The originalBlade Runnerwasreleased in 1982 and remains one of the most influential films of all time. Its visual aesthetic has inspired countless cyberpunk-inspired video games likeShadowrun Trilogy,Cyberpunk 2077,Deus Ex,Final Fantasy 7’sMidgar, and many more. Even the iconic Vangelis synth soundtrack is a major influence on the aforementioned games and movies with similar cyberpunk settings.
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However, no video game has recaptured the spirit, sights, and sounds of Ridley Scott’s movie quite likeWestwood’sBlade Runnergamethat was released on PC in 1997. The point-and-click adventure game was a graphical powerhouse 25 years ago and became difficult to get a hold of years later. Now, thanks to the recently releasedBlade Runner Enhanced Editionit is easily accessible for the PC, PS4, Xbox One, and the Switch. However, even 25 years later, the game is surprisingly complex and deep, and it’s a good idea to prepare with these beginner’s tips before starting.
7Watch The Blade Runner Movie First
More of a before-you-play tip, but the experience of playing theBlade Runnervideo game is enhanced by simply watching the movie first. Events, music, and moments in the story will make more sense and have far more impact if one watches the Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer sci-fi epic first.
Players can also watch the sequelBlade Runner 2049starring Ryan Gosling to fully embrace the world and universe. However, it’s the 1982 original that has more connections to the game, making players feel more immersed in its world as a result. The game’s narrative runs alongside the events of the film and there are several allusions to the characters likeRick Deckardand several events from the movie.
6Double Click To Run
Blade Runneris apoint-and-click adventure gameso exploring the environment can be slow and time-consuming. However, if one double-clicks the cursor within the environment then the protagonist Ray McKoy will run and traverse each area far more quickly.
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Some areas like Chinatown have quite a bit of ground to cover so using the run mechanic is a lifesaver especially as McKoy doesn’t exactly move it at a brisk pace. However, be sure not to rush through areas without exploring and interacting with everything first.
5Interact With Everything
The static environments aren’t just there for window dressing and providing a sense of atmosphere, they can be filled with characters and objects that need to be interacted with. Whether one is using a mouse or a controller they will need to highlight every object until it changes color.
The green cursor means that McKoy can interact with characters and objects in the environment. The blue cursor means that the protagonist has access to another area or can enter his vehicle. Not everything is useful, however, and McKoy will certainly verbalize that, but there are lots of clues and collectibles to interact with. It’s an old-school mechanic that will be familiar to fans of point-and-click adventure games likeBroken SwordandMonkey Island.
4Interact With Every Character
Fans ofinteractive drama games likeDetroit Become HumanandThe Walking Deadwon’t be strangers to the necessity of talking to as many characters as possible. The classic point-and-click adventure game is an early incarnation of these modern titles and shares many similarities.
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This also includes using some detective skills and choice-based mechanics to move the plot forward. Players will need to converse with as many characters and suspects as possible. One also has to use their detective skills too as McKoy deduces, takes notes, and records all conversations with witnesses and suspects alike.
3Always Refer To McKoy’s KIA System
The KIA system or Knowledge Integration Assistant automatically takes notes and records all conversations that McKoy will have in the game. It’s an invaluable resource for the detective and a great way to familiarize oneself with important events in the game after taking a break.
It allows players to take a look at items they have found while exploring and listen to statements from witnesses and suspects. It’s the best way to go over everything again before making any major decisions in the game especially ones that can impact the direction of the story.
2The Combat System
Another unusual mechanic for a point-and-click adventure game of this nature is the inclusion of a combat system. There will be several moments throughout the story where the protagonist will need to defend themselves.
The only way to do this is by drawing his gun and fighting back. Thankfully, it isn’t a complicated system and only requires the player to aim their cursor at his enemies and click the button. McKoy simply has to draw his weapon by pressing the Circle/B button when attacked.
1The Real-Time System
In 1997, theBlade Runnergame was way ahead of its timein offering players different experiences in each playthrough. This is thanks to the game’s “Real Time” system that randomized vital events and moments in the storyline. For example, an escaping suspect can either be caught/cornered for interrogation or they may attack McKoy outside his apartment when he least expects it.
It was revolutionary at the time and offers the player multiple scripted choices similar to games likeDetroit Become Humanallowing the story to take some new twists and turns.Blade Runneris highly replayable and well worth the payoff with the game’s multiple endings.
Blade Runner Enhanced Editionis available now for the Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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