Great ideas can not only be implemented in the real world, but they can also create the virtual reality of a terrific computer game. I see Escape from Delirium as one of these truly inspired games. Made by just two people, with help from a few others, this game even matches the adventure games from LucasArts, and is often mistaken for one.
In Escape from Delirium, you play an archaeologist, Paul Cole, who accidentally witnesses a crime and therefore must appear in court. While travelling to the place where the trial is being held, you're unlucky enough to be on a hijacked plane carrying a bomb. Luckily, you manage to survive all of this and land in the middle of a jungle. If you think the task at hand is to get out of there and get to the court, you'd be literally and figuratively miles away. In reality - or virtual reality in this case - you wander around the jungle, clearing your path and slowly unravelling the plot. You'll learn about your destiny, work towards it, and when you think you're about to enter the final chapter, you win the game out of the blue.
The story might be a bit shoddy, but that's more than made up for by the other elements of the game. There's the LucasArts-quality graphics, with splendid cutscenes that keep you wanting more. For those that want to take a closer look, there are a pair of binoculars built into your inventory, so you can magnify anything you wish.
One of the main features that makes this game so much fun is the ambient soundtrack. Sitting back with cranked-up volume will give you the best experience of the game, the music pulling you right into the atmosphere. Some might say it becomes repetitive after a while, but these comments are usually from players who are stuck in the same place for too long.
Besides the music, the other main feature is the humor: morbid, cynical, and unscrupulous. However, you can't help but laugh all the way, then replay just to have a good laugh again. Nothing is really offensive, but some might not appreciate the number of dead bodies littering the screen for no apparent reason, and even less the jokes made whenever you encounter them. Then again, the jokes really are funny, so why mind them?
For those looking for an adventure game that's not all plot and intrigue, and are just looking to have a great laugh and a challenge, Escape from Delirium will be the game they need.