Hard Evidence of a Great CSI Game

TelltaleGames

CSI designer Greg Land and partner Nick Stokes go forensic at the old mini golf course.



As most of you know, Telltale's newest CSI game was detected in stores last week, just in time for the Season Premiere of the TV series.



In the wake of the myriad shooters bludgeoning their way into the market, official reviews for CSI: Hard Evidence are trickling out at the pace of dried blood.



Regardless, there is a smattering of *a-hem* hard evidence that the latest CSI game is indeed a satisfying one. Here are a few facts that help us substantiate our assertion that Telltale has made a great game for our fans, and for CSI lovers everywhere...



First, many users on the various forums have testified that "it's the best CSI game yet." In fact, a few here on the Telltale site gave it an "11 out of 10." Thanks guys!

As of this writing, a forensic statistical analysis of the PC version on Gamespot shows an average player rating of 81%, based on 50 votes. Notably, more than 50% of voters rated the game as a "Perfect," and the vast majority rated it as "Great" or better.[readmore]



Third, anonymous sources have tipped us off that several stores are sold out of the game. Amazon shows it's in the top 25 games, and the #7 selling PC Action title. (Not sure why it's listed under action, though!) Perhaps being in the New Release section the same time as Halo 3 isn't all bad…



Further, CSI is designed to be fun for men and women, ages 18 to 108. One customer claimed that he is alternating playing cases with his wife – and highly recommends it. Now that we're playable on consoles as well, CSI is a GREAT game to play on the couch with a loved one. (Or even a liked one!) Find clues together, and place bets on who dunit! It's more like the show than ever before…



On a behind-the-scenes note, back in January, the Ubisoft execs were so pleased with our product that they wanted to double-down and release it to more systems. They even created a TV ad campaign, which has never been done for a CSI game. This type of confidence in the product is a real testament to the game, and a good sign for our consumers.

Finally, in my opinion, the most compelling evidence that CSI: HE is a great game is a single common confession - many people have already achieved a Master ranking on all 5 cases. This means they have played and replayed the game until ultimately they unlocked the final bonus item. People are busy. 12+ hours is a lot of time for most of us. We don't have time to waste on things that aren't fun. It's a good bet that if so many people are taking the time to finish and replay the cases, then they are likely to be engaging and satisfying along the way.



In closing, whatever the official reviewers say, evidence shows the initial response has been very favorable. Telltale put a lot of love and energy into making CSI: Hard Evidence the best it could be. We feel it's a great product. So, next time you spot Grissom and Catherine on CBS just think - I could be solving my own case with those guys right now!



Greg Land

Lead Writer/Designer

CSI: Hard Evidence