Gemini Rue: Verschworung auf Barracus

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 222 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 182 out of 222
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 222
  3. Negative: 10 out of 222

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  1. 6monthsnothing
    Mar 8, 2011
    8
    It is a great game. I don't know about probing your inner-self, but it has genuinely intriguing storyline, and decent voice acting.

    This game is not free of the usual frustrations of point and click adventure game, however. Pixelated characters and backgrounds are a pain sometimes. Despite that it manages to pull you into the story, which is a feat that so few games accomplishes.    It is a great game. I don't know about probing your inner-self, but it has genuinely intriguing storyline, and decent voice acting.

    This game is not free of the usual frustrations of point and click adventure game, however. Pixelated characters and backgrounds are a pain sometimes.

    Despite that it manages to pull you into the story, which is a feat that so few games accomplishes. Decent game, I liked it.    … Expand
  2. six30two
    May 11, 2011
    10
    The first videogame I ever played was the Curse of Monkey Island, and I've been playing every sort of game ever since - I'm no stranger to point-n-click adventure games.

    Gemini Rue was possibly one of the very best point and clicks I've played. Period. It reminded me a bit of The Dig, in terms of visual quality and dark, oppressive storyline. It was a lot of fun to play, allbeit a bit    The first videogame I ever played was the Curse of Monkey Island, and I've been playing every sort of game ever since - I'm no stranger to point-n-click adventure games.

    Gemini Rue was possibly one of the very best point and clicks I've played. Period. It reminded me a bit of The Dig, in terms of visual quality and dark, oppressive storyline. It was a lot of fun to play, allbeit a bit short. But the best thing was the graphics - the team did a GREAT job with the imagery (if you like Adventure Game graphics)

    The only thing I didn't like was the final line of dialogue that lends the game part of its title name. That was dumb.    … Expand
  3. Koo
    Jun 17, 2011
    9
    Gemini Rue is one part retro graphics, one part engrossing adventure game, and all fun. I agree with other reviewers who point out the graphics make solving some puzzles challenging, due to the limited number of pixels displayed. However, despite looking like a game from years gone by, it plays like no other I have ever played, and is very appealing in atmosphere and game content. LookGemini Rue is one part retro graphics, one part engrossing adventure game, and all fun. I agree with other reviewers who point out the graphics make solving some puzzles challenging, due to the limited number of pixels displayed. However, despite looking like a game from years gone by, it plays like no other I have ever played, and is very appealing in atmosphere and game content. Look beyond the screenshots and play the game - it's an experience you will never forget!… Expand
  4. Overmannus
    May 18, 2011
    9
    A great noir science fiction point & click adventure in the spirit of best adventures of old from the golden era of adventure games. It sucked me right in, a true gem.
  5. TheBank
    Dec 27, 2011
    9
    I just don't know if I've played a better game as far as point and click adventures go. Decent puzzles, a good story, and enough options to warrant another playthrough. I will be anxiously anticipating anything Josh puts out in the future. There was a strange feeling that came over me the first time I played through this, and it was disappointment that I had finished one of the bestI just don't know if I've played a better game as far as point and click adventures go. Decent puzzles, a good story, and enough options to warrant another playthrough. I will be anxiously anticipating anything Josh puts out in the future. There was a strange feeling that came over me the first time I played through this, and it was disappointment that I had finished one of the best experiences in gaming I've had in a long while and probably wouldn't find a gem like this for a long time.… Expand
  6. coldblue
    Oct 29, 2011
    10
    Wow.

    I have just finished this, short at 6 hours playing time but the it was a page turner. The plot was excellent and had philosophical/metaphysical connotations that left me churning it over for a few minutes during the credits. the game itself was well written with few bugs (if any). I too started adventure gaming with the secret of monkey island and this brought me right back there    Wow.

