Alfred Hitchcock - Vertigo is a psychological thriller that tries to wrap its hands around that sweet, sweet suspense we all crave like kids craving candy. Developed by Pendulo Studios and published by Microids, this game plays a dicey balancing act between cinematic homage and interactive adventure. Based loosely on the iconic movie from the master of suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock, this game invites players on a wild ride filled with twists, turns, and more mental gymnastics than a pre-competition warm-up.
In Vertigo, you dive into the fragmented mind of Ed Miller, a writer dealing with the hot mess that life is after surviving a car crash. The game operates in a three-dimensional world, allowing you to control three characters as they shuffle about solving riddles that are interwoven with reluctant flashbacks and therapy sessions more awkward than asking your crush for a date. Expect scenes that make you go ‘wait, what?’ as you piece together Ed’s past to figure out what really happened that infamous night. Players will navigate through a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and some dialogue choices that might just make or break your experience. But hey, don’t expect any quick-time events, so put your “button mashing” muscles to rest; all you need is a bit of patience and an eye for detail.
Visually, Vertigo has a certain charm that reminds you of the indie art-house films that you know you’d feel too cool watching but are utterly lost about afterward. The graphics are stylishly laid out and lend a somewhat eerie atmosphere that echoes Hitchcock's own aesthetics. Character models range from kinda-detailed to ‘uh, that’s a bit sketchy,’ which perfectly captures the indie spirit. The environments are beautifully designed, pulling you into a rich narrative world that begs to be explored. But don’t expect next-gen graphics here; it’s more about immersion than razzle-dazzle. Just don't squint too hard, or you'll start seeing things that aren't there—like a sequel.
Alfred Hitchcock – Vertigo isn't going to replace your favorite psychological thrillers or indie darlings, but it certainly carves out its own niche. The game is not without its faults—some pacing issues and minor hiccups might leave you feeling a bit dizzy (and not in a fun way). While the story is compelling and offers some intriguing moments, the execution can feel ham-fisted. If you're a die-hard Hitchcock fan or a lover of adventure games, it’s worth a go. Just grab some popcorn, take it slow, and remember: it’s all about the journey—even if the end leaves you wondering, 'What was the point again?’ But hey, sometimes that’s just the mystery of life, right?