Anyone played this? I just finished the game tonight. You know, this was some of the best $20 I've spent in a while and probably the best budget ware title in my personal history of gaming.

The closest thing I can compare Deadly to is an unpolished Silent Hill mixed with Twin Peaks and maybe a touch of Monk. It centers around a humorously schizophrenic FBI detective York and his ongoing investigations in the extremely rural town of Greenvale. At a distance, Greenvale seems to be quaint and simple, but a horrible ritual killing has occurred and the local police, although very reluctant to host York, really do need his help.

See, York is an expert at profiling a large series of clues and assembling them into a crime scene. The game focuses a lot on York's investigation, but there's a good amount of free roaming and fighting against some strange zombie ghosts called Shadows. Expect a lot of interaction with the police and citizenry.

As before, I stress Deadly is unpolished in some ways. While the story and characterizations are excellent (York is the most unique protagonist in a long time, as far as I'm concerned), the graphics are basically PS2 and the free roaming isn't in the liberty of, say, Grand Theft Auto. Voice acting is just passable at best and the car sequences are nothing special.

That said, this is a game you follow for the mystery and York's humorous take on it. The story does get pretty dark as it goes on, but the mystery is very well written and I found myself constantly staying up late to find out what happens next. If you're looking for an action game, know that this one has some Resident Evil tank controls and the Shadows aren't too hard, for the most part.

If you're looking for a smart tarnished diamond in the rough, give Deadly Premonition a try.

I've heard about this one and want to give it a try, but it's not out here til who knows when. :[ At least Alan Wake will be out next month

O_o
....and here just today I took that OFF my Gamefly rental list because they gave it reealllly bad ratings/reviews. Now I have to put it back on there again. XD

Heh, different ratings all depending on where one goes, eh? Players on Gamefaqs gave it generally favorable reviews.