The graphics in the preview build were exemplary of the genre, featuring 3d models of the characters with believable animations as well as a game world that is incredibly polished and detailed. The characters themselves cast shadows which add a bit to the eye candy as well. The music loops in the preview were a little repetitive but did serve to set the mood quite well. Much in the same vein as the musical score the voiceovers are a bit hit and miss, but even where they falter they don’t go as far as harming the believability of the characters. We were told the audio isn’t complete in the preview build so we’ll have to wait and see how it sounds when it ships.

The puzzles and thought processes that we were put through in the preview are logical and rewarding, and that is likely going to be the game’s biggest asset. Its other big asset is simply the Dracula name. Adventure fans love a good horror-mystery, especially with a recognizable name like the Count.

The addictive mix of getting frustrated by a puzzle only then to solve it is a strong lure for fans of the genre and when you combine that with the storytelling and vampire lore—that gives us reason enough to look forward to its release this week and at $20 might prove to be a real bargain.

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