Unofficial Tex Murphy

For those who like FMV with their detectives, Areo has released special editions of their Casebook games. Their FAQ explains all the improvements they've made to their games.

Go check them out here: http://www.casebookthegame.com/

If you've already purchased the games, you can email them and ask for a discount code so you can buy the special editions at half off.

I know Detective Burton is not as cool as Tex but he's the closest thing we've got right now.

I'm still longing for the day when I'll see Tex in action again.

OK, looks good to me. Sam, what are the computer requirements? Do I need any special downloads besides the game? I currently have an older Dell XP. Thanks!

Here are their requirements from their webpage

**********************************
Casebook is a Windows only game. It should run on just about any PC purchased within the last 2 - 3 years,
but listed below are the specific requirements:

Operating System: Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista & Windows 7
Processor: 1.5Ghz CPU (Core 2 or equivalent or newer)
Memory: 1GB (2GB recommended)
Video: 128MB DirectX 9.0c & Shader Model 1.4 support (256MB recommended)
Sound: DirectX Compatible Sound Card

If you have no idea whether your computer can run Casebook or not, don't worry. Just try playing the free demo.
**********************************

Jim gotta warn you that the demo "The Missing Urn" is not that exciting. It's a much slower game compared to the other three. It's basically training wheels for the real games.

Thanks, Sam. I'll give it a try.

jim,

I downloaded the free one last year & actually never finished it, being desperate for a game I decided to buy episode 1 & then I purchased 2 & 3.

so basically the free version isn't much but it gives you a rough idea & shows if it will work on your system.

the only problem I had with the games was the detective kept on calling me partner which pissed me off a bit.

I see that they are working on another title at the moment.

Lynne,
That was my same complaint. I hated being called "Partner" all the time. I wanted to shout back at the screen, "I have a name!" but alas our character didn't have a name.

I bought all 3 episodes last year and decided to go ahead and buy the special editions to try out their improvements since they are giving a discount. But as games go they are pretty cheap. They are selling all 3 episodes for $16 so that's a little more than 5 bucks a game.

I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in Episode 4. The game play is so-so but the FMV is pretty good.

sam,

they mentioned quoting your 5 digit code in your email to get the discount
mine had only 4 digits with a # at the front. how many digits did you have in your order number

I only had a 4 digit number as well. I think that might just be a typo on their website. I sent them a copy of my original confirmation email and they sent me a personalized discount code.

I got the trilogy bundle for 7.98.

I got my code also

The best thing about the special edition is that there is no suggested linking on collected evidence. I always hated the fact they did that on the orginals because it took away from the challenge.

Casebook is a good game series but the movement interface while collecting evidence could be improved.

Hey Lynne,
I just rechecked Casebook's website. They've updated their page to say 4 digit code instead of 5 digit code.

I tried Episode 0, and I suppose with features like, "Explore a real life basement," that it might not be the best of the series. It also doesn't help that you're looking for someone's missing urn instead of solving a murder, but if this is Areo's demonstration of the game, it's very, very slow. And blurry. Everything looks nice when you're standing still, but if you're moving or if you have your camera out it gets blurry. I've taken quite a few photo's only knowing that a photo is available, not knowing what I was taking the picture of.

It gives off the feeling of a combination of the old adventure games, where pixel hunting was king, with the new adventure games, where casual mini-games rule. It's an interesting idea, I just don't really have the patience.

I've only watched the fmv but it looks potentially good.

Lynne,
I downloaded all three new special editions now. Wow those were some big files to download. 1.3GB a pop. I've finished playing Episode I SE and am seeing the new mini-games they've inserted. They are still pretty basic compared to the puzzles in a Tex game and sadly still repetitive.

I've seen their new ranking system and tried linking the forensic evidence. Linking the evidence yourself does actually make the game more challenging for you as the CSI person. I don't know I think I find it annoying.

The FMV parts looks unchanged. Dude is still just calling us "Partner" all the time. Sometimes I wish we could punch Burton in the stomach for it.

Oh and for new people wanting to try the games, Casebook is offering at 20% off sale until July 24th. Code: cbfacebook20

I downloaded one last week & tried this morning for 2 & 3 but the link has expired.
I have emailed them.

the mini games are only the same thing but with a couple evidence collection screens.
I found when you get stuck if you click on the eye & hold it, it shows what you need to link.