Although some of you may remember Tex from his earlier adventures; Mean Streets and Martian Memorandum, it was really when Under a Killing Moon was relesed when the new Access technology really shined.
Under a Killing Moon was the first game in the series to introduce the "Virtual World" engine and was cutting edge in gaming entertainment with it's 3D rendered surroundings, clear graphics and limitless exploration of locations. This new technology from Access won Under a Killing Moon many awards and made it highly recognised for it's gaming Excellence. Winning gaming awards such as the "Software Publisher's Association (SPA) CODIE Award" in 1995.
Not only did it contain a brilliant gaming platform, but also had the support of Hollywood acting talent with actors such as: Brian Keith (Hardcstle & McCormick, The Parent Trap) Margot Kidder (Superman I, II, III) Russel Means (the Last of the Mohicans, Natural Born Killers) and the voice of James Earl Jones (Star Wars, Field of Dreams, The Lion King). With superb acting, along with Access' Virtual World technology, it's no wonder Under a Killing Moon was so recognised, but not only was it a great game, it also broke the reccord for it's time with 4 CD's and almost 2.4 gigabytes of data!
But lets not forget Chris Jones. Who not only starred in Under a Killing Moon as the beloved Tex Murphy, but also directed it, and on top of that, was running the Access software company itself! that is a lot to jugle but a monster acheivement.
After Under a Killing Moon came The Pandora Directive, which was based on the novel of the same title written by Aaron Conners (part of the Access team), the seccond to be made with Access' Virtual World technology. Some imporvements were made such as more colours and clearer cinematic scenes and introduced well known acting talent such as: Barry Corbin (Northern Exposure, War Games) Kevin McCarthy (Invasion of the Body Snatches, Twilight Zone: The Movie, Just Cause) and Tanya Roberts (View to Kill, Beastmaster). And introduced the Tex Series' new director, Adrian Carr, who directed movies like: Quigley Down Under, The Man from Snowy River, Power Rangres.
With acting and directing talent, there was no stopping them now. The Pandora Directive also had some of the best playability with its two levels of play and 7 different endings, all determined on your actions in the game. All was to be cramed on to 6 CD's this time! All of which contributed to yet annother award winning game! Winning awards such as "Best PC Game of 1996 AWARD".
But now it was time to bring out yet annother eagerly awaited Tex game. Now came Tex Murphy: Overseer. The first computer game to be brought out on DVD rom! This displayed crystal clear images and cinematics scenes aswell as more colour at 30 frames per seccond (an improvement of a max. 15 on CD rom). The DVD also reduced disk swapping. But also introduced yet more acting talent with: Michael York (Logan's Run, The Three Musketeers). And was again directed by Adrian Carr. (Who also appeared in the game too).
Even though many still did not have a DVD player to play Overseer on, they did not have to worry. Not only was there the DVD version, but included was the 5 CD rom's for the CD version for those who are unable to posess a DVD player. 6 CD's in all, and annother great game in the Tex Murphy series. There was also an Overseer soundtrack relesed for those who love the music.
Alltogether, 16 Tex Murphy CD's/DVD's are in the series, that is a lot of Tex!
With the brilliant team of Adrian Carr, Chris Jones and Aaron Conners, and not forgetting the president of Access software, Bruce Carver, they helped bring Tex Murphy to life! But for those of you who have played Overseer, I'm sure that we are all itching for the next Tex game to come out! How soon, only time can tell, but it better hurry up because I am going crazy here! |
