Reviewed: March 11, 2004
Reviewed by: David Caviness

Publisher
Got Game Entertainment

Developer
Silvio & Gey Savarese

Released: March 8, 2004
Genre: Adventure
Players: 1
ESRB: Everyone

8
8
8
6
7.9

System Requirements

  • Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
  • 64MB RAM
  • XGA monitor 1024x768x16m colors
  • Soundblaster or equivalent Audio card
  • 740 MB free Hard Disk space
  • CD-ROM reader 16X

    Recommended System

  • Windows XP
  • 128MB RAM
  • XGA monitor 1280x800x16m colors
  • 800 MB free Hard Disk space
  • CD-ROM reader 48X


  • Off the coast of Italy, surrounded by the waters of the Mediterranean, lies the isle of Capri. It is this small patch of rocky land that is the main feature of A Quiet Weekend in Capri, as the game showcases over 4,500 photographs of this real world location.

    These compelling images serve as the bulk of the game, an adventure romp comparable to Myst, only less ethereal. More amazing than the vivid, gorgeous photographs is the fact that game was developed by a two-man team - Silvio and Gey Savarese.

    The year is 2011 and you're but one among many tourists that have come to the isle of Capri. Soon after arriving, things will take a turn for the bizarre. The mystery is for you to unravel...


    Capri's interface is somewhat crude, but effective - 2/3rds of the screen is occupied by the photographs, which represent your location on the island, while at the bottom you'll find the icons and tools that will guide you through your surreal vacation. The game offers two modes of play. The first is simply a virtual tour through the narrow streets and breathtaking vistas of Capri, while the second option is the adventure game itself.

    Certain areas of each photograph will allow you to perform an action when clicked, usually movement. To avoid confusion or pixel hunting, the game offers an option that automatically highlights the relevant hotspot. Surprisingly, this does not have a huge effect on difficulty. You also have access to a map and inventory via the icons at the bottom of the screen. The mechanics of the game, in a word, are refreshingly simple. You will find nothing here to impede your enjoyment of the Caprician sights and sounds.

    Naturally, sooner or later you're bound to interact with the locals. Although there is no video or animation, the recorded dialogue brings these characters to life. Just don't stare at them too long, or it might begin to seem weird.

    The level of challenge to be found here is actually quite staggering, do not expect to blaze through this game as if it were Mixed-Up Mother Goose. It will take time and careful reasoning, as some of the puzzles are quite devious. Also expect to get lost, though this will be more from wanderlust than anything. The interactive maps you are provided with are more than sufficient.


    The graphics are austere, but this is not a hindrance, because the beautiful locale is the focus of the game. As you progress through the game you'll fall in love with the island, with its rocky precipices jutting out of the sapphire-hued sea, cobblestone streets and alleys, and flowing antiquated architecture. The only complaint that could be had is that the photographs aren't full screen, but that's a minor issue. This is no Doom III, obviously, but it wasn't meant to be. Considering that this is the fruit of the labor of a mere two people, it is certainly impressive.


    The game is accompanied by a full-length soundtrack, composed by none other than Silvio Savarese himself. The compositions immediately evoke images of the Mediterranean, like something Furio from HBO's Sopranos would listen to. The recorded dialogue can also be played in Italian with English subtitles, further enhancing the immersion that you are basking in the Italian sun and not chained to your mundane residence.


    One might expect this to retail for a cent below an even twenty, but it actually comes out to $29.99. Considering what you get, the price is not unfair. This is as close as you'll ever get to Capri without actually being there, so as far as I can see, it's easily worth thirty bucks.


    If you are looking for a new world to explore, an adventure, this would be a wise decision. It is important to support independent efforts such as this, because they may ultimately be the only bastions of originality left.

    As the game industry grows closer to Hollywood, and big game developers become less willing to take chances, we will need people like Silvio and Gey to pump fresh blood into our hard drives. This game clearly lacks big budget production values, but the fact is, it simply doesn't need them.