When people think of classic adventure games I think there’s a real division between PC and console players. For the folks on PCs, there’s no question that the classic point-and-click variety would be at the forefront, reflecting on the sillier titles like those made by LucasArts and then more serious ones from the likes of Sierra Online and some others. On the console side though, the tendencies were more action-oriented and perhaps approaching an RPG-like quality in some ways, walking around to talk to people and discover clues using the controller instead.

To me that has made this generation more of a surprise, as the classic PC style of play has absolutely come to consoles by force, whether in the form of re-releases of classics or new games emulating that style. What I’ve noticed though, is that the more classic console-style of play has survived, just more often on the budget end of the spectrum. Murder Is Game Over falls into that camp, doing its part to preserve a more classic console feel, and deliver at least a few hours of investigative fun and challenge along the way as well.

After a relatively brief introduction to the primary characters, you’ll find that you’ve got a murder mystery to solve. Working with mostly just your wits and your trusty canine companion, Cleo, you’ll set out to collect clues and work out the solution to the classic question of Whodunnit. For the most part the controls are straight-forward, and your ability to switch between your primary character and Cleo enables you to tackle different types of actions, whether it be sniffing out clues or talking to potential witnesses and/or suspects. I wouldn’t say anything here is revolutionary, but at least almost everything is sensible, there are some nice surprises for those who are diligent, and for the most part the mystery itself kept me guessing. While it lacks the flair and depth of some of its brethren, for a budget price it’s at least a decent time.