Martin Mystere - Operation Dorian Gray

A Review of the Forthcoming GMX Media Game

Until recently just about the only European cartoon characters I knew were Tintin, Asterix and Obelix and Druuna. I have now discovered another hero: Martin MystËre (sic), the long running creation of Italian artist, Alfredo Castelli. Martin Mystere has been around since 1982 and is known all over the world as the 'Detective of the Impossible. And now Martin Mystere has gone digital in an excellent game from GMX Media.

If you are a fan of the traditional (read: Zork) adventure game then you will enjoy Operation Dorian Gray. It matters not one jot if you know nothing about the character, the game tells you all you need to know about him, his past, his laconic outlook and his sense of humour.

The story begins with a phone call. A simple request to investigate a murder. Only problem is, Martin has been told to rest by his partner Diana. With no clothes, no car and no idea of where to go, Martin needs to demonstrate his detecting skills even to get out of the house. And the fact that his Neanderthal manservant, Jiava, can only converse in grunts doesn't really help.

Martin spends much of his time cogitating, and until he has finished his musings there is nothing you can do. I was a little impatient at first but some smooth music helps you to relax and enjoy the richness of the game. And it is during his commentary that you discover what an enigma he is. Apart from his extinct assistant and the souvenirs from around the world, his office reveals that he is more than just a simple detective; his passion seems to be the unraveling of many Fortean mysteries. But whilst this is all very interesting doesn't help in finding his trousers. And that should give you some idea of how much fun this game really is.

Operation Dorian Gray is a third person point and click game. You point to where you want Martin to go and he goes there. Want him to examine something? Then click on whatever it is and he will tell you all about it. And that is about as complicated as it gets. All you need to do is follow the clues.

Remember 'Grim Fandango', or even 'The Longest Journey'? 'Operation Dorian Gray' will whet your appetite for more of the same. I'm looking forwards to release of Operation Dorian Gray - it'll be good to get back to a game with a sense of humour.