Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Under a Killing Moon delivers an immersive detective experience that blends exploration, conversation, and logical puzzles into a cohesive whole. Rather than relying heavily on inventory juggling, the game emphasizes environmental investigation: you can peer under desks, zoom in on objects and rotate the camera to spot hidden clues. This freedom of movement heightens the sense of being a private eye on the trail of a complex case.

Players control Tex Murphy in a fully 3D world at a time when many adventure titles still used pre-rendered backdrops. You can adjust your viewing angle, zoom in and out, and even pivot around corners, which not only reinforces immersion but also encourages careful scene-by-scene scrutiny. Searching Old San Francisco’s alleys, smoky bars, and dilapidated warehouses becomes a tactile, hands-on affair.

Puzzle design steers clear of contrived inventory mechanics and instead favors self-contained logic challenges that organically arise from Tex’s investigations. Dialogue trees offer extended topics and branching choices that influence the flow of information, while an optional online hint system provides assistance at the cost of your final rating. This approach rewards patience and attention to detail, making each breakthrough feel truly earned.

Graphics

Under a Killing Moon stands out historically for its use of detailed, texture-mapped 3D graphics at a time when most adventure games were still static or pre-rendered. The cityscapes of Old San Francisco feel lived-in, with neon signs flickering off rusted metal facades and radiation-scarred districts contrasting sharply with pockets of pre-war elegance. The sense of scale and depth achieved through the engine remains impressive decades later.

Full-motion video sequences featuring real actors bring the narrative vividly to life, turning cutscenes into mini theatrical productions. Tex’s trench coat and fedora feel authentic under moody lighting, and supporting characters—from the enigmatic Countess Renier to various underworld figures—are all given dramatic flair through convincing performances. These FMV moments break up exploration and punctuate key story beats with film-noir flair.

Audio design further enhances the visual presentation. Under a Killing Moon supports multiple sound and music devices, layering a jazz-tinged score over ambient city noises, distant sirens, and the occasional mutant’s guttural moan. This attention to atmosphere ensures that the game world remains engaging both to watch and to listen to, drawing you deeper into Tex Murphy’s universe.

Story

Set in December 2042, Under a Killing Moon paints a haunting post–World War III landscape where radioactivity has left many humans mutated, deepening the divide between “norms” and their altered kin. Amid this fractured world, Old San Francisco emerges as a rare haven of bygone charm, its Victorian architecture and shadowy streets mirroring the noir tone of the narrative.

You play as Tex Murphy, a down-on-his-luck private investigator coping with unemployment, looming poverty, and the emotional fallout of a bitter divorce. What begins as a routine burglary case quickly spirals into something far more perilous when a mysterious woman calling herself Countess Renier hires you to locate a missing statuette. The initial simplicity of the job gives way to layers of secrecy.

As Tex delves deeper, he uncovers a clandestine cult with powerful, dark ambitions that threaten more than just his life. The story unfolds through a mix of candid interrogations, terse confrontations, and cinematic FMV scenes, each step raising the stakes. By the finale, the game delivers a satisfying blend of classic detective tropes and dystopian sci-fi intrigue.

Overall Experience

Under a Killing Moon remains a landmark title in the adventure genre, thanks to its fearless integration of real-time 3D exploration and full-motion video storytelling. For fans of narrative-driven games, it offers a level of interactivity and immersion that was groundbreaking upon release and still feels engaging today.

While modern players may notice dated graphics or occasional control quirks, the game’s strengths—its moody atmosphere, well-crafted puzzles, and Tex Murphy’s charismatic presence—stand the test of time. The blend of investigative freedom, branching dialogue, and cinematic flair creates a memorable package that feels more like an interactive detective film than a traditional point-and-click adventure.

For anyone intrigued by film noir, post-apocalyptic settings, or character-driven mysteries, Under a Killing Moon is a must-play. Its unique combination of detailed 3D environments, FMV performances, and thoughtful puzzle design offers an engrossing journey into the shadowy heart of Old San Francisco. Whether you’re a longtime Tex Murphy fan or a newcomer to the series, this adventure remains a shining example of how games can weave story and exploration into an unforgettable experience.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10