There are plenty other distracting obstacles like these to face before the player gets to do some meaningful detective work, but even then they're blocked from solving anything until they uncover every single data point. The former puzzle was never mentioned again, and the latter was unnecessary filler. In another scene, I had to speak with a politician but first had to bribe a young woman to distract a man before I could gain access to the rally. At one point another antique dealer had me appraise an ancient chess piece.

This sleuthing was probably the only aspect of Moebius that compelled me to push ahead, but it's unfortunately mired with shoddy logic and tiresome side tasks. This is done by collecting a set number of data points (different for each person) through interviews, internet searches on Malachi's smartphone and by examining objects that could provide hints into their past. As such, a large chunk of the game is devoted to researching whether or a not a suspect's life story matches that of a historical figure. Malachi has a knack for analyzing not only precious heirlooms, but people as well. This theory claims history runs on an infinite time loop and it's a decent premise, but the writing and gameplay aren't as entertaining as that concept. From here, he and his bodyguard get caught up in a conspiracy that involves the Moebius Theory. As a cynical, pretentious antique dealer, Malachi Rector is an unlikely hero hired by a secret organization to investigate a murder. Moebius is a metaphysical thriller in the vein of Jensen's Gabriel Knight games. It might have been the moment when Malachi pondered the odds of being sexually assaulted by a man walking down the highway, or maybe it was when he squared off against hooded assassins in a poorly-choreographed street fight that I realized Moebius: Empire Rising isn't exactly the sort of point-and-click adventure I'd come to expect from Jane Jensen. LOW Everything that came after the beginning.

HIGH The air of mystery at the beginning of the game.

Buy moebius empire rising