|
| designer = Hideo Kojima
| programmer =
| artist = {{ubl|Tomiharu Kinoshita|[[Hajime Katoki]]|[[Yoji Shinkawa]]|Hitoshi Nagao}}
| writer = Hideo Kojima
| composer = {{ubl|[[Tappi Iwase]]<br />|Masahiro Ikariko<br />|Motoaki Furukawa}}
| platforms = [[NEC PC-9801|PC-9821]], [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer|3DO]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Sega Saturn]]
| released = {{Plainlist|
*{{vgrelease|JP|July 29, 1994}}
*'''3DO'''
*''Pilot Disk''
*{{vgrelease|JP|April 21, 1995}}
*''Full Release''
*{{Video game release|JP|September 29, 1995}}
*'''PlayStation'''
*''Original Release''
*{{Video game release|JP|January 19, 1996}}
*''Private Collection''
*{{vgrelease|JP|February 9, 1996}}
*'''Sega Saturn'''
*{{vgrelease|JP|September 13, 1996}}
Kojima conceived ''Policenauts'' while working on ''[[Snatcher (video game)|Snatcher]]'' (1988), and began development in 1990. He wanted the production quality to match that of major motion pictures, and created a scripting engine to give him more creative control. Drawing creative influences from American [[Buddy film|buddy]] television shows, contemporary social debates on [[anti-Japanese sentiment]] and [[organ transplantation]], and Japan's heightened interest in space travel following the [[Toyohiro Akiyama|first Japanese man]]'s trip to space in 1990, he sought to explore the concept of how living in space may affect human society and life, socially and physiologically. The original PC-9821 release utilized [[pixel art]], while the [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer|3DO]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], and [[Sega Saturn]] ports featured [[Traditional animation|cel animation]] by [[Anime International Company]].
An English localization was planned for the Saturn but was eventually cancelled, with Kojima citing technical problems with the translation. After interest in Kojima's work grew following the release of ''[[Metal Gear Solid (1998 video game)|Metal Gear Solid]]'' (1998), demand for a translation built until a [[Fan translation of video games|fan translation]] of the PlayStation version was released in 2009. Critics have praised ''Policenauts'' for its animation, voice acting, and overall presentation; several commentators have analysed its cinematic influences from films in the [[Science fiction film|science fiction]], [[Action film|action]], [[Comedy film|comedy]], and buddy genres, while others noted its reflection of Kojima's fascination with science and technology, and have praised its storyline, technical writing and [[worldbuilding]]. Along with ''Snatcher'', which has been retrospectively identified as its [[spiritual predecessor]], ''Policenauts'' has been called one of the best science fiction works in games, and a foundation for Kojima's later work in the ''[[Metal Gear]]'' franchise.
==Gameplay==
''Policenauts'' is a [[graphic adventure]] game with a [[point-and-click]] interface.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":11" /> It has also been called a [[visual novel]]<ref name=":9" /> and an [[Interactive film|interactive movie]].<ref name=":7" /> The player moves a cursor freely across the screen to click on objects to examine them.<ref name=":14" /> During conversations, the player is given dialogue options to choose from.<ref name=":9" /> Once the right object in the scene has been examined or the dialogue options have been exhausted, the game progresses to the next scene in the story.<ref name=":9" /> In versions with cel animation, these scenes the player must examine are stills from the animated cinematics, so the game moves seamlessly between them and cutscenes.<ref name=":9" /> There are occasional action scenes where the player must fire a gun at enemies in a [[First-person (gaming)|first-person perspective]].<ref name=":14" /> The Sega Saturn version supports a [[light gun]] for these segments.<ref name=":7" />
==SynopsisPlot==
In 2013, [[Los Angeles Police Department]] officer Jonathan Ingram ([[Hideyuki Tanaka]]) was one of five "Policenauts", police officers who received astronaut training to protect Beyond Coast, humanity's first functional self-supporting space colony. During the test of a new space suit, an accident causes Jonathan to drift into space, presumed dead by his colleagues. In reality, the cryogenic survival system in the suit preserved him, and he is found and revived 25 years later. During that time, Beyond Coast has become the principal development location for potential interstellar travel, and is protected by a dedicated police force dubbed the Beyond Coast Police Department (BCPD).
In 2040, Jonathan has become a [[private investigator]] on Earth in Old Los Angeles. He is visited by his former wife Lorraine ([[Chiyoko Kawashima]]), who remarried while he was presumed dead. Lorraine asks for Jonathan's help in solving the disappearance of her husband, Kenzo Hojo; the only clues are a torn leaf, a set of capsules, and the word "Plato". Jonathan is reluctant to take her case at first, but after Lorraine leaves his office, she is murdered by a man in a black motorcycle suit. After failing to catch the culprit, Jonathan decides to fulfill Lorraine's final request and travels to Beyond, where he is reunited with his former LAPD partner, BCPD Vice Department chief Ed Brown ([[Shōzō Iizuka]]), who agrees to help Jonathan investigate the circumstances surrounding Hojo's disappearance and Lorraine's murder along with Vice Unit members [[Meryl Silverburgh]] ([[Kyoko Terase]]) and Dave Forrest ([[Bin Shimada]]).
