Brain Dead 13

The Good
Something that really stands out in this game is the surreal horror you will encounter. Not just the enemies but little things that will surprise you (the kitchen is a very good example). The animation is very well done for its time (1995) and comes off mostly as a very dark twist on the Brave Little Toaster (yes I know there's a 8 year difference between the 2). The characters also provide enough personality to keep you hooked playing, until the very end. Also for this port, a 'move guide' can be turned on which lights up directions you can press at the right times, effectively making it a 'easy' mode for unfamiliar players.

The Bad
There are a few things that could have been improved. For this iPhone port, the password system was removed and can only continue where you last were. Once you finish the game, you can't continue from the last spot and must start a new game. I felt like maybe a new save/password system may have been better. Second, the instructions (or 'Help' as its referred to in-game) is not as complete as the original console releases. Also, players may get thrown off course mentally because most of the 'sequence rooms' have 2 exits and the 'longer' exit must be reached (defeat the enemy) in order to activate the path to the final rooms. I personally had this problem doing the witches' towers which sneakily hides the correct path you need to take.

The Bottom Line
For those not familiar with Dragon's Lair, it is literally an interactive cartoon movie. All you have to control is the 4 directions and a action button. Everything you need to do involves pressing a correct order of these buttons at given times.

The Good
It is nice to see new life breathed into the "interactive movie" genre pioneered by Dragon's Lair back in the 1980s.

Set in the 1990s, our hero is a young man called to fix a mysterious client's computer problems. The tech support, minimum wage employee soon finds himself fighting for his life when he discovers the sort of evil, mad scientist-themed activities going on at the client's lair.

The animation, music and sound effects are all excellent. The script is well done, and the numerous ways you can (and will) die are creative. The Jaguar is clearly capable of great full-motion-video.

The Bad
The basic format of the game is the same as Dragon's Lair. At certain points in the game, you must push the right button or else our tech support hero will die a gruesome, albeit creative, death.

I like Dragon's Lair and Space Ace, but you don't really control the cartoon character beyond a linear, "do or die" track.

Brain Dead 13 is similarly fun, but also uses the same basic gameplay mechanics. This may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Lastly, these type of games tend to get very difficult, very quickly. Even top-notch gamers may struggle, without using a walkthrough. You don't get too much time to enjoy the scenery, because instant death is waiting around every corner.

The Bottom Line
Brain Dead 13 shows off the full-motion-video capabilities of the Jaguar. It is a fun, 1990s, sci-fi game in the mold of Dragon's Lair or Space Ace.