Face Noir

Face Noir is a classic point-and-click adventure game set in the corrupt, jazz-infused streets of 1934 New York City. Players assume the role of Jack Maria Del Nero, a disillusioned private eye framed for the murder of his police partner who must protect a mysterious child while navigating a web of criminal conspiracies. The game blends third-person exploration with first-person puzzle-solving mechanics, features comic-style cutscenes, and incorporates elements of mystique and time-manipulation as Jack uncovers truth in a city plagued by corruption and economic uncertainty.

Face Noir: Review

Introduction

In the world of video game noir, Face Noir stands as a ambitious yet imperfect homage to the classic detective stories of the 1930s. Developed by the Italian studio Mad Orange and published by Phoenix Online Studios, this point-and-click adventure game transports players to a gritty Depression-era New York City. The game’s narrative revolves around Jack Del Nero, a disillusioned private investigator falsely accused of murder, as he navigates a tangled web of corruption, mystery, and supernatural intrigue.

From its moody art deco visuals to its jazz-infused soundtrack, Face Noir captures the essence of film noir while introducing innovative gameplay elements like the Reflection Mode conversation system. However, the game’s numerous flaws—clunky voice acting, unclear puzzle solutions, and a cliffhanger ending—often detract from the experience. Despite these shortcomings, Face Noir remains a captivating and atmospheric adventure that will appeal to fans of the genre and those seeking a thought-provoking mystery.

Development History & Context

The development of Face Noir was a labor of love for its small Italian team. Comprised of Gabriele Papalini and Marco Sgolmin, Mad Orange cited influences from 1950s Italian cinema and actor Nino Manfredi. The game’s creation was documented in a series of developer blogs discussing everything from character design to puzzle implementation [^1^].

Using the Wintermute Engine, known for its point-and-click capabilities, the team worked for over two years to bring their vision to life. The game was released in July 2013 to a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike. While praised for its atmosphere and art direction, technical limitations—such as pre-rendered backgrounds and limited character animations—became apparent in comparison to more modern engines.

The project’s success hinged on its ability to blend classic noir elements with fresh gameplay mechanics. The introduction of Reflection Mode, where players combine ideas to form new conversation topics, aimed to add depth to the detective work beyond traditional inventory-based puzzles. However, the game’s reliance on hidden-object interactions and occasional trial-and-error gameplay would prove to be divisive among players.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Face Noir tells the story of Jack Del Nero, a hardboiled private eye whose world is turned upside down when he’s falsely accused of murder. The plot is a classic noir tale of corruption, red herrings, and hidden motives, with a few unexpected twists involving time manipulation and the supernatural.

The story begins with Jack taking a routine case to photograph an unfaithful wife. After discovering the body of his former police partner Sean, Jack becomes the prime suspect and must clear his name while protecting a mysterious young girl linked to the murder. As Jack delves deeper into the case, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a Chinese cab driver named Chon, a femme fatale named Greta, and various gangsters and cops.

Thematically, the game explores the moral ambiguity of Jack’s world, where truth is elusive and everyone has something to hide. The inclusion of supernatural elements—such as dream sequences that allow Jack to see into the past—adds a layer of mystique but also introduces plot elements that feel somewhat underdeveloped. The cliffhanger ending leaves many questions unanswered, setting the stage for a planned sequel that has yet to materialize.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, Face Noir is a traditional point-and-click adventure. Players navigate Jack through pre-rendered environments, interact with hotspots, and manage an inventory of items. The game distinguishes itself with several mechanics:

1. Reflection Mode: During conversations, players can combine pieces of information to form new ideas, which can then be discussed with characters. This system adds depth to the narrative choices and requires players to pay attention to details.

2. 3D Inventory: The inventory can be viewed in a 3D perspective, allowing players to rotate and examine items from different angles. This adds a tactile element to puzzle-solving but can also be finicky when aligning parts.

3. Time Manipulation: Certain sections allow Jack to influence time, which is used in puzzles where actions in the present affect the past. This mechanic is intriguing but sometimes feels disconnected from the main story.

4. Multiple Perspectives: Players control both Jack and Sean in different parts of the game, adding variety to the narrative and gameplay.

However, these innovations are tempered by some gameplay frustrations. Puzzles often rely on obtuse connections between items and hotspots, requiring players to randomly click around. The game’s limited hints system can leave players stuck for long periods. Additionally, the lack of a save/restore mechanism for puzzles can lead to repetition when making wrong choices.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The game’s art direction is a high point, skillfully recreating the bleak, rain-soaked streets of 1930s New York. Pre-rendered backgrounds boast detailed art deco architecture and atmospheric lighting, while character sprites are well-animated despite the technical constraints. The visual style effectively evokes the classic film noir aesthetic.

The jazz-inspired soundtrack, composed by Vincenzo De Filippo and Silvio Relandini, is another highlight. Swing tunes and moody instrumentals set the perfect tone for Jack’s investigation, enhancing the game’s immersive qualities. However, voice acting quality is inconsistent. While some performances are hammy in the best noir tradition, others—like Jack’s Cockney-accented narration—feel forced and detract from the immersion.

Reception & Legacy

Face Noir received mixed reviews upon release. Aggregators like Metacritic gave it a score of 59/100, reflecting the critical consensus that the game’s atmospheric strengths are undercut by gameplay and narrative weaknesses [^2^].

Positive reviews praised the game’s art direction, innovative conversation system, and engaging puzzles. RPGFan awarded it 85%, calling it “a game I can easily recommend” for its puzzles and art design [^3^]. Adventure Gamers noted it as “a solid debut for a promising developer” despite being only half the story [^4^].

Negative reviews focused on the voice acting, unclear puzzle objectives, and unresolved cliffhanger. Game Over Online criticized the game’s writing and acting, giving it a 59% [^5^]. Hardcore Gamer Magazine called it “a forgettable disappointment” due to boring dialogue and gameplay [^6^].

The planned sequel Face Noir II has not been released, leaving the story unresolved. This has contributed to some players’ frustration, though the original game remains available for those who appreciate its noir aesthetic and detective gameplay elements.

Conclusion

Face Noir is a flawed but captivating adventure game that succeeds in evoking the classic noir atmosphere while introducing some innovative gameplay mechanics. While technical limitations and narrative shortcomings prevent it from being a masterpiece, it stands as a solid entry in the detective adventure genre. For fans of the genre, its engaging puzzles, atmospheric world, and cliffhanger ending (despite the missing sequel) make it a worthwhile experience. Ultimately, Face Noir is a testament to the passion of its developers and the enduring appeal of noir storytelling in video games.