Alright, GamerFan, we finally get to dive into Deja Vu: A Nightmare Comes True!! on the NES. This one caught my attention because it’s by ICOM, the same folks who did Shadowgate. I have to say, the bitmapped graphics are pretty impressive compared to what we’re used to with text-based adventure games.
Absolutely, RetroGamer84. I love a good story, and starting off with Ace Harding waking up with amnesia in a grimy bathroom stall really sets an intriguing, noir atmosphere. The multi-window interface is new for the NES too, isn’t it? A nice shift from the usual gameplay.
Yes, it really adds to the immersion. Plus, the iconic mouse support makes it feel almost like a PC game. Although we are missing the mouse on this NES version, the cursor control is still pretty smooth. But let’s talk strategy. Those puzzles can be really brain-bending. Did you catch the trick with using the aspirin to self-medicate and soothe the pain spells Ace suffers from periodically?
I did, and it’s a crucial tip. Sometimes it feels like playing a pixel hunt, but finding all the items you need in the right sequence makes solving the mysteries very rewarding. And the visuals! The detail in each location really helps in figuring out the puzzles, even when I’m stuck sneaking around to avoid cops.
The red herrings are what I find most challenging. You know what was so devious? The fact that the clues are often misleading on purpose. You really feel like a detective, trying to piece together the real story. I love how it throws you off balance, true to the noir feel of a 1940s detective story. It certainly took me a while to find that safe in Joey Siegel’s office. Keep an eye out for that one, it’s key. Let’s not forget to mention one of the standout moments—spoiler warning for our readers—facing off with Stogie Martin! It’s not a typical boss fight, but the tension is palpable when Ace finally confronts the crooked cop in the climax.
It’s also amazing how Eddie Dombrowski’s script for this game manages to capture the era so well. On top of those gripping turn-based mechanics, the clues we find in letter forms and notes make it a thrilling chase against the clock and our own deteriorating memory. I must say though, the inventory could get a bit cumbersome to manage, especially when trying to juggle multiple clues and red herrings.
True, but I think that’s part of the charm. It simulates the chaos Ace is feeling pretty well. Also, fun trivia—did you know that ICOM was one of the first developers to use this multi-window graphic interface on the Mac before porting it to the NES? It set quite the precedent for future adventure games.
Yes! That tidbit about ICOM is fascinating. The advances they made with Shadowgate and subsequently with Deja Vu are commendable. It’s also neat how it ties in with the broader array of evolving game technologies in ’88. I even read an article in ‘Computer Gaming World’ about how games are starting to transcend traditional storytelling, and titles like this are a prime example.
It’s a complex, gritty adventure that rewards patience and attention to detail. Even though it’s quite different from the RPGs and action games I usually dive into, I can appreciate the depth and the effort required to unravel Ace’s twisted tale.
Completely agree. It’s replayable too—certainly more engrossing than your average point-and-click adventure game. The ending is satisfying but leaves you pondering, which I adore. We’ve shared some great insights today, worth recommending this title for anyone chasing a detective mystery on the NES. Shall we save our game and continue this noir adventure another day?
Absolutely. Let’s get Ace through this nightmare. Until next time!
more info and data provided by mobyGames.com
You can also read the Villain View of Deja Vu here!
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