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The game takes place in the year 1893, the setting, Chicago, on the grounds
of the World's Columbian Exposition. The Exposition is being held to celebrate - one
year late - the 400th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of the New World. It is the
largest tourist attraction America has ever known, before or since, drawing an
estimated 27 million visitors before closing on October 31. You are a detective,
just starting your own private firm, when you receive a telegram from your old partner
Carl Masters, who has been placed in charge of the Columbian Guardsmen who patrol the
Exposition grounds. It seems there has been a diamond theft on the grounds, and the
case so puzzling he can think of no one with a chance of solving it except you. He
requests you urgently make your way to Chicago, an offer you accept without hesitation.
It will be a challenging case, something you haven't had in some time, and while you
are there you hope to take in the sights and sounds of this World's Columbian
Exposition. It's a well-written, atmospheric, and even educational text adventure
reminiscent of Infocom's Sherlock: Riddle of the Crown Jewels. As theft turns to
kidnapping, and kidnapping to murder, you find yourself at the center of a plot the
extent of which you can only begin to imagine. There are many locations in the fair
to visit, many characters to interview, and - of course - many puzzles to solve. Some
puzzles are somewhat on the obscure side, but by and large they are logical and not
too difficult. The on-line hint system does a good job of nudging you in the right
direction one step at a time. The real star of the game is the amazing scope and
attention to detail. The author went to great lengths to describe every little detail
of the World's Fair, so much so that you can easily visualize the scenes. As if that
is not enough, there are hundreds of historical photographs, and even some excellent
music and sound effects to immerse you even further. Highly recommended to both IF
enthusiasts and anyone who is interested in history. |