In Cold Blood (video game)
A spy thriller told through fragmented memories.
In Cold Blood, a 2000 action-adventure title from Revolution Software, launched on PlayStation via Sony Computer Entertainment. A Windows version followed in Europe from Ubi Soft that same year, with DreamCatcher Interactive handling both platforms' North American release in 2001. Players control MI6 agent John Cord, captured mid-mission, who must reconstruct his memories to uncover his betrayer. Critics praised the story, puzzles, and graphics but faulted the controls, combat, and animation.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Revolution Software
- Publisher
- Sony Computer Entertainment (EU) (PS)
- EU
- Ubi Soft (PC)
- NA
- DreamCatcher Interactive
- Director
- Charles Cecil
- Producer
- Steve Ince
- Designer
- Tony Warriner
- Programmer
- Jake Turner
- Writer
- Charles Cecil
- Neil Richards
- Tony Warriner
- Steve Ince
- Jonathan Howard
- Dale Strachan
- Composer
- Barrington Pheloung
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
In Cold Blood is a third-person 3D adventure where you guide John Cord via keyboard or gamepad. You solve puzzles by gathering items and using them on other objects, scenery, or people. Conversation trees let you chat with characters for puzzle hints. Combat is included, letting Cord fight enemies with guns and limited ammo, much like in Resident Evil.
Plot
The game is set in Volgia, a fictional state on the east coast of the former USSR. After the Soviet collapse, Dmitri Nagarov, chief of intelligence and security, overthrew the government and declared independence, then began invading neighbors. The Volgian Freedom Fighters (VFF), led by Gregor Kostov, learned Volgia acquired special technology and informed the Americans, who sent spy Kiefer. When Kiefer went missing while investigating a uranium mine, MI6 boss Alpha sent agent John Cord, a friend of Kiefer. The game opens with Cord being interrogated and tortured by Nagarov and his assistant Lukyan. Cord, fighting for sanity, knows he was betrayed and must reconstruct events through memory fragments. Nine missions follow, each ending with a cutscene showing Cord's interrogation. Cord finds Kiefer dead at the mine and overhears a conversation between Chinese agent Chi-Ling Cheung and professor Byrdoy Tolstov, who reveal they are experimenting with a compound called tri-nepheline, not mining uranium. Cord rescues Tolstov's daughter Alexandria from Security Headquarters with Chi's help, then plants a bug on a server and removes a hard drive with VFF information. He proceeds to the Containment Facility to apprehend Nagarov.
Development
After the success of the first two Broken Sword games on PlayStation, Sony contacted Revolution Software to develop a game for the console. Revolution moved away from its previous style, creating a secret agent action-adventure instead of a point-and-click adventure. Executive producer Charles Cecil cited crime films Pulp Fiction and The Usual Suspects as inspiration. A new game engine was written for real-time navigation and combat. The PlayStation version released in Europe on 14 July 2000 and in North America on 6 July 2001. The Windows version released in Europe on 27 October 2000 and in North America on 20 March 2001, and is available on GOG.com.
Reception
The PC version received average reviews according to Metacritic. Adventure Classic Gaming's Gustavo Calvo-Simmons noted annoying flaws but found the game charming for its high-tech spy infiltration and decent story. GameSpot's Ron Dulin praised the story, voice acting, and music, but called the game thin in action and adventure. Game Over Online's Pseudo Nim criticized gameplay but praised the solid story and very good graphics. NextGen's Carla Harker said the interesting story made one want to like the game, but the rest was too bad to enjoy. GameVortex's Shane Wodele gave it a Top Pick, praising graphics, sound, story, and puzzles. GameRevolution's Shawn Sanders praised the story, backgrounds, and gadgets, but criticized animation, control, and action. IGN's Vincent Lopez praised presentation, sound, and graphics, but said adventure fans might enjoy the spy storyline while action gamers would find it unchallenging.
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