The computer game Crime and Punishment is loosely based on a classical work of fiction bearing the same title. It was created by Mindscape Incorporated and was created for play on the personal computer using the MS DOS operating system. It is a fairly antiquated game, having been released in the middle eighties, but it still offers some very interesting courtroom simulations.
In Crime and Punishment, the user does not take on the typical role of a trial attorney, but instead plays the part of a judge in a criminal courtroom.
He will hear a great variety of criminal cases that will include burglary, rape, murder, perjury and assault. As the judge, the gamer’s task is to review each case carefully and pass down a sentence that is fair. The range of sentences available coincide nicely with the variety of crimes. The user can order a fine, jail time, probation or a prison sentence. The duration and value of the sentences are also both determined by the player. For example, the judge may order two consecutive life terms instead of just one, if he feels it is deserved. Because there is so much variety in Crime and Punishment, the game has a very high replay value.
As the user is attempting to issue an appropriate
decision, he will have a wealth of information to review. There will be police reports, some of which will be so detailed as to offer the value of properties that were stolen or damaged during criminal activity. He will be able to examine the relationships between the victims and the accused in order to attempt to establish motives. He will have access to the perpetrator’s history, including mental health, prior conviction records, and behavior outside of the courtroom before sentencing.
The goal of the game is to use all of this information to render a fair decision. The computer’s AI already has a sentence in mind when the case begins, and the user must try to duplicate this sentence in order to receive the most points, which are awarded in gavels. The more research and information the user collects before sentencing, the fewer gavels he will receive.
Overall, Crime and Punishment is an oldie, but a goodie. Great graphics have been replaced with great game play. It is an interesting concept and one that has not been successfully redone with modern technology, so grab this one while you can get it. It is a unique game that most players will enjoy.
