FMV games are an unknown territory for me as a genre, especially since my younger self did not have access to them during the phase of its fad-like popularity. Looking at previous titles however makes me wonder if it truly was ever popular, as many FMV titles seemed to be all about the technology and visual wow factor rather than the gameplay or story-telling aspects. Contradiction must be familiar with this trend as it shirks the all style, shallow substance method, and instead brings an engaging story with a varied, likable cast who’s performances only add to the experience as you progress along the game... Even if most of said performances are outright the most bizarre, silly examples of acting I’ve ever seen. (It’s a good thing, really.)
Contradiction is set entirely within and around the limits of the sleepy British village of Edenton, and has the player character, Inspector Jenks, investigating the apparent suicide of a resident. There’s a pseudo time limit to complete the case, but each passing hour acts like a chapter, rather than pressure to hustle you along. Being an adventure game, hopping around the different areas will reveal potential clues to pick up, events revealing new characters, or more information on your current suspects once your leads have run dry. Jenks’ journal at first has only a handful of clues and subjects, but getting your gumshoe on will eventually have a plethora of possible lines of questioning (and a few red herrings, to be expected) to use on people of interest. Most of your time will be spent interviewing the various Edenton residents with said collection of clues, and unlocking more subjects in the process. This is where Contradiction’s gameplay lies, as you might expect in a game based on police investigation, people end up lying or trying to mislead you, and Jenks must use their testimony against them by taking two statements to reveal a titular contradiction, and break the witness’ lie to get the truth - Or more fibbing. Rinse and repeat until the game is over. While this sounds like it would become mighty old in a mighty hurry, the actors and their performances is what keeps the game engaging right to the closing credits... Not because of sheer brilliance that should be reserved for Broadway, but because of the sheer campy, humorous way in which things take place.
I wonder if the director is secretly a mad genius, since the acting can get so silly at times yet remain so believable that it’s both comical and interesting how characters won’t react or call out each others quirks, save for moments of intense emotion. I will confess my expertise on live action acting is severely lacking in order for me to truly explain performances, but look up some videos and you’ll begin to understand what I mean. The way Simon (Magnus Sinding) seems to act sketchy and suspicious after nearly every question he answers, the way Rebecca (Melanie Gray) hardly budges in her seat and speaks like she is in ownership of an evil spy empire, how Ryan (John Guilor) cannot help but speak and gesture like he is always trying to impress, and his posh-ness makes it impossible not to giggle at him constantly. And of course there’s Jenks (Rupert Booth), who’s wild eyes, head bobs and expressions make me wonder if it’s a police tactic to seem a bit weird in order to lower the guard of witnesses. I am certain that if the actors played the script straight and with the severity that the story had, this would be a much tamer if not duller experience. The campy acting may not be for everyone, but I can only applaud the actors and director for allowing the goofiness to run rampant and free, entertaining the player more for it.
After the praises I have previously sung, my complaints against Contradiction are quite minor, and are generally tied to the menus. At some point, you will end up with a lot of clues and subjects to sift through, which can be an annoyance when looking for two specific statements to use as contradiction fodder. You’re given a master list of testimony to thumb through everyone’s answers regarding a certain clue which is nice and all, but the game follows a very tight script on what is and is not a contradiction, and the script doesn’t budge for lesser lies. Things that should feel contradictory are ignored, as the game only wants the big, apparent lies to be revealed to keep the intrigue and story going. Still, it’s quite satisfying when Jenks finds a contradiction, as he goes from generally friendly and approachable to snarky, sarcastic and borderline demeaning once he catches someone in a lie, and watching the witness squirm is only icing on that cake.
I like Contradiction a whole bunch. The acting is wonderfully nutty, the story is dark yet becomes very engaging as more is revealed regarding the secrets of Atlas and the skeletons in everyone’s closets, and one can see their way to the end in about five or six hours. I can give it a hearty recommendation for anyone looking for a story driven adventure game, but those who want a seriously written script may want to look elsewhere.