Mental
notes to self. Make sure you have enough gas to get where you need
to when driving in an isolated area. Make sure chicken bones are not
left down where the dog can get them. Make sure you never mention
how much money you just won in a poker game to the IRS. And never
tell your boss you speak a foreign language.

This being said I received
a copy of the Zaphie 2 to play. Written in Korean, I figured
my knowledge of the language would be beneficial. I found out my knowledge
of how much a Korean student demands for payment to translate for
me while I play almost, but not quite, matched my ego. This reviewer
has been humbled. That does not mean the average gamer would not enjoy
Zaphie 2. The graphics and cut scenes spell out the requirements
for you. Just be forewarned, the game is challenging, even if you
know the language.

Reminiscent
of the Silent Hill series, the dark shading and gloomy atmosphere
gives the game an overall feeling of suspense. You don’t know who
is your friend or foe, even if they appear to be helping you. Just
because you find out something, does not mean it is a helpful clue.
It could very well be a red herring meant to through you off. While
the graphics are well done, they reminded me of the Japanese styled
cartoons. They use very little movement but plenty of explanations
of the plot in the details of the characters. It is not until the
end you figure out whether the main character is truly insane, or
beset by real demons.

The
soundtrack can be distracting. I normally play with it turned off
after hearing enough to comment on it for reviews. Zaphie 2‘s
soundtrack can get repetitive, however it can also warn you when you
are about to meet danger, find out something critical, or be able
to wander for a bit without worry. Realize the lull in music can be
a lie. Things do pop out at you, people do attack you, and things
do happen, with the sound cutting in almost at the exact instant.

When I first began to play
the game I experienced a large amount of crashing. I recommend the
player use the default settings of the game rather than try to figure
out the correct graphics card. The game did not crash after I fell
back on the default. However, I did experience stall out. While frustrating,
over time it became almost a part of the thrill build up.

The
controls may take a bit of time to figure out. I found my mouse did
not like the game. It could be due to it being a wireless. Once I
set myself controls on the keyboard, the game still was challenging
to maneuver, but playable. One word of advice, just because you think
it may not be important, or may not have anything for you, such as
a box or car, check it out anyway! It was frustrating to find out
the clues had been in the room four levels back.

While the producers of
this game are not hard-line in America yet, I am interested in seeing
what else they come out with. Zaphie 2 ranked up there with
Silent
Hill in my book. Now, if I can only figure out how to get
Korean lessons cheaper. That kid should be an extortionist!

Grade: B

System Requirements:

Windows 98/ 2000 / XP
Pentium2 350
64MB
CD-ROM