Gameplay Today - Because You're Always Gaming

Back to the Future's third episode picks up in an alternate 1986. In both the movies and earlier episodes of this episodic series we've seen alternate 1986 versions. So what makes this time line so different? The loveable Doc Brown is ruling over Hill Valley as Citizen Brown and has created a uniform society that's focus is the greater good of science and prosperity instead of living life.

The second episode was a huge let down that was very short and had an extremely predictable plot. Episode 3 feels like a proper addition to the series with a plot that takes a lot of twists and turns. Characterization was something that felt shallow in the last episode. Every character the game focuses on this time feels fleshed out. The reason it feels better here is because this isn't the same cast of characters from before, even if they technically are in some fashion. Citizen Brown himself is a shadow of the man you once knew while Marty's girlfriend Jennifer has transformed into a rebellious punk chick. The character changes are mostly tiny but they offer a new piece of the puzzle. You don't know what to expect of Marty's parents or Jennifer's father when you meet them.

Controls in Back to the Future work without much resistance. Marty still has a hell of a time walking across the street without wanting to fight you the entire way. The hint system is very useful when you're completely baffled. I had no clue when I was in the back alley I needed to spray paint a wooden plank blue, which let me track footprints of a dog to his hiding spot. It's that kind of adventure game logic that becomes lost on me without a hint in the right direction.

The graphics only stand out from the rest in one section of the game and that is Citizen Brown's office. It's a set piece the player hasn't seen up to this point in the series and the color scheme is lovely. His office is the standard lair for the hermit mayor or crime lord, but it is a stark contrast from the rest of the episode's layout. The office is cold and reminiscent of a fading black and white photograph. The rest of the game feels simply modern.

Episode 3 picks up the pace of the story with precision. It offers every staple of an adventure title without a confusing mini-game. The adventure is quite short at 2 hours but is a rush that feels even quicker than that. Unlike the second episode the cliffhanger for the third leaves the player dangling enough that I want to know what happens next.