Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Still Life adopts a classic point-and-click interface, inviting players to methodically explore detailed environments and piece together clues. You’ll alternate between controlling Victoria McPherson in present-day Chicago and her grandfather Gustav “Gus” McPherson in 1920s Prague, creating a dual-timeline investigation that feels fresh and layered. Inventory puzzles, dialog choices, and document analysis all play crucial roles as you unravel the connections between two eerily similar murder cases separated by 75 years.

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Puzzles range from logic grids and codebreaking to object-combination challenges, each designed to test your observational skills. At times, you’ll pore over crime scene photos, fingerprint reports, or old newspaper clippings, mentally retracing the killer’s steps. The difficulty curve is smooth, offering hints through dialog at key moments so you rarely feel stuck for long—but there’s enough complexity to keep veteran adventure fans engaged.

Interaction with over 20 unique characters adds further depth. Conversations can unlock doors to new locations, reveal hidden backstories, or trigger pivotal story events. Whether you’re interviewing a Chicago detective or quizzing a Prague shopkeeper in broken Czech, each exchange carries weight. The seamless transition between eras not only spices up gameplay but also underscores the narrative’s central question: is an old serial killer resurfacing—or has someone merely cribbed from history?

Graphics

Visually, Still Life excels in atmospheric detail. Contemporary Chicago scenes feature rain-slicked sidewalks, neon signs, and shadowed alleyways that evoke a gritty urban noir. By contrast, 1920s Prague is bathed in sepia tones and soft lamplight, with cobblestone streets and ornate architecture that transport you to a bygone era. Both settings feel authentically realized, thanks to richly painted backgrounds and careful attention to period-accurate props.

Character models are moderately detailed for their time, with expressive facial animations during key story moments. While close-up shots occasionally reveal less polished textures, the overall art direction compensates with strong mood lighting and carefully composed camera angles. Cutscenes blend into gameplay smoothly, ensuring narrative beats land without jarring transitions.

The user interface is clean and unobtrusive. Inventory slots are clearly labeled, and interactive hotspots highlight subtly when you hover, avoiding a cluttered screen. Subtitles and journal entries are rendered in a legible font, making it easy to track clues and revisit important dialog. Although the resolution may feel dated on modern displays, the game’s aesthetic charm largely overcomes any technical limitations.

Story

At the heart of Still Life is a gripping mystery: two separate murder cases, in two separate lifetimes—so alike in the smallest details that it seems impossible the crimes weren’t committed by the same person. One killing occurred 75 years ago, the other just last night. Is a long-dormant serial killer suddenly active again, or is someone copying the deeds of a criminal mastermind long presumed dead?

You begin in Chicago as FBI agent Victoria McPherson, called in to investigate the latest homicide. Personal stakes rise when she discovers her late grandfather’s journal in an attic trunk and realizes that Gustav McPherson, the protagonist of the earlier game Post Mortem, tracked similar murders in 1927 Prague. As you flip between modern forensic methods and vintage detective work, each timeline informs the other, culminating in a twist that ties family secrets to an unthinkable conspiracy.

The narrative pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build gradually through exploration, interrogations, and journal entries. Well-written dialog and atmospheric audio cues enhance immersion—dripping water in a basement, distant footsteps in an abandoned warehouse, hushed whispers in an opulent Prague parlor. These story elements combine to create a sense of urgency and dread that keeps you invested until the final reveal.

Overall Experience

Still Life offers a satisfying blend of cerebral puzzle-solving and noir thriller storytelling. The dual-era structure not only differentiates it from other adventure games of its time but also deepens the emotional impact by linking personal and generational trauma. If you enjoy methodical investigations, period settings, and character-driven narratives, this title delivers on all fronts.

On the downside, some puzzles may feel repetitive to newcomers to the genre, and the dated graphics will remind you that the game is over a decade old. However, its strong writing, moody presentation, and clever intertwining of two murder cases more than compensate for any technical shortcomings. A robust hint system ensures that even less seasoned players can follow the trail of clues without frustration.

For fans of mystery adventures seeking a richly detailed, plot-twisting journey, Still Life remains a standout experience. Its evocative settings, memorable protagonists, and compelling “copycat or undying killer” premise make it a worthy addition to any detective game collection. Prepare to delve deep into two chilling investigations—and discover that time may not heal all wounds.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10