| Title | The Shivah |
| Developer(s) | |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Release Date | |
| Size | 128.55 MB |
| Genre | Apps |
The Shivah is a 2006 point-and-click adventure game developed and published by Wadjet Eye Games. Set in the mid-1990s in New York City, players assume the role of Rabbi Russell Stone as he investigates a mysterious death and uncovers a web of deceit and conspiracy within his congregation. Featuring retro pixel graphics and an engaging story, The Shivah is a unique game that offers players a thrilling interactive experience.
The Story
The game opens with Rabbi Stone receiving a large sum of money from a deceased member of his congregation, Jack Lauder. Suspicious of the inheritance, Stone begins to investigate and soon discovers that Lauder’s death was not as straightforward as it seemed. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a plot involving a powerful corporation, a radical terrorist group, and his own troubled past.
Gameplay
In the game, players control Rabbi Stone’s movements and interactions with other characters. The gameplay primarily involves solving puzzles, making decisions, and questioning suspects to gather information. Options are presented through text-based menus and are crucial in determining the outcome of the story.
One of the unique features of The Shivah is its morality system. Throughout the game, players are presented with choices that affect Rabbi Stone’s behavior and relationships with other characters. These decisions ultimately lead to one of several different endings, adding to the game’s replay value.
Graphics and Sound
The game’s retro pixel-art graphics perfectly complement the gritty and noir-like atmosphere of the story. The character designs are simple yet effective in portraying their emotions and personalities. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Thomas Regin, adds to the overall immersive experience with its haunting and melancholic melodies.
Reception and Legacy
The Shivah was received positively by both critics and players, with praise for its story, gameplay, and unique morality system. It has been considered a pioneer in the indie game market and has inspired other developers to create interactive story-driven games.
The success of The Shivah led to a prequel, Blackwell Unbound, and a sequel, The Blackwell Legacy, both of which feature a different protagonist but exist within the same universe. The game was also re-released in 2013 as a remastered version with updated graphics and additional content.
Conclusion
The Shivah is an immersive and thought-provoking game that offers players a unique interactive experience. Its engaging story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay make it a must-play for fans of point-and-click adventure games. Whether you’re a fan of detective stories or simply looking for a well-crafted indie game, The Shivah is definitely worth a try.
“A poignant tale of greed, retribution, loyalty, and faith, The Shivah weaves a surprisingly complex and captivating story with a stylish presentation and a remarkably involving design.” – Just Adventure