Hands-On Preview Scratches Developer: Nucleosys Publisher: TBD Genre: Adventure Release Date: 4th Qtr. 2005 Platform: Preview by Jennifer Miller December 1, 2005

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Right now, I’m just trying to get my heart to stop racing. No really, it’s racing! I have NEVER been scared by a game so much in my tenure with JA+. Oh sure, I’ve played Amber, I’ve played The Blackstone Chronicles, Dark Fall, and even Phantasmagoria. And none of those prepared me for the creep fest that is Scratches.

Just think of happy puppies and marshmallows before I head to sleep. In my apartment . . . alone . . . since my roommate is gone for two weeks. AAAHHHH!!!

Where’s my mommy?

So what about Scratches you may ask? You know that Randy has put it on his must play list for next year? And that there’s a great demo you can download to get a taste of the action from those creepy Argentinean geniuses at Nucleosys?

Well, let’s set the scene. You are playing as Michael Arthate, a successful British novelist who is in the midst of finishing his latest literary triumph but is having some trouble with the ending. To aid in his endeavor, he purchases a mansion in the English countryside, providing the perfect quiet atmosphere to complete his writing. But wait . . . what is this about a strange scratching sound coming from the basement? And what is with all the abandoned furnishings and discarded journals?

Soon Michael begins to explore the grounds of Blackwood manor, and discovers that things are most definitely not what they appear to be, but when again, when are they ever in an Adventure Game? Combine this with no power, no water, and no way to get out of there, and well, we have the perfect setting for what is shaping out to be a perfect scary way to spend those long nights this winter.

The graphics are gorgeous, as you can see from the screenshot I’ve presented here of the Greenhouse. They are amazingly atmospheric without becoming overtly creepy. Outdoor environments have a kind of watercolor shading to them. The walls are textured, the gravel is gritty under my feet, and the dingy bathrooms make me want to run for a can of Lysol. The sounds are sparse, but effective. There were many times when my back left speaker would suddenly make a sound and spin me around in a circle as if someone was actually there behind me. And yes, there are footsteps. Rejoice!

The music in this game is so well done. Not once did it feel oppressive or disjunct. When things were creepy, so was the music. There were times in my preview when I would run from the creepy room to a “safe” room just the get the music to calm me down.

Unfortunately, I was only able to play the first two days of the game, which I completely devoured. I haven’t been this hooked on a game since, well, I’m sure you all can guess since when. There were a few places I wasn’t able to unlock before completing the preview, and of course, I have a million questions. Please Nucleosys! Don’t leave me hanging! When can I play the rest?

Turn up the speakers my friends, turn off the lights, and cozy up with a cup of cocoa and your trusty notebook. Scratches has my 100% “jump out of your skin and cover your eyes” guarantee.

Is that thunder I hear outside?

Mommy?