[PC] Grim Fandango

The phrase "instant classic" has become quite disposable as of late. People often use it to describe Top 40 albums as if they were actually going to stick around for years to come. I can't help but feel a sense of disappointment that when I use this phrase to describe a truly classic concept it's somewhat cheapened by its overusage.

Such is the case with Grim Fandango.

For those who were never fortunate enough to have caught this game when it came out in 1998: This is the story of Manuel (Manny) Calavera, a travel agent who shuffles people from this mortal coil. Manny's life is sort of at a stagnant point right now; his travel clients don't fetch him much commission and he can't really seem to catch a break at any point. He is, in fact, dead in the water. Then one day a woman name Mercedes (Meche) pays him a visit at his office and you're off on your quest.

You play as Manny and take him through his quest to uncover the seedy goings-on of the Land of the Dead, a place which is anything but. The charmingly original story, the jazzy bebop and big band soundtrack, the Mexican folklore and art deco setting make what is quite possibly one of the most entertaining games ever conceived on the PC. Here's some screens for you to enjoy:

(Screens blatantly stolen from http://ninth-world.com)















Even 8 years after its original release the graphics and soundtrack haven't aged a bit. Sure it's not the best looking game on the planet, but its usage of graphics doesn't need to be. The film-noir feel of the story ensures that less is more comes across as all heart and little flash.

I have had this game since it was available back in 1998 and didn't get to play it much. Recently, with my brief return to jazz music I dug up the timelessly catchy soundtrack and dragged it into my iPod and I was instantly left with an unquenchable desire to play this game again.

So... Tell me... Is this one of the best games ever made or what? If you haven't played it and are interested in doing so, fret not; I have a solution. If anyone is interested in nabbing a copy of this game, I'll be more than happy to image my discs and upload them to someone's FTP or YSI links.

Anyway... Discuss!

How ya doing, buddy?