‘Déjà Vu, a cult retro game

‘Déjà Vu’ is a mystery adventure video game developed by ICOM Simulations and originally released in 1985 for the Macintosh computer system.

It was later adapted in 1987 for (MS-DOS), in 1988 for (Famicom), in 1990 for (NES), in 1991 for (Windows 3.x), in 1999 for (GBC) and in 2017 for (PS4, Xbox One).

This title is known for its innovative approach to storytelling and its interactive gameplay style, which combines elements of investigation, exploration and puzzle solving.

The story of ‘Déjà Vu’ centres on a private detective named ‘Ace’ Harding, who wakes up in a nightclub bathroom with no memory of how he got there.

As the player progresses through the plot, he discovers that Ace has been involved in a murder case and must unravel the mysteries surrounding him to clear his name and regain his memory.

The narrative unfolds through dialogue, clues and objects that the player must collect and use to advance the story.

One of the most distinctive features of ‘Déjà Vu’ is its visual style and atmosphere. The game features 2D graphics with a character and setting design that evokes the aesthetics of film noir movies.

The setting, which includes a nightclub, a hotel and other iconic city locations, contributes to the sense of immersion in a world full of intrigue and danger.

The gameplay of ‘Déjà Vu’ is based on exploration and interaction with the environment. Players must examine objects, talk to characters and solve puzzles to advance the story.

The game mechanics are fairly intuitive, but also present challenges that require critical thinking and attention to detail.

Players must keep an eye out for clues in the environment, as many of them are crucial to solving the mystery.

One of the innovations of ‘Déjà Vu’ is its use of the concept of ‘déjà vu’ in the narrative.

As the player progresses, they may experience moments where certain events or dialogue seem familiar, adding a layer of depth to the story and reinforcing the idea that the protagonist is trapped in a cycle of repetition and confusion.

This narrative approach was pioneering at the time and has influenced later adventure games.

Music and sound effects also play an important role in ‘Déjà Vu’. The soundtrack, composed of a series of atmospheric melodies, complements the action and helps set the tone of the game.

The sound effects, which include footsteps, conversations and other environmental elements, contribute to the player's immersion in the experience.

Over the years, ‘Déjà Vu’ has been critically acclaimed and has gained cult status among retro gaming fans.

Its combination of intriguing narrative, challenging gameplay and distinctive visual style have made it a timeless classic in the adventure game genre.