Now, the game does carry with it a rating of “Mature.” One of the prime reasons is a street cop who never met a curse word he didn’t like. But picture a cop standing outside in the freezing cold, late at night in front of a dilapidated building, right before Christmas. I just don’t think he would be smiling and speaking sweetly-enunciated grade school English. I like the realistic treatment of the character, and though some might find the language offensive, I just found it honest. I acknowledge that Still Life has a Mature rating for good reason, but it’s refreshing to have a game earn its rating from a gritty plot and realistically portrayed characters, rather than mere gratuitous dead bodies and blood splatters.

What is left to say about this game? Not much, except I regret having played a limited version of the game. Why? Simply put, because I am now left hanging... waiting for the rest of the story. But I am happy to wait. With its amazing ambiance, dark story, and evocative characters, Still Life has me on the edge of my seat, eager to see what lies ahead, and maybe just a little afraid of what I’ll find. Microïds has served up one deliciously wicked game, and may well have set the pace for this year’s games. Certainly good news for gamers everywhere.