Like most of Robb Sherwin's games, this one is marked with memorable writing, strongly defined NPCs, and an occasional disregard for the bounds of good taste. It surpasses most of his other efforts in both scope and playability, however: the setting of the near-future dystopia of New Haz is extensive, and the included map makes it possible to get a handle on the layout despite its ambitious size. There are some bugs and logical inconsistencies, and (particularly in the end game) some places where it becomes difficult to communicate one's intentions to the game. Despite some guess-the-verb problems, however, this is a vivid and memorable ride.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Emily Short (10 Feb 2003)

dawn.zip (5.68 MB)

Hugo executable (version: 1.04)