A new trailer has been released for Red Johnson’s Chronicles 2 featuring the titular character in a standoff. It also features someone using the words “clink” and “private eye.” No word yet as to whether or not the title will feature other detective noir phrases such as “dame,” “classy broad,” or “wise guy.” The sequel to Lexis Numérique’s Red Johnson Chronicles is set to release on Xbox Live Arcade, PC, and the Playstation Network in mid September.
Red Johnson’s Chronicles 2 uses point-and-click puzzles and interrogation scenes to propel the story forward as players sort through clues in their journey through Metropolis city. Red Johnson is a detective, and his brother (who I believe is named Fuchsia Johnson, but that remains unconfirmed) has been abducted. Red is working to figure out who would put a price on his head and who kidnapped his brother.
The developer says the game is a six to eight hour experience and promises that players will need, “your wit, your persuasion skills and your fists…” which is exciting because I feel like I don’t get to use the third trait often enough. Players might remember the first Red Johnson title for it’s blend of noir style with point-and-click adventure mechanics. They also might remember that this game was very difficult because from what I understand that is an inherent aspect of all point-and-click adventure games. The developer recognized this issue and has added a new help system so that players don’t get depressed about how absolutely awful they are at figuring out which houseplant needs to be rubbed against the angry rabbit in order to unlock the door. I always went with the violets, which was a rookie mistake. It was the cactus, every darned time. Thank goodness for the internet. What did people do before they could find wikis and walkthroughs? I’ll tell you what they did: throw the game out the window in frustration and sob while listening to Dido.
