Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Inheritance: Panic in Las Vegas follows classic point-and-click logic, though it substitutes mouse controls for the keyboard’s arrow keys and the space bar. Players guide Peter Stone through three discrete chapters—his apartment building, the airport, and finally the neon lights of Las Vegas—searching for items, interrogating NPCs and solving inventory-based puzzles. The control scheme takes some adjustment for modern players more accustomed to direct mouse interaction, but once mastered it offers a satisfying sense of precision and deliberation.

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Pacing is a central element of the design, especially in the first chapter where a ticking clock keeps Peter on his toes. Starting at 11:10 with a flight scheduled for 11:20, any wasted seconds chasing down tenants or bargaining for borrowed goods can mean instant failure. This blend of time pressure and open-ended exploration creates genuine tension, encouraging players to plan routes carefully or risk a sudden, unforgiving “Game Over.”

The game’s three-load structure—with each section unlocked by a password—adds an old-school flavor to progression. In “At the Airport,” you navigate through security checkpoints, thwart would-be terrorists, and keep an eye on flight times again. Once in Las Vegas, Peter must amass a million dollars by gambling before he can inherit a dime. The challenge of balancing risk-and-reward in casino games amplifies the suspense, even if some might find the luck-based mini-games a bit punishing.

Graphics

For a mid-1990s French adventure title, The Inheritance: Panic in Las Vegas sports surprisingly detailed backgrounds. Apartment corridors, airport terminals, and glitzy casino floors all brim with period-appropriate props—rotary phones, neon signs, slot machines and more. The environments feel lived-in, with each new load offering a fresh palette of textures and color contrasts that help delineate the game’s distinct chapters.

Character sprites are modest in size but carry enough personality to distinguish Peter from the various renters, security officers and shady gamblers he encounters. Animations are sparse—mostly limited to walking cycles, door-opening and a handful of interaction cues—but this simplicity keeps the focus on puzzle logic rather than spectacle. Inventory items appear neatly in a handbag icon on the right, which collapses to a small bar at the screen’s bottom when not in use, preserving valuable screen real estate.

Cuts between screens come with brief loading pauses, a reminder of both the era and the game’s multi-load design. While some modern players may find these interruptions jarring, they also impart a nostalgic charm for those who appreciate retro gaming conventions. Overall, the graphics hold up well enough to evoke the dusty glamour of Las Vegas in an era before high-definition textures and dynamic lighting became ubiquitous.

Story

The narrative thrust of The Inheritance: Panic in Las Vegas is built around a telegram: Peter Stone’s rich aunt has passed away, leaving him a tantalizing promise of wealth—if only he can meet the notary in Vegas and satisfy a curious clause. This simple premise unfolds into a quirky, at times darkly comedic, adventure where moral choices matter. Steal from neighbors, threaten with a weapon or sweet-talk your way past security; every decision comes with consequences.

Characterization is minimal but effective. Peter is less an everyman hero and more a lovable rogue, willing to bend rules for a shot at easy money. NPCs populate each area with distinct demands—especially in the apartment building, where tenants demand their belongings back—forcing Peter into a web of favors, barters and occasional blackmail. As the plot moves on to the airport and then to Vegas, stakes escalate naturally, from petty thievery to thwarting terrorists and risking it all at high-limit tables.

While the dialogue can feel a bit stilted by modern standards, translations retain a certain old-school adventure-game flavor that fans will appreciate. Plot beats occur at a steady clip, with mysteries to unravel (Why exactly did Aunt Madeline hide a casino challenge in her will?) and revelations that keep you invested until the final gamble. It’s lightweight drama, but delivered with a wink that underscores the game’s tongue-in-cheek sensibility.

Overall Experience

The Inheritance: Panic in Las Vegas offers a throwback adventure experience for players who enjoy methodical puzzle-solving and a dash of timed pressure. The keyboard-only interface feels quaint today but also imbues each action with weight—there’s no click spamming here. If you’re looking for an easy Sunday evening stroll, prepare for some trial-and-error and the occasional abrupt death.

Pacing and difficulty are its two biggest talking points. The tight time limit in the first chapter may frustrate casual gamers, while the luck-driven casino sequences in the final act can feel unfair if the odds turn against you. Still, for those who relish high stakes and don’t mind retro sensibilities, the game delivers a satisfying blend of tension, humor and exploration.

In sum, The Inheritance: Panic in Las Vegas is a niche but rewarding title. It shines brightest when you embrace its era-specific mechanics and enjoy the thrill of outwitting both the clock and your opponents. If you’re after a compact, characterful adventure with a unique premise—plus a dose of old-school challenge—Peter Stone’s frantic quest for wealth in Sin City is well worth the trip.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10