    I have just finished this, short at 6 hours playing time but the it was a page turner. The plot was excellent and had philosophical/metaphysical connotations that left me churning it over for a few minutes during the credits.

    the game itself was well written with few bugs (if any). I too started adventure gaming with the secret of monkey island and this brought me right back there to the golden age of adventure gaming. It doesn't matter how many pixels are used when a game is thought out and written to this standard, and if you played the classics then the graphics of gemini rue are unnoticed and may add to the charm.

    beneath a steel sky is its closest cousin, not quite the same length or depth though.

    A thank you to the developers, best £6 i have spent in years. Excellent work, please write us another.    … Expand
  7. Epitome22
    Nov 6, 2011
    9
    Just finished my first play through and loved this game, its a solid point and click adventure game that doesn't resort to convoluted solutions and doesn't feel like its forcing you to solve a puzzle the games way. On top of the mechanics though is an excellent story. Set in a post war, high tech society the game evokes memories of a game called Flashback that was on the Sega Megadrive. MyJust finished my first play through and loved this game, its a solid point and click adventure game that doesn't resort to convoluted solutions and doesn't feel like its forcing you to solve a puzzle the games way. On top of the mechanics though is an excellent story. Set in a post war, high tech society the game evokes memories of a game called Flashback that was on the Sega Megadrive. My only complaint is that there's not more of it, it took me about 4.5 hours taking a peek at a guide once or twice. The story, voice acting and setting are all very well executed and if the worst thing you can say about a game is that there is not enough of it then there's not much wrong with it.… Expand
  8. tulkos
    Nov 6, 2011
    10
    WOW. This game did not disappoint.
    When I first saw the screen shots I was surprised to see the game so pixelated, like the games of old, thinking that a new game with such bad graphics cant be good. But it was only $10 so I got it, and boy was I wrong!
    An engaging story right from the get go with good voice acting and a great soundtrack. Looking forward to more from the developer. Money    WOW. This game did not disappoint.
    When I first saw the screen shots I was surprised to see the game so pixelated, like the games of old, thinking that a new game with such bad graphics cant be good. But it was only $10 so I got it, and boy was I wrong!
    An engaging story right from the get go with good voice acting and a great soundtrack.
    Looking forward to more from the developer.
    Money well spent!    … Expand
  9. soulreaver
    Feb 7, 2012
    10
    I didn't expect much from this game and it completely blew me away. I didn't think I could play an old school adventure game and enjoy it as much as I used to enjoy the old Sierra and Lucasarts games I grew up on. Boy was I wrong! This game brought it all back, and immersed me in its story and characters almost immediately. I sunk right into the atmosphere and enjoyed every minute of it. AI didn't expect much from this game and it completely blew me away. I didn't think I could play an old school adventure game and enjoy it as much as I used to enjoy the old Sierra and Lucasarts games I grew up on. Boy was I wrong! This game brought it all back, and immersed me in its story and characters almost immediately. I sunk right into the atmosphere and enjoyed every minute of it. A must play for true adventure game fans! We need more games like this today.… Expand
  10. citizenerased
    Jun 18, 2011
    9
    I signed up to Metacritic to comment on this game. I have been playing adventure games since the old Sierra/Dynamix days and what a treat it is to stumble upon this game. It harkens me back the good old days of games like Rise of the Dragon and Blade Runner. The graphics are certainly not anything to write home about but the storyline, dialogue, and sound more than make up for thisI signed up to Metacritic to comment on this game. I have been playing adventure games since the old Sierra/Dynamix days and what a treat it is to stumble upon this game. It harkens me back the good old days of games like Rise of the Dragon and Blade Runner. The graphics are certainly not anything to write home about but the storyline, dialogue, and sound more than make up for this shortcoming. Speaking of sound, there is not much music in the game but the ambience and sound effects shine through. For example, the background rain and thunder during the beginning of the game, and the silent drone heard while walking into the lunchroom .. these effects suit the mood very well. I am VERY impressed with this game and urge anyone enjoys old school adventure games to pick this up, it is worth way more than its $14.99 asking price.… Expand
  11. MrSniker
    Jan 4, 2012
    8
