KGB

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs

GAME DESIGNER:Johan Robson
GAME DEVELOPER:Cryo Interactive
GAME PUBLISHER:Virgin Interactive
Copyright 1994, Cryo Interactive

Another vastly overlooked adventure from Cryo, this game took me by surprise with its depth and intriguing plot despite awkward writing. You are a KGB secret agent assigned to investigate a powerful drug trafficking operation. Little did you know at the onset that your investigation will lead to a national conspiracy that threatens the future of Russia itself.

Although a linear fare, the game contains “alternative” solutions for many puzzles, and even optional puzzles that don’t need to be solved, but add to the game experience. There are also many innovations in the game that will make you feel like a real spy: you can hide from view to eavesdrop on (and record) incriminating conversations, threaten suspects or try to bluff them for information, ambush on a suspect then hide the body afterwards, and much more. Gameplay mostly involves choosing the right thing to say to different characters, as well as efficient use of your time– the clock ticks mercilessly with each moe, and important events may go on without your knowledge. This makes KGB a difficult game, since you can get irrevocably stuck after realizing that you missed an important event or clues earlier. It’s not unreasonably difficult, though, because you are always told your objectives in each mission quite clearly by your superiors. Overall, this is a must play for all fans of spy stories. Two thumbs up!

Note: Cryo later released the game on CD-ROM and renamed it Conspiracy. This version features identical gameplay as KGB, but with (horrible) video clips of your character’s father giving advice, played by Donald Sutherland.