'Dark Motives' PC Game Out Next Month

If you've played the first CSI: Crime Scene Investigation computer game to death, you'll be happy to hear the sequel will be released on March 24.

Entitled CSI: Dark Motives, the first-person game from Ubi-Soft features five new cases, according to online retailer Amazon.com. Some reviewers criticised the first game for lack of replayability, and so Dark Motives' scenarios will reportedly be "longer and more in depth".

Juan Castro at IGN-PC recently had the chance to test drive the current version of Dark Motives. He said even non-gamers should be able to handle the interface, which is "simplistic, with a wealth of forensic tools and case information just a few mouse clicks away from each other." The game provides you with everything a top CSI could possibly need, including luminol, UV lamps, and an electronic dust print lifter.

However, just like the television show, a strong stomach may be needed to play Dark Motives. "You see, when you're in the morgue and the good doctor tells you a victim barfed on himself, as in the Daredevil Disaster case, he doesn't just tell you, he shows you," Castro wrote. "In a flash, gamers find themselves throttling through the victims stomach and esophagus, culminating in an eruption of vomit."

One area where the game is currently lacking is the interaction between the player and the other regular CSI characters, voiced by the original cast members. "You'll be paired up with different members of the cast for each case," the preview said. "From what we've played, your "partners" in the game act as hint dispensers, offering help when you get stuck, and little else."

In conclusion, Castro said that "with a moody soundtrack, tons of ambient sound effects, and FMV cut scenes, and we have the makings of a good time knee deep in corpses."

CSI: Dark Motives also includes a commentary section featuring behind-the-scenes footage and sketches. The game, which will be released on March 24, can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com for $29.99. As a bonus, the online retailer will also ship a copy of the CSI novel, Double Dealer, with the game.

IGN-PC's full preview is available at this page.

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