Review of Contradiction by HitBattousai

After flaming out during the late 90s, with more portable options these days for adventure games, the FMV genre is making something of a mini-comeback.  It fits a more casual style of gameplay that portable devices specialize in.  Contradiction: Spot the Liar is a very good entry into the genre.  It is honestly like an FMV version of Phoenix Wright in terms of gameplay, with your conversations with the suspects allowing you to point out the contradictions in their statements as the major part of the game, while the other is explorative gameplay where you solve minor puzzles and collect evidence.  The video and audio quality of the FMV is absolutely top notch stuff, as well as the directing of the video.  I would say that in terms of the sheer quality of these that Contradiction is the best FMV game made to date.  The acting in the game varies from intentionally hammy in a lot of scenes to fairly serious in others, with the actors doing a good job.  The lead actor in particular has a certain quirkiness and energy that keeps the proceedings fun.  On PC, I am not a fan of the control scheme used, having mouse options at least available would have been good.  The gameplay, as mentioned in the Adventure Gamers review, is pretty limited so if you’re after hardcore puzzle solving you won’t find that here, it’s more of a casual gaming experience.  The story is generally interesting and it does reach a conclusion of sorts, but is somewhat abrupt and leaves a lot open for a potential sequel.  Overall, Contradiction is a very good game for what it is, and I look forward to the sequel if it is coming.

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Time Played: 5-10 hours