Video game technology has advanced leaps and bounds since the 1990s. Thirty years ago it was common to see games use FMV, or full-motion video. Instead of cutscenes being rendered through the in-game engine, video games often utilized actors and sets to convey the action.
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Today, this technique is antiquated and no longer necessary. However, that hasn’t stopped certain modern games from resurrecting the style, often to creative effect. Even old titles long past their prime that utilize FMV are still worth playing. Whenever fans are in the mood for something that feels retro, these FMV games certainly do the trick.
7Star Wars: Rebel Assault 2
Fans of theStar Warsfranchise don’t lack options when it comes to video games. The'90s witnessed quite a few examples of great gamesset within the galaxy far far away, some of which utilized FMV. One game that super fans of the series shouldn’t miss isStar Wars: Rebel Assault 2: The Hidden Empire.
Players take on the role of Rookie One, a Rebel Alliance pilot who tangles with the Empire’s finest starships, including TIE Fighters, Interceptors, and the mysterious TIE Phantom. Fans control a variety of aircraft, including B-Wings and Y-Wings. Although the action is on-rails, it’s still a fun story to experience when looking to pass the time with something retro.
6Phantasmagoria
Released in 1995,Phantasmagoriais apoint-and-click adventurethat has since entered the pantheon of great, classic horror games. The game’s setting takes place within the confines of a spooky mansion, where supernatural occurrences permeate the premises.
Part of the charm of playingPhantasmagoriatoday is its FMV. Although obviously dated, there’s still enough unsettling imagery on display for horror enthusiasts to appreciate. Armed with an intriguing story and a macabre atmosphere, this oldie but goodie still has its charms.
5The Bunker
The Bunkerproves that living in a fallout shelter is just as unpleasant as it sounds. Fans control John, a lonely survivor and the only solitary resident of an underground bunker in theaftermath of a nuclear war. The game stars Adam Brown, as fans ofThe Hobbitmovie trilogy will no doubt recognize.
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The Bunkeris somber and ominous, admirably nailing its atmosphere. The game succeeds in being remarkably eerie in spots and is well worth trying at least once.
4The 7th Guest
Fans actually have a lot of stellar options when it comes to FMV horror games. One of the best, not to mention a bonafide classic, isThe 7th Guest. Like many of the other games on this list,The 7th Guestutilizes point-and-click gameplay as players attempt to solve puzzles and unravel the mystery of the creepy Stauf mansion.
Although the trope of exploring a haunted mansion is a familiar one,The 7th Guestprovides an engrossing story as players slowly discover the gruesome fates of the mansion’s former guests. An anniversary edition of the game that incorporates a host of improvements isavailable on Steam.
3Her Story
FMV games are great for telling complex stories, particularly mysteries.Her Story, released in 2015, received a lot of attention from fans and critics alike for its intricate plot, as well as the excellent performance of its leading actor.
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The framing of the game is interesting. Players must sift through several police interview tapes focusing on Hannah Smith, whose husband has gone missing. Hannah’s story, however, needs to be pieced together bit by bit. As players come to realize, there’s more to Hannah’s story than meets the eye. For fans who enjoy head-scratching mysteries,Her Storyis definitely worth the time.
Horror games can sometimes be awfully formulaic in their methods and presentation.At Dead of Nightspices up the proceedings with its unique takeon FMV horror. Fans play as Maya, a young woman who decides to stay the night at a ramshackle hotel.
The hotel’s proprietor, however, turns out to be quite unhinged. Along the way, players must commune with ghosts trapped in the hotel to piece together the owner’s backstory. The atmosphere in this game is genuinely unsettling and the scares prove satisfyingly effective. The developers, Baggy Cat Ltd., have another interesting FMV game under their belt as well, titledContradiction - Spot the Liar!
1Police Quest: SWAT
Of course, not all great FMV games arespine-chilling thrillersor thoughtful puzzlers. Fans of high-octane law enforcement dramas will still find some fun in 1995’sPolice Quest: SWAT. Developed by Sierra On-Line, fans play as a member of a SWAT team, where discipline and coolness under stress are virtues.
Fans complete a series of training exercises as well as a handful of missions. Players can behave in a variety of ways that affect the conduct of these missions. Needless to say, acting recklessly or impetuously often leads to a severe reprimand. Although the replay value isn’t endless,Police Quest: SWATproves to be great fun for fans of cop action.