    Definitely worth a purchase story, setting and characters are fantastic and the plot is good enough to carry the game. Puzzles are for the most part easy, sometimes so easy you miss the easy answers. Music and atmosphere are top notch and the game's overall story definitely ranks up there as one of the better ones in an adventure title. The bad? Well the voice actors are definitelyDefinitely worth a purchase story, setting and characters are fantastic and the plot is good enough to carry the game. Puzzles are for the most part easy, sometimes so easy you miss the easy answers. Music and atmosphere are top notch and the game's overall story definitely ranks up there as one of the better ones in an adventure title. The bad? Well the voice actors are definitely flat, very monotone and somewhat hinder the game's overall story. Another low, the combat, it's just too awkward and infuriating at times. It's especially awkward fighting multiple enemies with your hits no registering but the enemies do, which leads to some deaths. Overall though for $10 it's hard not to recommend the game, yes the graphics look like Scumm's from the early '90's but it's hard to fault a game for the graphics when they don't hide the fact of their art direction. I thought the retro SCUMM graphics looked fantastic, but I can understand why others wouldn't enjoy it. FYI game clocks in around 6-9 hours for one play through, definitely a weekend game.… Expand
  12. Aronos
    Oct 30, 2011
    9
    This game was brilliant, the same way other adventure or point-and-click games were in the past. Some people might be turned off from the graphics, though I personally loved them. I'm glad the developer took the time to de-grade the graphics to like a 16bit form, instead of a fancy over the top type. It made me remember the glory days of monkey island, and i really enjoyed seeing allThis game was brilliant, the same way other adventure or point-and-click games were in the past. Some people might be turned off from the graphics, though I personally loved them. I'm glad the developer took the time to de-grade the graphics to like a 16bit form, instead of a fancy over the top type. It made me remember the glory days of monkey island, and i really enjoyed seeing all interesting BG's.
    The gameplay itself is interesting, in that you aren't just clicking to move and interact. Sometimes you partake in fire fights, which turn the game into a kind of strategic gun fight involving cover, aiming, and reloading. Another interesting addition was the mini-games, hidden characters, special steam achievements, and added commentary to a playthrough.
    The audio and music was also very well done, and fit beautifully in creating a thick environment and universe. The kind that makes me now want to get the OTS.
    The only complaint I have is you can't just access your inventory or menu, unless you first click on a "hotspot" area.
    Anyway, I urge all retro-adventure gamers to try the game out. I believe there's a demo version from the official website.    … Expand
  13. SeoOen
    May 28, 2012
    10
    Gemini Rue shows us what an amateur game is capable of! First of, this game has been made by passion, it's obvious. You can see it everywhere in Gemini Rue. I guess, this is the greatest positive side of all amateur games.
    Yes, technically speaking they might be weak(as so in Gemini Rue) but who cares? An Adventure Game Lover isn't interested in graphics as long as Game itself has a    Gemini Rue shows us what an amateur game is capable of! First of, this game has been made by passion, it's obvious. You can see it everywhere in Gemini Rue. I guess, this is the greatest positive side of all amateur games.
    Yes, technically speaking they might be weak(as so in Gemini Rue) but who cares? An Adventure Game Lover isn't interested in graphics as long as Game itself has a good story to tell. Stories like Gemini Rue has for example. As an Science Fiction junkie Gemini Rue's plot simply ravished me; made me sad, made me anger made me nervous, made me think. Without a good game atmosphere these things can't be done. Actually good isn't the right word I should use word, top notch. Thanks to musical tones and again top notch dubbing, Gemini Rue captured such a emphatic game atmosphere which even many professional games couldn't .
    As for last words? Buy this game! Support this game! Games such as these deserves to be supported. Ironically I don't remember where to heard or saw this game but fortunately I played this game. It has satisfied my years of adventure game hunger. A taste which will make me search for new ones.    … Expand
  14. lutteres
    Mar 8, 2014
    6
    Gemini Rue is a 2011, point and click adventure, from the same company that brought us the critically acclaim Blackwell Series. I played those games, and although I didn’t thought much about them, I did enjoy them, specially the two most recent ones. So when I saw this game in a steam sale, I decided to give it a go, since it’s a fairly recent installment from Widjet Eye Game’s, but myGemini Rue is a 2011, point and click adventure, from the same company that brought us the critically acclaim Blackwell Series. I played those games, and although I didn’t thought much about them, I did enjoy them, specially the two most recent ones. So when I saw this game in a steam sale, I decided to give it a go, since it’s a fairly recent installment from Widjet Eye Game’s, but my experience with it was mixed.

