Harvester
(PC Powerplay Magazine) - September Issue 1996

Rob Smith gets tied up with lashing of ketchup!



Future Vision have developed an adult adventure game which is unlike anything you are likely to have ever seen in the field of PC gaming. It’s very, very strange. Whether that’s ‘good’ strange or bad ‘strange’ is a quandry you’ll have to work out for yourself. But be sure that you are going to have a definite opinion one way or the other by the time you’ve been through the demo featured exclusively on the Powerdisc.


Harvester is a point-and-click adventure using video characters superimposed on detailed and generally well drawn backdrops. Context sensitive mouse control is used to scour each location to unearth objects and information that will be useful in solving some of the many and varied mysteries which contribute to Harvester’s unique flavour.


You play the role of Steve, a normal guy who wakes up in the town of Harvest with no recollection of how he got there or who anyone is. Not unoriginal, you may think. But when everyone in the town seems to know who you are things become increasingly complicated. Your girlfriend, Stephanie, doesn’t know you, but is that a clue to something or a red herring? Only detailed investigation is going to uncover the answer to any of these problems.


The residents of Harvest are an odd bunch who can help and hinder your quest for identity. Even daily events happen the wrong way round to normal thinking - the paper boy collects the paper, your mother bakes biscuits and then, rather surprisingly, throws them away. And as for your father, well, check out the bedroom if the concept of S&M doesn’t offend your sensibilities. Oh yes, there’s a bit of that thrown in here too!


Aside from the usual adventure methods of finding and using items, combat elements present a challenge but are somewhat lame in execution. The 2D sideways scrolling style has few moves and thus limited action opportunities. That said, the costume and special effects department probably went through a few cases of tomato ketchup given the profuse spatterings of blood.


Is the sex and gore there for its own sake or for embellishment of the plot? I reckon plot wins by a short head as the impact of these strange events is important to the whole bizarreness of the setting.


A few gripes include the Groundhog Day-esque way in which each day is started with afresh, so conversations have to be done again to elicit the required information. But again, that’s part of the strangeness of this town.


Eventually, you will work your way to achieve entry to the Lodge where many of the answers will be revealed in its three levels. Be sure that you’re likely to be a tad surprised by the outcome.


Harvester is difficult to compare with any other game and as such should be applauded for its boldness. The adult content is a little grim in places so parental discretion would be advised. But that shouldn’t be the focus of what Harvester is about. It’s 3 CDs cover a large area to explore and a compelling array of encounters and puzzles. If ever there was a case for ‘try before you buy’ Harvester is it. So check out the demo and make your own mind up - for my two pennorth, it’s originality and bizarre style made it almost a necessity to figure out through to the end.

Price £34.95
Supplier Virgin
Telephone 0171-368 2255
Rating 90%