Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

D.A.: Pursuit of Justice – The Sunset Boulevard Deuce places you squarely in the shoes of a California Assistant District Attorney tasked with prosecuting a seemingly straightforward DUI case. From the moment you begin, you’re on a strict four-day timeline to investigate every lead, analyze evidence, and prepare for trial. The interface relies on first-person point-and-click mechanics, allowing you to navigate key locations—police station, law library, crime scene and your own office—simply by moving your mouse and selecting hotspots.

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The game shines in its investigative phase, which blends still photography, FMV footage and a robust in-game computer known as the “legal notebook.” Through this notebook you research statutes, request lab analyses, and catalog digital photos from your trusty camera. Gathering exhibits and witness statements is only half the battle; you must then slot each piece into the “Case Constructor,” arranging evidence by department and ensuring you have airtight grounds for every courtroom maneuver.

When it’s time to prosecute, the courtroom segments feel genuinely interactive. You stand at the lectern, examine exhibits under questioning, make objections, and deliver your closing argument. Success hinges on careful preparation—miss a crucial forensic report or fail to impeach a hostile witness, and the defendant walks free. While some may find the pacing deliberate, the tension of ticking clock mechanics and branching dialogue choices keeps the experience consistently engaging.

That said, the game’s age shows in its occasional navigation quirks. Hotspot detection can be finicky, and dragging evidence into the Case Constructor sometimes feels awkward. However, these minor frustrations rarely overshadow the overall satisfaction of building a strong prosecution and watching the jury react to your every objection and piece of testimony.

Graphics

For a two-CD ROM title from the mid-’90s, The Sunset Boulevard Deuce delivers a commendable visual presentation. The mix of pre-rendered still shots and live-action video lends the game an immersive, interactive-movie vibe. Police interrogation rooms, dusty street corners, courtroom interiors and the ADA’s office are all richly detailed, with period-appropriate décor that captures the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles at night.

The FMV sequences feature real actors and actresses, lending authenticity to every witness statement and attorney-client exchange. While compression artifacts and occasional pixelation are evident—particularly in darker scenes—the actors’ performances and facial expressions remain clear enough to convey emotion. Cutscenes transition smoothly into gameplay, thanks in part to a full musical score that underscores dramatic cross-examinations and tense investigative breakthroughs.

Text elements such as lab reports, legal citations and witness transcripts are presented in sharp, crisp fonts that are easy on the eyes, even after extended play sessions. The UI panels for the legal notebook and Case Constructor employ a clean, folder-based design, making it simple to flip between evidence categories without getting lost in nested menus.

Though modern gamers may find the resolution limited to 640×480 somewhat dated, the nostalgic appeal of pixel-perfect backgrounds and genuine FMV lends The Sunset Boulevard Deuce an old-school charm that many interactive-movie aficionados will appreciate.

Story

At first glance, the Sunset Boulevard Deuce case seems cut and dry: an open wine bottle, elevated BAC levels and several bystanders ready to testify. But as you dig deeper, this DUI quickly unravels into a more complex narrative of conflicting witness accounts, possible tampering and hidden motives. Each new discovery challenges your assumptions and forces you to re-examine the evidence from a fresh perspective.

The game’s branching storyline hinges on your investigative thoroughness. Fail to subpoena a critical lab technician, and key forensic results never materialize. Overlook a minor eyewitness, and you might miss a contradicting alibi. These narrative forks affect courtroom dynamics, altering the behavior of jurors, the demeanor of opposing counsel and even the judge’s rulings on objections.

Supporting characters are more than just talking heads. Detectives, paralegals, expert witnesses and the defendant himself all have distinct personalities and agendas. A hospitable lab analyst might help expedite toxicology reports, while an irritable defense attorney could bait you into a lost objection. These interactions deepen the plot and create a genuine sense of living, breathing legal drama.

Ultimately, The Sunset Boulevard Deuce offers multiple endings based on your performance. A perfectly orchestrated prosecution results in a guilty verdict and prison sentence, while any misstep could lead to a surprising acquittal—and the lingering question of whether justice was truly served.

Overall Experience

D.A.: Pursuit of Justice – The Sunset Boulevard Deuce is a niche gem that perfectly blends simulation, puzzle-solving and interactive drama. Its methodical pace and attention to legal detail will satisfy players who relish cerebral challenges over twitch reflexes. The four-day deadline mechanic adds palpable urgency to every decision, forcing you to balance exploration, research and courtroom preparation.

The audio design further elevates the experience, with a full orchestral score, realistic background effects—sirens, courthouse footsteps, gallery murmurs—and solid voice performances. While some lines feel slightly stilted by today’s standards, they nonetheless contribute to the immersive atmosphere of a high-stakes trial.

Veteran gamers may find some dated UI elements and FMV compression off-putting, but these quirks are more nostalgic than detrimental. If you have an appreciation for ’90s interactive movies or a fascination with courtroom procedure, this case stands out as one of the best solo experiences in the D.A. Pursuit of Justice compilation.

In sum, The Sunset Boulevard Deuce offers an engrossing blend of investigation and advocacy. It challenges you to think like a lawyer, rewards meticulous research, and ultimately delivers a satisfying legal thriller that holds up remarkably well despite its technical limitations. For prospective buyers interested in a thoughtful, story-driven procedural, this installment is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

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