you are able to click on it and watch a shortvideo. Takenfrom the Discovery Channel and hosted by James Burke, these videos explain theitem'ssignificance and how it may be related to another item. You don't need to watchthesevideos, but they are entertaining and informative. When you complete the chainof 8items, you are able to move to the next level. There are a total of 4 levels,each being adifferent era in time. You will notice that each level is mixed up in one wayor another.In the beginning world, the first thing you see is a medieval castle. When youturnaround, you'll see a house with modern day technology. Since the world isquicklybecoming chaotic, you may notice many anomalies throughout the game.
Connections is set up similar to other adventure games. You have a window about3/4 thesize of your screen that shows your location. As you move your cursor around onthescreen it will either turn into a hand or an arrow. The hand icon lets you takea look at anitem. If it's a vital part of your adventure, you will be able to pick it upand store it in yourinventory . The arrow icon shows you which directions you can move in. To findmany ofthe items, you'll be faced with puzzles. Some are easy while some are verydifficult. Forexample, when you begin the game you are facing a closed drawbridge to amagnificentcastle. In order to open the drawbridge, you will need to complete many tasks.Fromlocating a key under a welcome mat, to prank calling an electronics store,you'll need touse all of your adventuring skills to get the drawbridge open. Luckily you canenablehints in the options menu. It's too bad more games don't have this feature.Manycompanies make you dial an expensive hint line if you happen to get stuck.While I don'trecommend using them, I'll admit I peeked at them several times. Like mostgames ofthis genre, the key to winning is to explore and try everything.
The graphics in Connections are average. They do the job nicely without slowingdownthe computer. Most screens are still pictures. The screens look rendered, butdon't havethe same awe-inspiring effects games like Myst have. On rare occasion doesanythinganimate. For this type of game however, the graphics more than suffice. Onscreenswhere music is playing, it's very good. It sounds like it is spooled right offthe CD. Nomidis here. From classical music to typical wild west saloon tunes, it allsounds great.The video is also done very well. On my computer, there was no choppinesswhatsoeverand it sounded great. The interface is really nothing new. It's perfect fornavigation andpicking up items. The game has that "hot spot" feature where when you move thecursorover an important object, the cursor changes to a hand to let you know you candosomething with it.
Installing Connections was a breeze. I didn't encounter any problems in myinstallationprocess. It should be noted that Connections is compatible with Macintosh andIBM. Thegame consists of 2 CDs. A word of warning when you first begin your game: itwill askyou if you want to enable the hint mode. If you tell it "no" you will not beable to accesshints at all throughout your game. Only if you're confident you won't need anyhintsshould you select this mode. If you really get stumped and don't have the hintsturned on,the only option you have is to restart the game from the beginning, this timewith thehints mode on.
Connections has all the makings of a fun game. It has adventure, entertainingvideos,educational aspects, and an original storyline. Sure, the graphics could bebetter, but I'drather play a game that's actually fun then some over-rated CG cinema game.Overall, I'msure most people will have a good time playing Connections. If you enjoyed MystorReturn to Zork, Connections may be the game you're yearning for.
Gamer's Zone Scorecard
| Product: |
Connections |
| Company: |
Discovery Channel Multimedia
|
| Cost: |
$49.95 |
System Requirements:
Windows Requirements: A 486 with 33 MHZ or faster
processor, Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, Double Speed CD-ROM, 256-color VGA, 8
MBRAM, Windows compatible Sound Card, and Mouse. Macintosh Requirements:
Macintosh Performa, Centris, Quadra, or Power Mac series computer with a
68040processor or better, System 7.0 or later, Double-Speed CD-ROM, 8 MB RAM,
640x480display color monitor with at least 256 colors. This reviewer used: 90 MHZ
PentiumIBM Compatible, 8 MB RAM, Double Speed CD-ROM, and Win 95.
Breakdown:
Fun Factor 4
Graphics 3
Sound 4
Interface 4
Replayability 3
Overall Score:
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