I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream
a game by | The Dreamers Guild |
Platform: | PC |
Editor Rating: | 8/10, based on 2 reviews |
User Rating: | 8.5/10 - 4 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | Beat 'em-Up, Quest Games |
Overview
Based on the classic 1966 story by Harlan Ellison, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream centers around a giant, twisted supercomputer which calls itself AM (as in "I think, therefore I AM"). The machine was originally three separate computers, each built in a vast subterranean complex by the world's superpowers as control centers for the next global war. This deadly trio of self-repairing machines eventually united and started the Final War to destroy humanity in retaliation for the flaws AM believes the human race inflicted on it. To further punish mankind, AM "saves" five people from the final holocaust, bringing them down to the center of the earth and holding them prisoner so it can torment them endlessly through all eternity. Now, 109 years later, AM offers each one the opportunity to finally become free of its power by playing one last game.
Interface/Gameplay
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream has been touted as a completely new style of adventure game, with nightmarish graphics and an engrossing plot. It puts the player in control of the tortured souls of five humans trapped inside AM, the brutal supercomputer that has destroyed all of humanity.
The five protagonists include Gorrister, a self-proclaimed victim of the women in his life, now bent on suicide; Benny, a twisted parody of his former self after AM's cruel treatment; Ellen, a once-brilliant engineer who now panics at the sight of anything yellow; Nimdok, an ancient man who shares many characteristics with AM; and Ted, a twitchy, cynical paranoiac. Each character is hiding dark secrets -- a history of physical and emotional traumas which are brought to light as the story unfolds.
The gameplay is fairly standard for adventure games. You move each character through the game, collecting items and using them to solve puzzles. Where I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream differs from other games is in the types of puzzles and their solutions. Characters are faced with ethical choices on how to complete the various tasks set them; depending on how they act, their "Spiritual Barometer" goes up or down. The best solutions are found by discovering the secrets buried in the characters' past, and finding ways for them to overcome these personal demons.
Graphics
The graphics are fairly standard, certainly not up to the quality of many titles today, but they are well-done and add to the game's bleak tone. The backgrounds are detailed, and the characters generally look good as they move about and interact with the game world. Several small problems did detract from the overall look of the game -- characters and objects occasionally disappear from the screen, sometimes making it very difficult to find the solutions to puzzles.
Audio
Both the music and audio in I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream are very well-done. The almost overdone performance of Harlan Ellison as the sadistic AM is particularly good. The effects and music add a rich, if morbid, background to the game.
Documentation
The game's documentation is well-written, providing a good background on the characters and game play. However, players who have read the original story will have deeper understanding of the characters, especially AM. In addition to the printed manual, the game provides an online psychological profile for each character which can provide helpful hints and information.
System Requirements
486-33, 8 MB RAM, SVGA video card, and a double-speed CD-ROM drive. For best performance, a 486-66 is recommended
Parental Warning
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream is not for the timid or faint of heart, and is not a game for children. The puzzles faced in the game are often grotesque or brutal, and some of the possible solutions are images from nightmares.
Bottom Line
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream is as dark and depressing as the Ellison story on which it's based -- its morbid plot, bleak artwork, and twisted logic are definitely not meant for children. The puzzles are challenging, and the multiple solutions to each character's section of the game add interesting twists to the story. The player makes ethical decisions which directly affect the game's outcome; often there are several ways to solve a problem, one more "right" than the others. Overall, I found the game did not live up to its hype, but fans of Ellison's writing will enjoy it, and it will challenge even the experienced adventurer. I give it 78 out of 100.
Download I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
Game Reviews
I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream, developed by The Dreamers Guild and based on Harlan Ellison's renowned science fiction short story, is a thought-provoking and immersive adventure game that pushes the boundaries of storytelling in the gaming medium. With its gripping gameplay, haunting visuals, and deeply philosophical narrative, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in video games. Let's delve into the details and explore why this game is a remarkable achievement.
Gameplay
I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream offers a unique and immersive gameplay experience that combines traditional point-and-click mechanics with psychological exploration. Players take on the roles of five characters who are trapped in a nightmarish world controlled by an omnipotent and sadistic supercomputer named AM. Each character has their own distinct story and challenges to face.
The gameplay revolves around solving complex puzzles, making moral choices, and exploring the darkest corners of the characters' psyches. The puzzles are intelligently designed, often requiring players to think outside the box and consider the ethical implications of their actions. The choices made by players directly influence the outcome of the characters' stories, adding a sense of agency and consequence. One of the standout features of the gameplay is the psychological profiling sessions, where players delve deep into the characters' minds and confront their darkest fears and regrets. These sessions provide a profound and introspective experience, forcing players to question their own beliefs and explore complex themes of guilt, redemption, and humanity.
Few games tackle the same themes as well as this game does. The only ones that even spring to mind are Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, The Last of Us, and even Spec Ops: The Line. This is a gem of a game that did not get the respect it originally deserved.
Visuals
I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream features a hauntingly atmospheric visual design that effectively captures the game's dark and dystopian setting. The hand-drawn backgrounds are rich in detail and convey a sense of unease and despair. The character portraits and animations are meticulously crafted, showcasing the raw emotions and inner struggles of each character.
The game's art direction perfectly complements the psychological narrative, immersing players in a world that is both visually striking and thematically resonant. The use of color, lighting, and visual effects further enhance the unsettling atmosphere, creating an unforgettable visual experience.
Story
The story of I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream is its most powerful aspect, delving into existential themes and moral dilemmas. It explores the psychological torment of the characters and the consequences of their past actions. The narrative tackles complex subjects such as the nature of humanity, the abuse of power, and the search for redemption.
Harlan Ellison's masterful writing shines through, providing a deep and thought-provoking storyline that lingers in the mind long after the game is finished. The characters' journeys are deeply personal, and their struggles resonate with the player on an emotional level. The game's narrative remains as relevant and impactful today as it was upon its release.
I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream is a masterpiece of storytelling in gaming, delivering a gripping and thought-provoking experience. Prepare to confront your own demons and question the very essence of humanity in this unforgettable journey.
Pros
- A gripping and thought-provoking narrative experience
- Unsettling yet incredible visuals
- Haunting but amazing atmosphere
Cons
- Some puzzles can be a bit tricky due to the limitations of the older medium