The Astonishing Captain Skull

Background:
I don't know much about Adventure Games Studios as an engine. All I know is that the maker of this game is one of the most prolific AGS makers. Which really isn't saying much since I think he's the only RMN user who uses AGS.


Why this game is GOOD:

I'm liking the mystery the game presents. The research station (the setting for the game) is a place where scientists deal with ghosts, and the ectoplasm they produce (Ghostbusters reference?). One of the men was recently killed. That immediately puts all the NPCs you meet as suspects. They are here to research ghosts. A dead body means a newer sample for data-collecting purposes. While nobody comes off as emotionless enough to think along the lines of pure scientific research, that doesn't rule out anyone as a possibility.

This game is all about talking to people, gathering information, or items, then using those resources to get different conversation options for more resources. The process continues until the player gets to the point where the game can be beaten. There is no combat mechanic whatsoever. Truly, the heart of a classic adventure game lies within this game.


Other notes of interest:

As I understand it, the maker is known for his unique graphical style. I thought I'd be turned off by it, but it it didn't bother me after a while.

Vermillo probably has the most character of the game. He's self-centered, and tends to "forget" anything he deems to be unimportant. The sunglasses he wears are quite appropriate. Qumiby is pretty decent, even though all he does is follow Captain Skull around and says, "GRRRAAARR!" Maybe I just like him because he's your inventory management system. Anyway, the Captain himself comes across as fairly intellectual. He is a detective, so it makes a certain amount of sense. The other cast members tend to also come across as intellectual. This is forgivable, since they are scientists.

The scientists say that it normally takes two ghosts to create ectoplasm, thought there are rare occasions that a single ghost can produce the substance. Perhaps I'm overthinking things, or simply have a skewed mind, but I keep thinking "It takes two to tango."

This is a short game. It can probably be completed in about an hour, maybe two. However, it's length is really not an issue. It's as long as it needs to be.


Summary:

I know I've said something like this for Super RMN Bros., but if there was ever a game that one could play while taking a break from playing/making that epic RPG, this game would be it. It's short length allows even the busiest of people to just pick it up and play. Even if the player comes across that one puzzle that he or she can't quite grasp, the on-line walkthrough is there for the viewing.

If RMN is the only place that this game can be obtained, there's a mystery that even Captain Skull would find hard to unravel: why aren't more people downloading this game?

BOTTOM LINE: 4/5