I'm indestructible // Full Throttle (MS-DOS, 1995)
18Full Throttle is a classic point-and-click adventure game developed and published by LucasArts. Released in 1995, the game was directed by Tim Schafer, a prominent figure in the adventure game genre known for his work on other titles such as The Secret of Monkey Island, Day of the Tentacle, and later Grim Fandango. Full Throttle is celebrated for its compelling narrative, unique characters, and its departure from the traditional adventure game formula of its time.
1. Setting and Story
Full Throttle is set in a dystopian, near-future world where hovercars are the norm, but motorcycle gangs still roam the open roads. The story follows Ben Throttle, the tough and gruff leader of the biker gang known as the Polecats. The plot kicks off when Ben is framed for the murder of Malcolm Corley, the CEO of Corley Motors, the last motorcycle manufacturer in the country. The game revolves around Ben’s quest to clear his name, uncover the true culprit, and prevent Corley Motors from falling into the hands of the villainous Adrian Ripburger, who plans to take over the company and produce minivans instead of motorcycles.
2. Gameplay
Unlike many point-and-click adventures of its era, Full Throttle introduced a streamlined interface and a more action-oriented approach:
Simplified Interface: The game’s interface was notably simpler than those of previous LucasArts adventures. Players controlled Ben directly, using a single mouse click to interact with the environment. The traditional command interface (like "pick up," "use," etc.) was replaced with a more intuitive system where players would choose actions by clicking and holding the mouse button to bring up a radial menu with symbols representing actions like looking, kicking, or using items.
Action Sequences: Full Throttle incorporated several action sequences that were unusual for the adventure genre at the time. These included motorcycle combat scenes, a demolition derby, and other sequences that required quick reflexes rather than puzzle-solving skills.
Puzzles and Exploration: Despite its action elements, Full Throttle still featured the puzzle-solving and exploration that LucasArts games were known for. Players had to find and use items, talk to various characters, and solve environmental puzzles to progress through the story.
3. Art, Music, and Voice Acting
Full Throttle is renowned for its distinctive aesthetic and audio design:
Art Style: The game’s visuals were inspired by the Mad Max films and biker culture, with a gritty, industrial look that contrasted with the often whimsical art styles of other LucasArts titles. The hand-drawn animations were fluid and detailed, bringing the world and characters to life in a way that few games of the time could match.
Music: The game featured a rock-heavy soundtrack that perfectly matched its biker theme. The music was composed by Peter McConnell, with additional tracks provided by the rock band The Gone Jackals, whose music added to the game’s atmosphere and helped define its unique tone.
Voice Acting: Full Throttle was one of the first adventure games to feature full voice acting, with an all-star cast including Roy Conrad as Ben Throttle and Mark Hamill as the villainous Adrian Ripburger. The voice acting was widely praised and contributed significantly to the game’s immersive experience.
4. Legacy and Impact
Despite its relatively short length compared to other adventure games of the time, Full Throttle has left a lasting legacy:
Critical Reception: The game was well-received upon release, praised for its engaging story, memorable characters, and high production values. However, some criticism was directed at its short duration and the inclusion of action sequences that some players felt were out of place in an adventure game.
Cult Following: Over the years, Full Throttle has gained a cult following, with many fans considering it one of the best examples of narrative-driven gaming. It is often remembered as a quintessential Tim Schafer game, showcasing his talent for blending humor, drama, and unique settings.
Remastered Edition: In 2017, Full Throttle was re-released as Full Throttle Remastered by Double Fine Productions, a company founded by Tim Schafer. The remastered version featured updated graphics, remastered audio, and a behind-the-scenes commentary, allowing both new and old players to experience the game in a modern format.
5. Conclusion
Full Throttle is a landmark title in the adventure game genre, known for its bold departure from the norms of its time. With its engaging story, charismatic protagonist, and unique blend of action and puzzle-solving, it remains a beloved classic. The game’s impact can still be felt today, both in the continued popularity of narrative-driven games and in the legacy of its creator, Tim Schafer, who continues to influence the industry with his innovative approach to game design.