Summary
Space Myst-clone
The Good
Sierra tried to make use of the Myst success and make a Myst clone. However they also tried to take Myst a step further: we have a complex interface, a richer character interaction, and a more definite and consistent background. It's a shame it never stood next to Myst. I am afraid the general reaction was 'huh, yet another Myst clone', or it could have been more famous.
Something that always impresses me whenever I play the game, is the characters: The actors are wonderful and act consistently to the character's position and mood. Nicole is always friendly, others, like the security officers are always grim etc.
Next to the actors I would add the quality of the videos. I don't know how they did it, but although we speak about VGA graphics, you won't believe that the actors are filmed in 256 only colors. The video quality is just very good!!!
The interface is original and complex which hypes it beyond Myst. A wrist computer with maps, navigation, compass and video messages which keeps you up to date concerning what happens elsewhere in Rama
I would like to add the atmospheric and spacey music which hypes the game's mysterious atmosphere.
Generally I think the game was very well done. The scenery and RAMA in general are self-consistent, so much that comprehending what Rama is, will help your orientation. Same applies to the characters and their interrelations. All in all, it is of the games which the more you play the game, the more you will understand and find out things you missed at first. This for me is a sign for a Good Game
The Bad
The main reason I was turned away many times was its initial and clueless open-ness (as in 'open-ended game') with your only order being 'explore'. Some players I know stopped playing soon after starting the game.
I didn't resign that easily, however the large number of places you must visit, including the fact that plot advances only after you solve a puzzle or enter a room, will force you examining places again and again, and re-visiting them to see if this time will appear a thing or person that wasn't there last time you were.
The music was nice, however it was comprised of short pieces that are repeated, like a playlist. I would prefer some more typical adventure music as a 'carpet'
Also, something more general. I don't know what's missing, but Rama is not Myst. The designers tried using the well-used recipe, and even went beyond Myst, however you will see that 'something' is missing, and yet you don't know what. Not actually something I don't like, but thought mentioning it here.
The Bottom Line
I think that Rama is a must-see game, which deserved to be more well known.
