Released in 1996, Ripper is one of the most ambitious FMV games of the 90s, leaning fully into the dark, graphic storytelling that made some of the decade’s interactive titles notorious. Developed by Take-Two Interactive, Ripper combines noir, horror, and cyberpunk into a murder mystery set in a bleak near-future New York City. But what really made Ripper stand out was its all-star cast—including Christopher Walken, Karen Allen, and Burgess Meredith—who all leaned into the game’s gritty story with intense, sometimes over-the-top performances. It’s a surreal mix of camp and horror, blending sci-fi themes with FMV scenes that range from thrilling to bewildering.
Story and Setting: Cyberpunk Meets Jack the Ripper
In Ripper, you play as Jake Quinlan, a hardboiled journalist investigating a string of brutal killings by a murderer known as “The Ripper,” who’s terrorizing New York City. The twist? The Ripper’s murders take place in cyberspace. This setup pulls you into a world where tech noir blends with horror, creating a gritty, ominous atmosphere that combines the neon bleakness of cyberpunk with the twisted psychology of a serial killer thriller.
As Quinlan, you uncover clues about The Ripper’s identity while navigating New York’s seedy underbelly, complete with cyber-junkies, mobsters, and suspicious AI programs. The story unfolds across four discs, giving players a sprawling (and often confusing) mystery filled with false leads, unexpected twists, and a fair dose of gore. True to the classic FMV format, much of the game’s appeal comes from the dialogue sequences and cinematic cutscenes where the story unfolds, driven by intense, often unsettling performances.
Gameplay: Clues, Puzzles, and Interrogation
Ripper is part point-and-click adventure, part FMV, and part puzzle game. The gameplay itself is split between exploring locations, gathering evidence, solving challenging puzzles, and interrogating suspects to uncover the truth. Players interact with objects, analyze evidence, and piece together clues to bring themselves closer to identifying The Ripper’s true identity.
One of the standout features of Ripper is its branching narrative. Each playthrough can lead you down a different path depending on how you handle suspects and what evidence you uncover, which means The Ripper’s identity changes from game to game. It’s an intriguing touch that keeps the mystery fresh and adds replayability to an otherwise linear genre.
The puzzles are often a sticking point for new players. Ripper was known for being particularly unforgiving, throwing in a variety of puzzles that range from complex ciphers to logic-based riddles, some of which can be pretty obscure and time-consuming. There are also a few action sequences, but these can feel a bit clunky and unintuitive, especially for anyone used to smoother mechanics in today’s games. Still, the difficult puzzles are part of what give Ripper its strange, immersive atmosphere, forcing you to think like an investigator piecing together a complex case.
Cast and Performances: Hollywood Goes Cyber-Horror
The game’s biggest claim to fame is its cast. Christopher Walken plays Detective Vince Magnotta, a deeply cynical cop with a brooding, sinister presence, while Karen Allen and Burgess Meredith bring their own unique flavor to the eclectic cast of characters. Walken’s performance is particularly memorable; he approaches the role with his signature intensity, bringing an unnerving edge to the investigation. He’s as unpredictable as the game itself, oscillating between dramatic pauses, cryptic threats, and sudden bursts of rage. Walken and the other actors were given free rein to deliver their lines with full FMV flair, resulting in a series of performances that feel both hammy and strangely captivating.
As with many FMV games, the quality of the acting varies from scene to scene. Some performances are genuinely creepy, while others feel hilariously over-the-top. In some ways, this works in Ripper’s favor, as it reinforces the feeling that you’re playing through a bizarre, nightmarish B-movie. The actors’ commitment to the absurd, sometimes nonsensical script makes the game feel like a cult classic, a combination of horror and camp that embraces its own weirdness.
Graphics, Audio and Atmosphere: Gritty, Unsettling, and Very 90s
Ripper’s pre-rendered backgrounds and FMV segments have that unmistakable 90s look: gritty, low-res, and drenched in a dim, neon-lit aesthetic that feels like a low-budget cyberpunk film. The game’s visuals may be dated, but they contribute to its tense, almost claustrophobic atmosphere. The graphic design blends dark environments with cyberspace sequences that have a surreal, unsettling vibe, especially when you encounter the Ripper’s digital world—often filled with glitchy effects and strange imagery that make you feel as if you’re slipping into a horror-fueled cyberspace.
The soundtrack complements the visuals with a mix of eerie ambient sounds and synthesized tracks that echo the futuristic, grimy atmosphere. The sound design amps up the tension, adding a layer of unease to every scene, especially as you uncover more gruesome evidence of the Ripper’s crimes.
The music in Ripper (1996) is a standout feature that perfectly complements the game’s dark cyberpunk narrative, and one of its most exciting elements is the inclusion of songs by the legendary Blue Öyster Cult. Known for their haunting melodies and iconic rock anthems, Blue Öyster Cult’s contributions add a layer of atmospheric intensity and edge to the game’s already moody aesthetic. Tracks like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and other selections from their catalogue enrich the storytelling, bridging the game’s high-tech future setting with a gritty, rock-infused sensibility. This collaboration with such an influential band gives Ripper a distinctive audio identity that fans of both gaming and classic rock can appreciate.
How did Ripper do?
When Ripper hit the shelves in 1996, it entered a market hungry for innovative gaming experiences but was met with a mixed reception. While its star-studded cast, featuring Christopher Walken and Karen Allen, drew considerable attention, the game struggled to fully capitalize on its ambitious blend of full-motion video (FMV) and point-and-click mechanics. Critics praised its cinematic approach and dark, cyberpunk aesthetic but criticized the clunky interface and uneven gameplay. Despite the hype, sales were modest, reflecting the niche appeal of FMV titles in a rapidly evolving gaming landscape. However, Ripper has since gained a cult following, celebrated for its daring storytelling and quirky charm.
Final Thoughts: A Gruesome FMV Cult Classic
Ripper is not a game for the faint of heart or the easily frustrated. Its difficulty, obscure puzzles, and intense horror elements can make it feel punishing at times, and its campy, gritty atmosphere isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. But for those who enjoy a strange, challenging thriller, Ripper has a lot to offer. With its branching storylines, bizarrely intense performances, and immersive cyber-horror setting, it’s a game that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it.
For fans of 90s FMV games and horror mysteries, Ripper is a must-play—a surreal and bloody journey through a world that’s equal parts cyberpunk dystopia and grim detective story. Whether you’re here for Walken’s unhinged moments or the sheer audacity of the game’s story, Ripper stands out as a cult classic of the FMV genre and a true product of its time.
Ripper Release Details
| Release Date | 1996 |
| Platform(s) | DOS, Macintosh |
| Genre | Adventure |
| Developer | Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. |
| Publisher | GameTek UK Ltd. Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. |
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