Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4193 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Avanquest Software
• Platforms: Windows 98, Windows Me

Manufacturer's Description
Discworld Noir is set in the ancient and corrupt city of Ankh-Morpork where the weather is bad, the lighting is low and the streets are mean! This is a story about murder and intrigue where Lewton, Ankh-Morpork’s first private investigator takes on a case to track down a man who arrived in the town a few days earlier. You take control of Lewton’s character and try to solve the game by collecting clues, objects and interacting with the different people you meet along the way. You can look forward to being lied to and double-crossed, but that’s just the start of your problems…

Customer Reviews

STILL a good buy
I've played and own many adventure games, most particularly the comedy ones (Grim Fandango, Broken Sword, Monkey Island, Sam and Max, etc) however; my personal favourite is none of these but the underrated 'DiscWorld Noir'.

First off is the story. Lewton, a pessimistic private investigator takes on the case to find the missing man 'Mundy' and as the game pursues forward it turns into a plausible yet equally ludicrous plot that could spell the end of the city if not the entire Discworld. What's notable is that the story is far more inventive than the first two and another likable part is the games quirky homage's to popular films (a love interest with remarkable similarities and quotes to 'Casablanca' along with possible others like 'Basic Instinct'). It's true that these can be blatant rip offs but it becomes so ludicrous and funny at times that you really just don't care.

The characters that you meet are the real selling point of this game. I have yet to play another game with as bold, quick senses of sarcasm and no remorse. 'Grim Fandango' comes close but Terry Pratchett' just can't be beaten. There are plenty of things to ask and say to characters and whenever a new happening occurs in the storyline, new questions arrise to be asked and old ones altered - thanks to Lewton's trust note pad.

And this brings us to the inventory. With your standard items inventory simply brought up by clicking on Lewton, any object sparks a humorous comment from the protagonist. The second is the notepad, which when in conversation mode can be opened and flicked between pages with endless questions to ask anyone.

The puzzles are surprisingly very well fitted into the storyline, mainly because of the murder mystery scenarios.

The game does have its problems. The first that has made it inaccessible to some is that the game is always set at night, in the dark, and always raining outside. However, when indoors the glowing yellow really gives you that feel of warmth.

Some people may not like the graphics. Hand drawn with 3D characters (although sometimes 2D drawings during close up but you never notice the different, the colours and shades match the backdrops). But if you're a fan of adventure games then you are used to this.

And of course, if you REALLY don't like Terry Pratchett' books then there is not much here to maintain your interest. Although the homage to films may still bring you to it.

To Discworld fans who for some reason don't have this game then there are plenty of characters that you will cheer for when you meet them - Nobby nobbs, Vimes, Detritus, Lord Vetinari and etc.

However, if you've never read a book then you may enjoy this game more, as the game gives much insight to the world without going into too much detail.

Overall this is a top-notch attempt of a game. Personally, I give this game 5/5, but because not everyone's favourite game will be this, I've lowered it one star with all things considered. Whether a fan of the point and click adventure or not, I urge you to buy this game. (Game is also for PSX)

Windows XP
Let the buyer beware on this one. Check the Platform details above and you'll see this game is not certified for Windows XP or Windows 2000. (the packaging states this in fine print on the back...). Anyway, internet reports suggest some people have had no problems using XP and other find it doesn't even run (seems to be mostly stable on my XP system). Advice for the brave - with save games on XP, don't load from the main menu - use the F1 key

Watch your windows
A brill game with fun puzzles and problems to solve. It is humerous and provides hours of entertainment (unless you use a walkthrough). For some reason when I got my new PC with Windows XP the game does not reload saves so be careful.