Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. Anyone who loves a mystery and has an investigative mind will get many hours of pleasure from Still Life.
  2. Certainly the best Adventure Game of 2005 and possibly destined to be considered one of the most elite point and click adventure games ever released.
  3. The interface was very simple, it was the same point 'n click system but from what I understood, characters had some problems with their paths. The voices used were just perfect and the ambient sounds used to freeze your heart for a moment.
  4. Screws you in the end with a serious cliffhanger that doesn't actually reveal all the game's secrets. [Aug 2005, p.78]
  5. Tells a story that is a masterful blend of challenge, characters and story. It is a definite game of the year candidate, and will likely earn a spot on many gamers' list of favorites.
  6. A very intensive manhunt with a variety of puzzles. It uses the same graphic engine as Syberia I and II, which is to say the game is simply beautiful. [Apr. 05]
  7. This title will have you hooked from the beginning until the end, and the open-ended conclusion will leave things up to your imagination to figure out.
  8. Generally enjoyable, with good quality puzzles and an excellent atmosphere. Still Life doesn't venture far from the typical adventure formula but for what it is, the game is commendable.
  9. It looks great, it's reasonably well acted, and while its puzzles are hit and miss, its story is enveloping enough to draw you in and keep you playing.
  10. The pace may not win over fans of first-person shooters or real-time strategy games, but it's a darn good yarn for adventure gamers who can stomach a double-helping of gore. [July 2005, p.73]
  11. This murder-detective mystery from the Adventure Company is every bit as gruesome as it is enjoyable, and it certainly had us all engrossed until its eventual conclusion.
  12. With wonderful writing, gorgeous graphics, great voice acting, and realistic sounds, Still Life proves that macabre adventure games are finally coming into their own, although there is still room for growth.
  13. An above-average adventure game with some very well done elements, but it's nothing revolutionary, either. If you want the best this genre can offer, go out and buy "Syberia 1 & 2" instead of Still Life.
  14. A suitably gripping and atmospheric thriller and the transitions between the Chicago and Prague investigations are very smooth.
  15. Still Life is a deep game. It's a splendid adventure with stylish visuals and a shockingly realistic take on detective thrillers. [May 2005, p.85]
  16. If you can stomach the disturbing images (I did) and like your adventure games on the dark, sinister side, then take this game for a spin, chances are you will enjoy it in spite of the little problems the game has.
  17. 74
    An enjoyable albeit short diversion for fans of classic adventure games. As usual, this type of game controls better on a PC than a console but the character movement still feels slow and clunky.
  18. Finally, a game that actually has above board voice talent.
  19. 70
    The story is great, the mystery is intense, and the protagonists are extremely likable. As a result, we found ourselves liking the game a lot in spite of its occasional shortcomings... all the more noticeable as they are because they interrupt what is otherwise a brilliant game.
  20. Its slavish dedication to convention will scratch the methodical, cerebral itch all diehard adventure game fans have. As a genre exercise, though, it exerts little energy to draw in new players.
  21. After suffering through baking puzzles I expected a more satisfying ending, and was left feeling angry and forlorn.
  22. Yet no matter how straightforward Still Life is and how simple it looks, it's incredibly easy to fall for. Aside from a few unnecessary inflections and misplaced accents here and there, the storytelling and voice acting is superb.
  23. 60
    The lame dialog and acting shatters any real delusions of drama, as do the irritating glitches and the surprise ending, reminding you that this is just a game after all.
  24. 60
    It's unfortunate that pointless busywork and a poorly designed and integrated puzzles end up throwing roadblocks in what should have been one of the best adventure games in the recent memory.
  25. There's a lot that Still Life does well, but in the same way adventure games were doing things well ten years ago. There is therefore no excuse for it to not manage other basic, fundamental elements when rehashing these decade-old ideas.
  26. I just can't imagine a filmmaker putting me in a situation where, once the movie stopped, I was forced to go onto a website to find out how it ended. I also can't imagine how anyone at Microids couldn't see just what a fatal misstep this lack of an ending was.
  27. A waste of time for all involved, go watch paint dry instead. [Aug 2005, p.97]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. Lin
    10
    Best adventure game ever! For those who doesn't have a sense of adventure and thrill(excitement) maybe it IS better you go and watch the paint dry. or for anyone who has no patience or hates reading you go elsewhere... for adventure lovers or just anyone who wants a great story, and excellent 3D graphics(Pre-rendered) this is your game! one of my fav game and still trying to figure out who the killer is if you want to email me of who you think did it contact me Can't wait for the 2nd game fingers crossed ! Full Review »
  2. 5
    Still Life comes off as an eye spy detective game with several puzzle elements thrown into the mix. The 800x600 maximum resolution is disappointing. A game of this caliber with a 2005 release date on a PC platform deserves higher end graphical support. Character development is genuine providing a sense of realism, but there is a lack of involvement on the players part to really control events--the result is a lot of mindless clicking to advance conversations. You also have to do everything in a predefined order which in many cases seems pointless. For example you can't pick up certain objects until you discover a use for them and you can't leave certain areas without completing necessary tasks. Overall, it was worth the play through, but I became weary near the game's end due to the abrupt turnaround in the main character combined with minor game annoyances. The ending sets up for Still Life 2, but ultimately leaves a feeling of unfulfillment as a stand alone game. Full Review »
  3. I loved this game. I thought it combined the best of the adventure genre with a stellar plot , the dual story game play amuses me and keeps things from getting boring. i like the graphics and the voice acting puzzles are kooky and fun and the settings and characters make for an interesting game. the only thing that stops me giving it a 10 is the ending , who is the killer. i know because i played still life 2. and it was interesting because the killer was on my short list for possibilities and you could probably guess who it is, but it would of been sensible to conclude the game properly or have the sequel come out straight away rather than wait 4 years for an answer. all around i give it a high 8 low 9 score. all most as good as heavy rain not as good as the longest journey , about the same as indigo prophecy . Full Review »