    As I was playing this game, I was shocked to witness a pixilated sprite work, worthy of an early 90’s game that made interaction with objects a frustrating exercise in pixel hunting. Let’s just say that if you compare Gemini Rue’s visuals with Blackwell Convergence (released back in 2009), the difference is quite substantial.

    In 2011, i really can't understand this design choice, some people might call this old school or retro. I however, call this a silly gimmick that only adds unnecessary frustration to what should be a fluid gameplay experience.

    But my gripes with the game don’t end here, there is also the matter of the game’s lack of polish, like rendering glitches, graphic artifacts, menus that only open when they decide, clunky controls, horrid item interface, bad animations, trial and error puzzle solving, and general low production values, that make this game a chore to play at times.

    However, Gemini Rue does a few things right, that somewhat save it from being terrible:
    The very engrossing, and somewhat mind bending, story that makes you reflect about the meaning of human condition, the amateurish but still very well done voice acting, the fantastic soundtrack and the general art work all add in turning, what otherwise would be a mediocre game, in to something more bearable.

    In conclusion: My experience with this game was very mixed, in one hand I hated the visuals and the frustrating gameplay, and in the other, I really enjoyed the story, so in the end I can only recommend this one to a diehard point and click adventure fan.    … Expand
  15. overfiend87
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    This is a truely amazing game. I was expecting your standard point and click adventrure game, but this one has really set the bar high on impressive storytelling and unexpected twists.

    This is a gem for anyone who loves adventure game and deep stories. In this you start play as a detective who looks for a man who can find him where his brother is, but he never turns up for your meeting    This is a truely amazing game. I was expecting your standard point and click adventrure game, but this one has really set the bar high on impressive storytelling and unexpected twists.

    This is a gem for anyone who loves adventure game and deep stories. In this you start play as a detective who looks for a man who can find him where his brother is, but he never turns up for your meeting and so you go looking for him. This friend also knows the location of your character's brother, who he's trying to find.

    You also get to play as one of the prisoners in a rehabilitation centre omnimously named, Centre 7. You play as a man named Delta-Six who has his memory erased for the second time because he had attempted to escape. As him you attempt to break out yet again.

    Again, I highly recommend it to everyone.    … Expand
  16. cidgrad01
    Jan 6, 2014
    5
    I’m a bit biased since I don’t like adventure games. The stories are often juvenile, puzzle solutions defy logic and the games themselves don’t have much adventure. The best I can do is say that Gemini Rue isn’t terrible but too many people here are going way overboard on their praise of this game.

    The main reason to play adventure games (I think) is for the story. GR’s is a cut above    I’m a bit biased since I don’t like adventure games. The stories are often juvenile, puzzle solutions defy logic and the games themselves don’t have much adventure. The best I can do is say that Gemini Rue isn’t terrible but too many people here are going way overboard on their praise of this game.

    The main reason to play adventure games (I think) is for the story. GR’s is a cut above most of what you’ll find in the adventure genre but it’s still not what I’d call “good”. It’s simply okay. Nothing particularly memorable, though there are at least a few twists thrown in.

    Likewise, I loathe navigating through the UIs in these games because they often turn simple tasks into complex ones because of poor design. GR has several moments like this, too, where you’ll know what has to be done but have to figure out the exact way the game prefers you do it.

    I will give it some points for puzzles at least having rational solutions instead of falling into the trap of “adventure game logic”. When you have to reach a ledge, for example, you’ll pull over a crate to stand on instead of throwing a rubber chicken at a cat who will get a dog to chase it who will knock over a vase which will startle a mule into kicking you up to the ledge. Again, though, it’s so annoying to have to point and click around to figure out the exact right combination of menu instructions to get up on the crate & climb up to the ledge. I’d much rather have a jump or climb button and be playing a different game.

