Previewed: October 5, 2002
Previewed by: Daniel Sayre

Publisher
Vivendi Universal Games

Developer
Legacy Interactive

Release Date: October, 2004
Genre: Adventure
Players: 1
ESRB: Teen

View Screenshots (14 Images)

System Requirements

Some other new improvements over last year's installment are:

• Redesigned, more intuitive interface
• High poly character models: 40,000 vs. 12,000 in Law & Order II
• More complex story: 500 page script vs. 300 page script in Law & Order II
• More characters: 40 speaking characters vs. 30 in Law & Order II
• More locations: 30 vs. 22 in Law & Order II
• Twice as many challenging puzzles ·
• Unlockable bonus content featuring actors from the show
• Greater interviewing flexibility: In addition to interview questions, witnesses can be asked about any piece of evidence as well as any other witness
• Increased phone functionality: Players can dial out and conduct interviews by phone in addition to receiving incoming messages
• Improved performance: Bink movies, new C++ graphics rendering, Direct3D for all rendering, 2-D and 3-D assets rendered through accelerated 3-D card
• Celebrity voice over from additional cast member Jesse L. Martin
• Cameo role by professional tennis star Patrick McEnroe lends authenticity to the story

A little magnifying glass pops up whenever you are over a clue so you can investigate further and, if relevant, take it into evidence. Some of the game also relies on actual detective work, not every puzzle has a solution just laid bare for you to find, some require you to actually think. It also is a lot more rewarding when you figure something out.

The cast (adding the edition of Greene) remains largely the same as in the second game. You can order research on people, have them undergo psychiatric evaluations or have them put under surveillance to see if they do anything or see anyone incriminating. You can also send items to the crime lab to see if anyone left fingerprints, to test for toxins, etc. You can also converse with the medical examiner in an effort to get as much information about the case as possible. Once you have arrested a suspect, you are charged with prosecuting the case.

As in previous games (and the show on which the game is based) you are assisted by the capable Serena Southerlyn. The case you tackle is very interesting and full of twists and turns and other assorted “mystery” stuff.

The graphics look like they’ve gotten a little bump from “Double or Nothing.” Most of the characters look just a wee bit better but nothing earth shattering. The backgrounds remain pre-rendered but are still very crisp and sharp. There are a lot of witnesses and each one looks just as good as the rest. Same goes for the different investigation scenes. The menus and opening movie are mostly carryovers from the last game and still look fine. All text is clear and easy to read. The map of New York, where you do all your traveling is also well presented.

The music and sound are the familiar Law and order stand-bys. The voice acting is great; you even get a little Briscoe quip every time you go in closer to look at a clue or when you are done interviewing a witness. Elisabeth Rohm returns to voice Southerlyn and the other bit parts are done with the same level of professionalism. The sound, and the voice acting especially, do a great job of making the game seem more “real.”

“Justice is Served” looks to be a pretty well rounded game at this point. Most of the “game” stuff is already in place and both the graphics and sound complement the source material. If you liked the first two games, odds are you’ll like “Justice is Served” it has the same solid base as the old games but adds a whole lot of expanded material that really hits home.

Be on the lookout when this ships to stores in October. Meanwhile, check out our collection of great screenshots in our Preview Gallery.