One of the most exciting and intriguing adventure games in years.

Just what on earth am I going to do now?

Staring at the poor man's lacerated body on the floor, I decide I need to act fast before I arouse too much suspicion. I recall the police officer in the other room knocking back mug after mug of cheap coffee. Sooner or later, he's going to need to answer nature's call and I don't want to be standing over a bloodied carcass when he arrives. So, I position myself over the body and drag it to the nearest cubicle, ensuring I bring the door to as I leave.

The sickening odour emanating through the room hits me in the face as I turn, and it's then when I spot the dark blood puddle beginning to slowly stain the grubby bathroom floor. I reach for the convenient mop in the corner next to a cubicle and attend to the mess, taking care to prop it back in the exact same place afterwards. I then walk over to the sink and scrub my hands; the water turning a bright red as it rinses down the plug hole, leaving my hands somewhat free of any obvious evidence. I place them under the drier, check my appearance in the mirror and prepare to casually leave.

Remarkable luck

I place one hand on the door and something tweaks in my mind. The knife! I had tossed it… but I can't remember where! I was running out of time but tracking it down was vital; my fingerprints were all over it and surely would lead the inevitable investigation right back to me. I scan the room but can't see anything. I was starting to panic and I feel cold beads of sweat form on my forehead. Then, in a stroke of remarkable luck, there it was – the glint of the blade catching the corner of my eye. I hurriedly dispose of it. Somewhere I felt it safe.

Another quick scan of the room and I leave. As the cool, conditioned air of the restaurant area hits me, I start to feel a little better about myself and make a casual but brisk attempt for the exit. I'm stopped. "Sir!" I hear from behind me, and I pause. Damn. Should I make a desperate run for it or ask – coolly – what the matter is? She couldn't know about the body. Not yet, at least. I turn around and ask if there's a problem.

"You haven't paid your bill."

My heart was thumping at what felt like a thousand beats a minute. I apologise and walk back to my table, reaching for change in my pocket as calmly as a man facing a life sentence can. I place the money in the tray just as the police officer sitting at the counter stands and slowly paces to the restroom. I need to get as far from this place as I can. I make my way to the exit again, taking care not to make eye contact with him as we pass. I throw open the door and this time there's no interruption. A beautiful blanket of pure white snow hides the entire city for as far as I can see. A taxi stands out like a sore thumb. I clamber in and direct the driver to my apartment up town.

I put the joypad down and sit back for a moment, reflecting on the opening events of Fahrenheit – a compelling murder-mystery / thriller based around choices and the consequences of your subsequent actions.

Possibilities

It's a game of possibilities. The scene I just described is only the opening ten minutes of the game, and yet already you're faced with numerous decisions that will shape the way the story plays out the 15 or so hours that it lasts. Decisions that may come back to haunt you later in the game.

Above, I described an example where I tried to exit the cafe without settling my bill, prompting the waitress to remind me that it needed attending to. She'll remember my face now; information that could prove vital to the eventual investigation into the murder. However, if I had sat down and finished my meal, settling the bill afterwards, would I have faired any better? Will people take notice of me if I remain in the restaurant for too long, or stop to talk to people? I don't want to cause a scene. What about the coffee cup that sits on the opposite side of my table? Was I with someone before my fateful trip to the restroom? I must have been. I don't drink coffee.

What is remarkable about Fahrenheit is how it calls your personal feelings and emotions into play. You are constantly asked to make decisions that will eventually shape future events, and none of them are necessarily the wrong choice. It's all a matter of taste and personal opinion. In the café, is it worth making yourself feel better by finishing the meal? It wasn't for me, but some people might feel that sitting down and acting as normal as possible is the best approach to merely become another face in a crowd. Me? I was so paranoid I just wanted to get the hell out of there.

Also, in a unique and clever twist, you get the chance to play as both the investigator and the fugitive, which leads to a new question: just who will you favour? Do you intentionally leave clues lying around to benefit the investigation, or would you rather "miss" vital pieces of evidence to encourage the fugitive to get a little further ahead? Again, it's entirely up to you and it's one of Fahrenheit's greatest and appealing strengths.

Your very own adventure

It's no surprise that a game with such a strong game mechanic as this is backed up by a memorable and exciting narrative, supported by a bunch of realistic and interesting characters. What makes it even more appealing though is how the story is constantly being moulded into your very own adventure, and the final events – the culmination of your very own story – change every time you play. I'm sure you'll agree – this is not something many games can claim to offer and that's perhaps why we're expecting big things from Fahrenheit. It's hard to put the feeling into words; the feeling that this is a game that is being shaped into your very own experience, purely because of you. You're the one that's driving this game, and for once, it's not planted on a set path – it's very much up to you to steer the vehicle and decide the destination.

You just need to ask yourself: what on earth am I going to do now?

Preview by: Scot Bennet
Version Tested: Xbox
Preview Published: 24.08.05