    The gunfight minigame is a nice diversion from all the pointing and clicking but is inferior to any action game. It was a fun challenge, at least, to get the Steam achievement for not getting hit once during them.

    The graphics are retro, which means they are not so great and are around mid-1990s standards. Considering this, they at least do a good job of conveying the “dirty future” atmosphere the game is going for and set an appropriate mood.

    So if you like adventure games, I’d say you will enjoy GR. If you aren’t crazy about the genre, though, you won’t find anything here to change your mind.    … Expand
  17. LucidDream
    Sep 7, 2013
    8
    Gemini Rue is an old-school point and click adventure game with some action elements. The game has an involving story and unusually good use of pixelated retro graphics but is somewhat on the easy side.

    The game is set in a dystopian future and features a story that starts our mysterious and gradually reveals more about what is going on. The story has philosophical aspects touching on    Gemini Rue is an old-school point and click adventure game with some action elements. The game has an involving story and unusually good use of pixelated retro graphics but is somewhat on the easy side.

    The game is set in a dystopian future and features a story that starts our mysterious and gradually reveals more about what is going on. The story has philosophical aspects touching on the relationship between memories and personal identity although it doesn't really explore the subjects in any great detail. The story is the best aspect of the game and is helped by the fact that there are two branches of the story unravelling at the same, the two of which later converge. I found the story very appealing and it kept me wanting to keep playing to find out what would happen.

    The pixelated graphics suit the atmosphere of the game very well and the visuals are nicely done. I think pixelated graphics have been overused in recent times, but here they are used to good effect.

    Sound effects are adequate but nothing special, voice acting on the other hand is considerably above average and matches the personalities of the characters well.

    The actual gameplay is the weakest aspect of the game. Puzzles are somewhat bland, not all that creative and mostly a bit too easy. The action sequences are nothing special and don't add much to the game. You could perhaps argue that in a strongly story driven game like this, having easy puzzles may be a good thing, as harder puzzles would only be frustrating when you want to make progress to find out how the story continues. Whether or not you accept that arugment I think that the somewhat lackluster gameplay pulls the game down a bit and keeps it from being the really great game that it could have been.

    All in all this is a highly recommended game for all point and click adventure enthusiasts, ar least if you think a good well-told story is at least as important as good gameplay.    … Expand
  18. TomT7
    Mar 16, 2012
    9
    This is one of the best point 'n' click adventure games to come around in a long time. The story and world are genuinely interesting and you will be eager to find out more about the character and settings as the story progresses. It has a great film noir style atmosphere and music that compliments that atmosphere well.
  19. I_Am_Turok
    Jan 22, 2012
    8
    A short and very enjoyable game. Like so many, i struggled with the poor graphics at the start (spending ages trying to get them better, even stopped playing twice), but based on positive reviews, played it to the end and very happy I did so. Great story, nice music adding to the old-style feel, interesting story. Recommended, getting a solid 8 due to the old/basic graphics mostly.

    PS.    A short and very enjoyable game. Like so many, i struggled with the poor graphics at the start (spending ages trying to get them better, even stopped playing twice), but based on positive reviews, played it to the end and very happy I did so. Great story, nice music adding to the old-style feel, interesting story. Recommended, getting a solid 8 due to the old/basic graphics mostly.

    PS. After finishing it, made me think, I should pick up the game engine (which I think is free) and do my own game ... now to see how much Steam will give me for each sell!    … Expand
  20. ErebusMaligan
    Dec 8, 2013
    8
    Overall, an enjoyable game worth playing through at least once. The story was engaging enough that by the half way point i was interested enough to want to see how it ended. Some twists at the end were enjoyable, if not fairly obvious and not surprising at all.

    Graphics Obviously blocky and throwback style. In some scenes it would be nice if they were better to clearly define things    Overall, an enjoyable game worth playing through at least once. The story was engaging enough that by the half way point i was interested enough to want to see how it ended. Some twists at the end were enjoyable, if not fairly obvious and not surprising at all.

