Belief & Betrayal

Belief and Betrayal is an adventure game that was previously released in Europe in 2006 and 2007. Lighthouse Interactive is releasing a North American version for 2008. This review is of the North American version.

After an initial movie depicting a monk setting fire to some old, historic city, the game opens in Manhattan, New York City. Jonathan Danter is a journalist based in New York. However, his assignments require frequent international travel. Currently, he is set to travel to Miami, FL, for an interview with Cardinal Gregorio. These plans are interrupted by an unexpected phone call from Scotland Yard from London. Apparently, an uncle he believed to be deceased has just been murdered under mysterious circumstances. Inspector Twinings of Scotland Yard believes that Danter is in danger, and also wants Danter’s assistance in his investigation of the case.

These mysterious circumstances evidently have something to do with the Catholic Church’s past, and parallel subjects such as the Knights Templar and other like groups.

The initial game-play is set by Danter’s editor outlining his current assignment over the phone. When this conversation is finished, Danter is supposed to pick up a few necessary items and be on his way. As this is a point-and-click adventure, players will move Danter around the screen and click on various interesting items that show as “hotspots.” The interface is pretty basic, and consists of right-clicking to choose an action, then left-clicking to accomplish that action. Hotspots that are only for viewing will produce statements on the lines of “I don’t think that is wise,” which I became very tired of hearing. It would have been nice if these comments had been more varied.

The settings are beautifully drawn, and Danter’s New York apartment is really cool (and really HUGE). It does beg the question of how he can afford it, though, on a journalist’s salary. Private fortune? Subsequent settings are just as nice. The characters aren’t quite as attractively drawn and appear stiff in their movements.

The puzzles are fairly interesting and are a good mixture of manipulative and inventory based types. They are mostly pretty easy, though, and don’t require a lot of thought. They are still interesting, though, and fit the story line nicely. There is one puzzle that did have me wondering. It involves the use of an object to make a knot, an object that not many people would imagine using in such a manner. Maybe it was supposed to be humorous, but I’m not sure. Much of the game is spent watching cut scenes after each major puzzle is solved, so this game ends up being a short gaming experience. There are actually three characters the players will be using from time to time, but the main character is Danter.

This is a likeable enough game in a quirky way, but the story is somewhat silly. I’m Ok with fiction, but I can only suspend my belief so much. It’s not just that the main plot is thin, but that many of the things that happen are pretty unbelievable, as well. For instance, that Scotland Yard would insist that Danter fly to London because his life is in danger, so they can protect him and get his assistance in solving his uncle’s murder. Immediately after that, a high-ranking officer acts in a wholly unbelievable manner. (I can’t go into details that will spoil the story).

The quirkiness mainly stems from the translation to a North American audience, I believe. Some of the phrases are supposed to be funny, but come across as odd. Danter doesn’t sound Welsh at all, which he supposedly is.

Overall, this is a decent enough adventure for those who like easy games that don’t require a whole lot of thought. It is very attractive and polished in its packaging and is pleasant to play. If players can get past the story, or if they like conspiracy theories, then this game could be a good summer diversion.

Review Scoring Details for Belief and Betrayal

Gameplay: 6.0
The gameplay is easy and straightforward, there are no mind-numbing puzzles. It is also a short game. However, it’s fun enough while it lasts for those who like these types of stories.

Graphics: 8.0
The localities and objects therein are drawn quite well and lend an attractive ambience to the game. The characters aren’t as pretty.

Sound: 6.0
Wholly average music and sound effects.

Difficulty: Easy
Most of the game is really easy.

Concept: 6.0
The content isn’t anything new, but the presentation is good.

Overall: 6.5
This is an average adventure game. There are some good features, but on the whole this is nothing out of the ordinary. The puzzles are very easy, and the story isn’t all that exciting. It looks good, though, and it’s fun to explore all the localities. People who enjoy easy adventures may have fun.