Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The FMV adaptation of Clue retains the heart of the classic board game by placing you in a sprawling mansion filled with secrets, suspects, and the ever-present threat of making the wrong accusation. Movement is handled by simply clicking on areas of the screen to turn or advance, reminiscent of The 7th Guest’s point-and-click navigation. Once inside a room, you’re presented with a smooth 360° panorama that you can pan around by hovering the cursor along the edges—this brings each corridor, study, and conservatory to life and encourages careful examination of every corner.

Interactive elements are woven seamlessly into the environment. Clicking on clocks triggers flashback videos that show key moments leading up to the crime, while interrogating suspects involves selecting specific questions about weapons, alibis, and motives. Secret passages can be discovered and activated by clicking their hidden entrances, cutting travel time and revealing new vantage points. When you feel ready to name the culprit, a click on the butler’s bell opens the accusation menu, letting you pair a suspect with a weapon and receive instant feedback on the correctness of your deduction.

Clue offers three distinct storylines—The Hooded Madonna, Happy Ever After, and Deadly Patent—each with its own cast of suspects and unique solution. Four difficulty levels (from Novice to Master Sleuth) adjust the number of accusations you’re granted (three on Novice, a single shot on Master) and even randomize room positions in higher tiers. A handy in-game notebook automatically logs every clue, testimony, and flashback, making it easy to review your findings before orchestrating a final charge. Between the twin constraints of moves and actions per turn, you’ll need to plan carefully: do you explore another room or push a suspect harder for information?

Graphics

At the time of its release, Clue’s full-motion video sequences were quite impressive, featuring well-lit sets and costumed actors that convey a convincing aura of old-world intrigue. Characters perform naturally, and the period details—Victorian furnishings, ornate wallpaper, polished wood—help sell the notion that you’re in a grand country estate. While modern players may notice some graininess and lower resolution in the FMV clips, the production values still hold a certain nostalgic charm.

The 360° room panoramas are a standout feature, rendered as seamless panoramas that you can freely scroll through. This approach not only showcases the developers’ attention to detail—no corner of the scene goes unexplored—but also reinforces the detective fantasy, as you methodically sweep each room for hidden clues. Subtle lighting changes during flashbacks and the occasional close-up on a weapon or document add visual variety, preventing the presentation from ever feeling static.

Though the visual fidelity falls short of today’s high-definition standards, Clue uses color, contrast, and set design to maintain atmosphere and tension. Quick load times between rooms and minimal interface clutter ensure that you remain immersed. If you’re a fan of classic FMV titles, you’ll appreciate the game’s blend of live-action footage and interactive exploration—complete with just the right amount of eerie mansion ambiance.

Story

Clue takes the familiar whodunit premise and expands it into three fully fleshed-out scenarios, each anchored by a memorable case name and cast of characters. In The Hooded Madonna, a prized painting becomes the catalyst for betrayal; Happy Ever After turns the joyous backdrop of a wedding into a scene of tragedy; and Deadly Patent explores corporate rivalry taken to lethal lengths. Each storyline introduces new motives, relationships, and hideaways, ensuring that returning players aren’t simply retracing old ground.

The branching narrative design means that no two playthroughs on higher difficulties feel the same. Suspects shift rooms, clues move, and the minimal number of allowed accusations can make or break your investigation. This procedural twist heightens suspense, as even veterans who know every flashback trigger must stay on their toes to adapt to the changing layout. Flashback segments are cleverly integrated, giving you glimpses of the crime’s setup without spoon-feeding the solution.

Dialogues with suspects are sharp and to the point, capturing personalities ranging from arrogant aristocrats to jittery servants. You’ll uncover juicy bits of back-story—an illicit affair, a botched patent application, a contested family heirloom—and each piece of information can pivot your suspicions in new directions. The pacing is well-judged: enough time to explore and interrogate, but not so much that the mystery drags. Ultimately, Clue’s narrative strength lies in its layered approach, gradually building a web of relationships that invites careful scrutiny.

Overall Experience

Clue offers a substantial amount of replay value with its twelve unique case solutions and four difficulty settings. Casual players can enjoy the Novice level as a gentle introduction to FMV investigation, while puzzle aficionados and series veterans will relish the randomized rooms and single-accusation challenge of Master Sleuth mode. The notebook system is a thoughtful inclusion, serving as both a logbook and a brainstorming pad for organizing your deductions.

The user interface is intuitive: clear icons indicate interactive hotspots, and the cursor changes state as you hover over clocks, suspects, secret doors, or the butler’s bell. If you ever feel stuck, revisiting panoramas and reviewing your notebook entries often reveals the next logical step. While some might find the reliance on video clips slows the pace compared to purely graphical adventures, fans of classic FMV games will appreciate the measured rhythm and theatrical presentation.

For players seeking a cerebral challenge wrapped in period drama and live-action flair, Clue remains a satisfying choice. Its blend of exploration, interrogation, and flashback storytelling makes every playthrough feel like directing your very own detective movie. Though the technology shows its age, the core design—smart puzzles, memorable suspects, and a stately mansion ripe for sleuthing—continues to deliver a compelling whodunit experience. Whether you’re a longtime board game devotee or new to the franchise, Clue promises mystery, intrigue, and plenty of “aha!” moments.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10