    Graphics Obviously blocky and throwback style. In some scenes it would be nice if they were better to clearly define things more, but overall I didn't find them problematic at the highest setting windowed mode. The style is cohesive throughout and honestly after the first few minutes i didn't even really remain fully aware that it was such a low res game as I was following the story.

    Story Good, but in some areas cliche. The dialogue for the main character could have been a bit better, but some of the supporting characters are decent.

    Gameplay The gameplay is what you would expect from a classic point and click type game. The interface and double-click to repeat action method works fine. How to examine items and use one item on another in your inventory was not self explanitory and really should have been more clear.

    Overall Cons -

    The combat is good in some fights and terrible in others. While it is fully explained and you are trained on it, it just doesn't work as well in the real battles against multiple targets. It's a bit clunky, and you can easily miss your target while they hit you ever time causing deaths. On that same note, there are 2 specific areas that it is easy to die, and the game doesn't let you save after the chase/dialogue leading up to them. This doesn't make it more difficult as you are guaranteed to get through the first one eventually by trying all the combinations of things you can do. The second one is more luck and skill with the clunky shooting system. In both cases it just makes you repeat walking/dialogue scenes for no reason instead of autosaving right before the fight. Does this harken back to old school "hard" games... well maybe, but it just makes it hard for the same reason as those, cheapness, especially since there is really no thought process to these specific instances, just do them until you get past.

    The real MAIN complaint i have about the game is a staple of the genre, but a foolish one. Items and people in the environment that you need to progress, or objects you use in the environment will either not be there, or you won't be able to interact with them properly until you do something else to trigger their active state. In cases with people showing up or calling you, this is fine as it is plausible. But trying to unlock a door and being told you can't and then after doing the properly scripted events coming back and doing that exact same action that works fine, is just... stupid. Similarly with finding a few items in the game that aren't there, but after you talk to the right people there they are in the same exact spot plain as day (and not put there by the people you talk to).

    I am not necessarily a huge fan of the genre, in fact I haven't played one of these games in probably 15 years. I do remember playing The Dig, King's Quest 6, and a star trek one about 15-20 years ago when i was a young kid. I generally get stuck eventually and have to look up a solution or two in every one of these games. So this isn't exactly my forte, and take my review accordingly.

