Preview: Jekyll and Hyde
Jekyll and Hyde
Developer: In Utero
Publisher: Cryo Interactive
Projected Release Date: November 2000
Platform:
Does the name Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) ring a bell someplace in your memory? If your answer is yes, that is good. There are probably not many of us who didn’t read at least one of his books as a middle-school or high-school literature project. Stevenson left a career as an attorney in Scotland to make his name as a writer of fiction and poetry. He also left his life in stuffy and Victorian Edinburgh for the much looser societies of Paris and London. His creative genius has given us many jewels of myth, imagination, and romance, such as Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and my personal favorite, the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
In the original story, Dr. Jekyll is a brilliant physician, compassionate and caring, with a long list of charity patients. He is a gentle and kind man with a passion for the art and science of healing and a commitment to progressive medicine. The latter keeps him in his laboratory for long hours, experimenting. Sir George Carew, the father of Jekyll’s fiancee, accuses him of being afraid of temptation, and soon the saintly doctor becomes obsessed. He begins to experiment with strange drugs and develops a concoction that separates his good personality, Dr. Jekyll, from his evil character traits. He calls this character Mr. Hyde. Fascinated by his results, he decides to live as both people. Eventually, Dr. Jekyll loses control of Mr. Hyde and thus unleashes a murderous maniac onto the gas-lit streets of London in the late 19th century.
Dual personality has always fascinated the public, and Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, written in 1886, has been the foundation of numerous films and plays. Now the adventure aficionado has the opportunity to approach this work of immense imagination in the adventure/action game format.
The years have slipped by since Jekyll was beset by Hyde. He is now a quiet man, far removed from his desperate past. But there is someone, famous or infamous, quietly lurking in the shadows, who requires his assistance, and in order to get it, he kidnaps Jekyll’s young daughter. Hurled into a storm of fear for his child, Jekyll must consider his options and will be forced to follow a path that will lead him back to the terrors of his evil creation, Mr. Hyde. The lurker demands possession of a very old book, filled with unspeakable wickedness. Jekyll will be forced to face Mr. Hyde once again and send him to find the book, which is in the possession of a dark and secret organization.
Numerous enemies will try to stop Hyde. Will he succeed? And who is the silent creature, in the shadows, who wants the book? These are just a few of the mysteries that you will decipher as you play this incredible game.
You will find a story that is gripping and filled with questions as you play through this 3D real time game. The game’s unique background has been developed by the French designer, Stephane Levallois. The two main characters, Jekyll and Hyde, have specific powers and abilities that must be used according to the challenge or situation. While this game does include action sequences, you will find that fighting is not always a good solution, and you will have opportunities to place your brain before your brawn.
In the last several years, Cryo has been right on the adventure target with many thrilling and inspired games based on history and literature. Jekyll and Hyde gives every indication of being another gem for us to enjoy. According to Cryo, this is a “universal story in a thriller game set in a very strong background.” Who can ask for more?
