Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – 3 Dimensions of Murder places you in the shoes of a rookie investigator at the famed Las Vegas crime lab. Across five bloody cases, you’ll collect evidence, interview suspects, and reconstruct crime scenes using a point-and-click interface. The first four cases build upon one another, weaving a narrative thread that leads directly into the climactic fifth mystery.

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The game offers three difficulty modes—Amateur, Investigator, and Master—that tailor the amount of in-game assistance you receive. Hotspots highlight potential pieces of evidence, and evidence-analysis tools guide you through fingerprint dusting, fiber matching, and DNA testing. If you ask your partner for extra “hints,” your final score takes a hit, so these modes help balance accessibility with challenge.

A built-in tutorial eases newcomers into the interface, while veteran gamers and CSI fans can skip right to full investigations. At the end of each case, Gil Grissom himself rates your performance. Achieve a “Master” rating by assembling all possible clues and making the correct arrest to unlock special features like behind-the-scenes content and bonus interviews with the cast.

Graphics

This installment marks CSI’s transition into full 3D environments, giving you a more immersive look at Las Vegas crime scenes. You can pan, zoom, and rotate objects in three dimensions—dusting for prints on a revolver or inspecting a shattered window from multiple angles—ensuring you don’t miss a single clue.

While room-scale exploration is still somewhat constrained compared to open-world titles, the detailed textures and dynamic lighting do a solid job of setting the mood. Dark alleys, polished hotel lobbies, and blood-splattered motels all feel appropriately atmospheric. Character models of your fellow lab technicians and suspects are instantly recognizable from the TV series.

Minor graphical hiccups—like occasional clipping or lower-resolution textures on distant objects—are rare but present. They never detract significantly from the forensic work, however, and the ability to interact with evidence in three dimensions remains the standout feature.

Story

The narrative structure is one of the game’s strongest points. Each case is self-contained but subtly interlinked, encouraging you to look for patterns and recurring characters. By the time you reach the final case, a web of motives and evidence ties everything together in a satisfying conclusion.

The writing captures the procedural tone of the TV series without feeling overly scripted. Dialogue snippets during suspect interviews reveal red herrings, personal backstories, and unexpected twists. You’ll find yourself debating whether a nervous witness is hiding something or simply overwhelmed by your pointed questions.

Voice acting is handled by the real CSI cast, which adds authenticity and personality to every scene. Grissom’s calm explanations, Catherine Willows’s sharp insights, and Warrick Brown’s occasional dry humor help the game feel like an interactive episode rather than just another tie-in.

Overall Experience

CSI: 3 Dimensions of Murder strikes a solid balance between engaging storylines, methodical forensic gameplay, and faithful TV-series presentation. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the show or a newcomer looking for a unique mystery adventure, the game offers a satisfying challenge that rewards careful observation and logical deduction.

The adjustable difficulty ensures that both casual gamers and hardcore detectives can enjoy the experience, while the 3D graphics breathe new life into the crime lab formula. Unlockable bonus content and the drive to earn “Master” ratings add replay value to each case.

With its authentic voice cast, compelling narrative arcs, and forensic toolbox you’ll actually enjoy using, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – 3 Dimensions of Murder is a must-play for mystery enthusiasts and TV-show fans alike. Just remember: in this lab, attention to detail can mean the difference between rookie mistakes and legendary detective work.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10