    At the end of the day it's a 8-12 hour game depending on how stuck you get. The story is good, but gets pretty predictable by the 75% mark, but still worth seeing the resolution. I got this game on sale for $2.49 on steam and spent about 10 hours on it. For that price i have no complaints, but certainly at anything over $5.00 or so, it begins to push the money per hour of entertainment ratio that can be found elsewhere very easily if you enjoy other genres (like MMOs which give you a higher return rate on money/hr of ent. the more you play). Especially given that most of the time is spent running around trying to figure out what the hell to do and where to go, so a good chunk of that time is just thinking time. If you were to follow a walkthrough and the do the whole game in one sitting it would probably take about 3 hours just to see the story play out. If $9.99 or whatever it goes for normal price is worth the cost of a 3 hour movie to you, then by all means pick this one up, even if you just want to see it play out.    … Expand
  21. Nival
    Mar 13, 2012
    8
    Incredible game! Old-fashioned point'n'click with deep dark ambiance, the techincally light aspect is balanced by a very good and immersive achievment, and the 8bit-style graphics throws the player in a welcome nostalgia. If the gameplay may be sometimes clumsy, we meet very logical and fluid actions to do, which is very pleasant. It can make the progression too fast, but the playtimeIncredible game! Old-fashioned point'n'click with deep dark ambiance, the techincally light aspect is balanced by a very good and immersive achievment, and the 8bit-style graphics throws the player in a welcome nostalgia. If the gameplay may be sometimes clumsy, we meet very logical and fluid actions to do, which is very pleasant. It can make the progression too fast, but the playtime remains rather good.
    And the little weakness of the game couldn't dull the skill and the power of the story, which can be easily compared to the best K. Dick novels, and convey a lot of emotion. Rare and precious quality in video games.    … Expand
  22. NiceNerd
    Sep 26, 2012
    10
    If you like adventure games this ones great, made by the same people who made Gemini Rue and the Blackwell games. Youll even recognize some of the voice actors in it. Its got the same oldschool graphics and the point and click system best for adventure games. Great story, voice acting, game length, and puzzles can be hard at times. I reccomend to any fans of ADV games.
  23. StaticSpine
    Jan 4, 2014
    8
    Nice atmosphere, nice ambient music, nice voice acting. The story is a bit predictable but still well-written. The UI is a little oldschool but it works. The graphics are also made 'oldschool'. The puzzles are logical, the only questionable moment is the battle system (is it really necessary in an adventure game??). Overall, a good experience, especially knowing that most of the game isNice atmosphere, nice ambient music, nice voice acting. The story is a bit predictable but still well-written. The UI is a little oldschool but it works. The graphics are also made 'oldschool'. The puzzles are logical, the only questionable moment is the battle system (is it really necessary in an adventure game??). Overall, a good experience, especially knowing that most of the game is made by one person.… Expand
  24. Nerung
    Dec 1, 2012
    8
    Although the graphics are really pixelated, enough atmosphere and immersion is created by the other elements in the game. It reminded me in some ways of the SNES Shadowrun visuals, especially due to the setting. It has a really enjoyable dark story in a gloomy dystopian world. The puzzles are easy to grasp but still make you think enough to not just click your way through the game and itsAlthough the graphics are really pixelated, enough atmosphere and immersion is created by the other elements in the game. It reminded me in some ways of the SNES Shadowrun visuals, especially due to the setting. It has a really enjoyable dark story in a gloomy dystopian world. The puzzles are easy to grasp but still make you think enough to not just click your way through the game and its dialogues. The mechanics overall are kept simple and rely heavily on the storytelling aspect of the game which indicates how you can overcome obstacles encountered. This is done in a pretty linear fashion that takes you through the story step-by-step. But with every puzzle solved, you learn more about the protagonist(s) and the people he meets as well as the dystopia all around him/them. The creation of tension is what drives the whole play-through and if you like a good story with a decent adventure element and some puzzles around it, give this a try. The only thing really spoiling the game are the mediocre graphics.… Expand
  25. joshxdr
    Jan 1, 2014
    8
    Gemini Rue is a point-and-click adventure game with a noire-ish science fiction theme (kind of like Blade Runner). This game was developed with Adventure Game Studio, so the graphics are extremely low resolution by any standard (320 x 200). In spite of this very low standard of graphics, the game plays very well. The point-and-click mechanics all work very well, you can interact with theGemini Rue is a point-and-click adventure game with a noire-ish science fiction theme (kind of like Blade Runner). This game was developed with Adventure Game Studio, so the graphics are extremely low resolution by any standard (320 x 200). In spite of this very low standard of graphics, the game plays very well. The point-and-click mechanics all work very well, you can interact with the environment, use inventory items, climb boxes and ladders, and engage in dialogs with characters. The main appeal of Gemini Rue is the sci-fi story. It is a very ambitious and dramatic story told without a hint of sarcasm. There are times when the story really pulls you in, which is the sign of a good story.

    There are also times were the story falls flat, where you can tell that the writer is a very ambitious college student (Josh Nuernburger). For instance, Boryokudan means "violent gang" in Japanese, and is the official, boring name that Japanese police have given the Yakuza so they sound less romantic. It seems Mr. Nuernberger decided Japanese was cool and typed "mafia" into an online translator. The way this word is pronounced by the voice actors is also bad. "Boryokudan" is very difficult for an English speaker to say correctly, and the voice actors have merely pronounced the word as it is spelled, with no attempt at approximating the Japanese pronunciation.

    The voice acting for the main characters is very good. Azriel (the main character) and the Director are excellent. For some of the lesser characters (the street vendor in particular) it seems that they just grabbed somebody off the street to read the lines.

