Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet: A Murder Mystery places you in the shoes of young Hamlet, charged with avenging your father’s death while preserving the lives of innocents in Elsinore. The core gameplay loop revolves around solving a series of ten puzzles, each tied to one of the Renaissance “wits.” You must acquire these inner and outer wits in a fixed order, guiding Hamlet through preordained routes in the castle and surrounding forest. This structure lends a carefully paced progression but limits free exploration.

Each puzzle directly reflects elements of the original play and the specific wit you’re pursuing. To earn the Wit of Imagination, for example, you reconstruct events from a Middle English poem, while the Wit of Sight is awarded when you spot a hidden figure behind Gertrude’s curtain. Interactions like helping Ophelia choose flowers not only capture the spirit of the source material—they also unlock the Wit of Smell. These thematically resonant challenges turn Shakespearean references into engaging brainteasers.

Interspersed with the puzzles are around 40 minutes of full-screen film clips from Kenneth Branagh’s acclaimed Hamlet adaptation. These cinematic interludes heighten dramatic moments and reinforce the narrative stakes. A handful of mild arcade-style scenes, such as the final duel with Claudius, add action variety, though they remain simple compared to the puzzle segments.

Perhaps the most intriguing mechanic is the dual “to be” or “not to be” modes. In “to be,” you follow the path of Hamlet’s revenge and face choices that can save or condemn characters like Ophelia. In “not to be,” the game shifts into an unabridged text reader of the original play, complete with commentary and fifteen Books of Lore that provide historical context and puzzle hints. You can switch modes at will, blending interactive drama with literary scholarship.

Graphics

The game’s visual design blends early 3D-rendered environments with pre-rendered backgrounds, delivering an atmospheric interpretation of Elsinore Palace and its grounds. While character models feel blocky by modern standards, the moody lighting, rich textures, and period-accurate décor effectively evoke a dark Renaissance world. Corridors, chambers, and courtyards brim with dusty tapestries and creeping shadows, setting the tone for intrigue.

Film clips from the Kenneth Branagh version are integrated seamlessly into the interface. When a cinematic segment begins, the game transitions to full-screen video, maintaining visual fidelity and immersiveness. These transitions feel polished and reward progression through the wit puzzles, turning your achievements into dramatic flourishes from a major motion picture.

Character animations during gameplay are serviceable if somewhat stiff, especially in dialogue and gesture-driven puzzle sequences. Facial expressions can appear frozen, but voice acting and musical cues compensate, lending emotional weight to key moments. The occasional low-polygon enemy, such as the rats replacing Polonius, highlights the game’s mid-90s heritage yet adds a macabre twist to the story.

Overall, the art direction prioritizes atmosphere over technical prowess. Detailed backgrounds and period-inspired color palettes immerse players in Shakespeare’s world, even if the engine shows its age. For fans of classic multimedia titles, the blend of FMV and interactive graphics remains a nostalgic treat.

Story

At its heart, Hamlet: A Murder Mystery retells the timeless Shakespearean drama with an interactive twist, granting players agency over key outcomes. You still seek to avenge King Hamlet’s murder at the hands of Claudius, but the game empowers you to prevent the tragic fates of characters like Ophelia and Polonius. Replacing Polonius with a rat adds a tongue-in-cheek nod to the original tragedy and underscores the game’s inventive approach.

The Renaissance Man narrator serves as both chorus and guide, framing your objectives and offering historical insights into wits and puzzles. His gentle commentary fills in gaps between scenes and enhances understanding of period beliefs about human nature. This layered narration enriches the storytelling, making each puzzle feel like a lesson in Shakespearean psychology.

Branching paths allow you to shape Hamlet’s journey. Choosing to “be” unleashes the interactive murder-mystery experience, while opting for “not to be” shifts you into a scholarly reader mode, presenting the full, unabridged play text alongside expert annotations. This duality means the game is both a narrative adventure and a digital edition of one of literature’s greatest works, catering to different playstyles and interests.

By weaving film footage, puzzle challenges, and textual exploration into one package, the game offers a multifaceted take on Hamlet. Fans of the original play will appreciate the faithful references and opportunities to rewrite tragic events, while newcomers can enjoy a compelling mystery wrapped in Shakespearean intrigue.

Overall Experience

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet: A Murder Mystery is a unique hybrid of puzzle adventure, interactive drama, and educational jukebox. Its strengths lie in thoughtful puzzle design, atmospheric presentation, and the ability to influence classic Shakespearean outcomes. The set routes and fixed puzzle sequence may feel restrictive to players seeking open exploration, but they ensure a tight narrative flow and steadily paced challenge.

The integration of Kenneth Branagh’s film clips elevates major story beats, transforming each wit gained into a small cinematic victory. The voice of the Renaissance Man narrator, combined with period music and richly textured backgrounds, creates an immersive world that honors the play’s somber themes. Though the graphics and animations reveal their mid-90s origins, they possess a charm that complements the game’s theatrical spirit.

Beyond entertainment, the “not to be” mode serves as an interactive text reader, providing scholarly commentary and lore that deepen appreciation of Shakespeare’s language and historical context. This educational component distinguishes the title from typical point-and-click adventures, making it a valuable tool for students and literature enthusiasts.

Ultimately, Hamlet: A Murder Mystery stands out as a creative reimagining of a classic tragedy. It may not satisfy action purists or seekers of open-world freedom, but for players who relish puzzles, film, and literature in equal measure, it offers a richly rewarding experience. Whether you aim to uphold Hamlet’s fate or chart a new course, this game delivers intrigue, atmosphere, and a fresh lens on Shakespeare’s masterpiece.

Retro Replay Score

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