Policenauts

Policenauts (ポリスノーツ) is a Japanese adventure game written and directed by Hideo Kojima and developed and published by Konami.

Related Topics:
Japan - Adventure game - Hideo Kojima - Konami

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It was initially released for the NEC PC-9821 computer platform in 1994; followed by updated versions for the 3DO, PlayStation and Sega Saturn game consoles released between 1995 and 1996.

Related Topics:
PC-9821 - 1994 - 3DO - PlayStation - Sega Saturn - 1995 - 1996

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Policenauts is a portmanteau word from the words police and astronaut.

Related Topics:
Portmanteau word - Police - Astronaut

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It is a graphic adventure game played mostly from a point 'n click interface, although during some key points at the game, the player has to go through shooting sequences against adversaries in order to maintain their progress in the game and at some point, the player has to deactive a bomb implanted by a criminal.

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The game is considered as a sequel to Hideo Kojima's previous title, Snatcher, due to the similar gameplay, although the connection between the two titles in terms of storyline are merely tangential. This confusion is probably derived from a phrase used to promote Policenauts in a trailer, which describes the game as "The next generation of Snatcher". This phrase referred to the style and technology used, instead of a sequel.

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Policenauts, like Snatcher before it, pays various homages to previously-existing films. The most obvious being Jonathan's and Ed's (the main characters) respective resemblances to Riggs and Murtaugh from Lethal Weapon.

Related Topics:
Homage - Lethal Weapon

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Policenauts has achieved a cult following since its initial release in Japan. However, the game has not been released outside Japan (as of 2005) despite a proposed localization of the Saturn version, various online petitions, and the Metal Gear Solid translator offering to do it for free on Konami US message boards.

Related Topics:
Cult following - Japan - 2005 - Localization

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