    There is some challenge to this game in terms of figuring out what is going on and what is the logical next action to take, so it is engaging without being too difficult. There are a few puzzles in the game but none that I got stuck on. There were two instances where I got stuck and consulted a walkthrough, but this won't be necessary for most people (I tend to get impatient). There are a few action sequences involving shooting which are very easy.

    Overall I would say this is an excellent game for people who like point-and-click adventures and sci-fi stories. While very enjoyable, tt is not a perfect game and the graphics and production can seem a little amateurish at times.    … Expand
  26. strav
    Nov 14, 2013
    8
    I've been intrigued by this game since it came out a few years ago mostly because of it's appealing setting and the good reviews it got. While I'm not quite fond of this retro-pixelated trend going on these days, those blocky animated sprites have delivered more than their share of magic in the past and if it's what it takes to deliver an enticing fanstasy well then be it. With It's noirI've been intrigued by this game since it came out a few years ago mostly because of it's appealing setting and the good reviews it got. While I'm not quite fond of this retro-pixelated trend going on these days, those blocky animated sprites have delivered more than their share of magic in the past and if it's what it takes to deliver an enticing fanstasy well then be it. With It's noir sci-fi dystopia and the smooth jazz/ambient music the game sets an excellent mood with all the rain, trench-coats and spaceships you can ask for. Yet, this mood can be somewhat distrubed by some minor annoyances: as another metacritic reviewer wrote, the game's interactions often are too linear and directed toward the advancement of the plot moreover, the game has few locations and after a while, they begin to feel over-used. What kept me playing though, is the quality of the narrative and the overall story aside from that, the voice acting is well done and the flow is really good.

    If you appreciate some of other Wadjeteye titles (such as Primordia) or anything that comes close to bladerunner, there are very good chances you'll appreciate this game just don't set your expectations too high.    … Expand
  27. nikolaus-online
    Feb 27, 2013
    9
    This game is brilliant. Loved the retro-styled graphics. It's a love letter to the old point-and-click adventures. Try the demo, if you want but don't miss this game. If you dislike the graphics maybe you are too young?
  28. stalker2208
    Jul 26, 2013
    10
    Gemini Rue the quest of the old school. It has everything for a great game: interesting plot, melancholic atmosphere and a great soundtrack. A good thriller at the junction of film noir and cyberpunk.
  29. Representer
    Oct 30, 2013
    10
    I give this a 10, just because it perfectly executes what it wants to be. It is atmospheric, the story is thrilling and after all its just fun to play with the right amount of puzzles, dialogues and freedom. Despite its minimalistic graphics it manages to pull you into the world, even more so, it uses the graphics to their advantage.
    Must have.
  30. Metathronxyz
    Mar 9, 2021
    5
    PROS: A lovely, but gloomy planetary setting, fairly intriguing story, good voice acting from the main character and a couple others.

    CONS: Plenty of walking back and forth, riding elevators many dozens of times, a clunky interface, some visual glitches, dull "prison" setting.

    When I first played it many years ago, I gave this a 9, but now a 5 is a more realistic, if somewhat harsh, rating.
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best PC Game of 2011
85
#85 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
71
#71 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. RPG Fan
    May 11, 2012
    84
    For better and worse, Gemini Rue might best be described as a "neat little game." For whatever reason, the game feels short of its potential, and every facet seems sullied by flaws both minor and moderate. Still, the cyberpunk tone, engaging story, and varied gameplay make more of an impression than those flaws.
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  2. Game Over Online
    Jan 9, 2012
    82
    Overall, Gemini Rue is a solid effort. The story is excellent, the puzzles are good enough, and while the graphics aren't anything to write home about, they score high marks in nostalgia, and they do a reasonable job in setting the mood.
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  3. Multiplayer.it
    Nov 16, 2011
    88
    With its charming atmosphere and its great storytelling, there is no doubt that Gemini Rue is one of the most elegant point-and-click adventures of the year, probably the flagship in the Wadjeteye Games' portfolio and one of the best games made with Adventure Game Studio.
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