During their investigation, Jonathan receives information from Karen ([[Kikuko Inoue]]), Lorraine's daughter with Hojo, that Hojo was growing increasingly stressed working at Tokugawa Pharmaceuticals, which is helping research medical solutions to health problems caused by living in space. Jonathan and Ed also run into former Policenauts Gates Becker ([[Osamu Saka]]), Salvatore Toscanini ([[Masaharu Sato]]) and Joseph Tokugawa ([[Iemasa Kayumi]]), the latter of whom Jonathan suspects of being involved. They receive further leads from a former co-worker of Hojo's; namedthe Juninformant Ishidais ([[Naoki Tatsuta]]), but after attempting to meet with him a second time, he islater killed and his body is used to lure Jonathan and Ed into an unsuccessful booby trap. After a raid at Tokugawa Pharmaceuticals by BCP, Hojo's body is discoveredeventually found, and Jonathan is framed for the murderskillings. of Hojo, Lorraine,Tokugawa and Ishida and is then arrested by Becker. Afterare Karen and Ed collaboraterevealed to freehave Jonathan from BCP custody, Jonathan and Ed then fly to the Moon to investigate the Tokugawa Moon Plant. There, they learn from Salvatore that he, Tokugawa, and Beckerboth werebeen responsible for causing Jonathan's accident, and that all three men are the prime movers behind an [[Illegal drug trade|illegal drug]] and [[organ trade#Illegal organ trade|organ trafficking]] ring designed to counteract [[Effect of spaceflight on the human body|the negative side-effects]] of being in space for long periods of time. Jonathan then kills Salvatore and both he and Ed escape back to Beyond Coast.
Jonathan and Ed discover that Hojo became involved in the conspiracy to save Karen from her terminal bone cancer, but eventually tried to break away and was murdered. With help from Ed and Meryl, Jonathan storms the Tokugawa headquarters, killing Lorraine's assassin and then confronts Becker. When apparently cornered, Jonathan tricks Becker into revealing the whole scheme through a live video feed, exposing the scandal to Beyond Coast. Ed saves Jonathan by killing Becker, while Meryl and the remaining police arrest Tokugawa. Jonathan donates his bone marrow to Karen upon learning that he is her biological father, and returns to Earth.
==Development==
''Policenauts'' was developed by [[Konami]] and directed by [[Hideo Kojima]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine|date=September 13, 1996|script-title=ja:やっぱり、サターン版が一番可愛くなった|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine (JP)|Sega Saturn Magazine]]|language=ja|volume=15|pages=200–201}} ([http://shmuplations.com/policenauts/ Translation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214003016/http://shmuplations.com/policenauts/ |date=February 14, 2019 }})</ref> Kojima began to explore concepts for ''Policenauts'' during the development of ''[[Snatcher (video game)|Snatcher]]'' (1988) when memory limitation issues prompted them to take a break. He wanted the game to remain in the adventure genre, feeling it was the best method to express what he wanted with video games.<ref name=":4" /> He was also growing frustrated with game development and wanted more creative control. After the release of ''[[Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake]]'' (1990), he developed a scripting engine so he could maintain control over when animations and music played instead of the programmers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/may/24/hideo-kojima-interview-part-2|title=Hideo Kojima: video game drop-out – interview part 2|last=Parkin|first=Simon|date=May 24, 2012|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=February 17, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203165131/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/may/24/hideo-kojima-interview-part-2|archive-date=February 3, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Development on ''Policenauts'' began in earnest in 1990<ref name="beyond">{{Cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con27z/kojima_policenauts_snatcher/|title=Hideo Kojima: Policenauts Was Originally Known as Beyond|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=August 13, 2012|website=Andriasang|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225085039/http://andriasang.com/con27z/kojima_policenauts_snatcher/|archive-date=December 25, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=July 1, 2021}}</ref> and lasted four years.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.konami.com/mg/archive/other/psonebooks/policenauts/message01.html|title=監督 小島秀夫が語るポリスノーツ|date=2003|website=[[Konami]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217181441/https://www.konami.com/mg/archive/other/psonebooks/policenauts/message01.html|archive-date=February 17, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=February 5, 2019|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Kojima wanted to explore a near future scenario that could realistically occur rather than outlandish science fiction.<ref name=":4" /> The game's story was influenced by news that captured his interest at the time.<ref name=":4" /> One such influence was the public debate over [[organ transplantation]] and [[brain death]] injuries.<ref name=":4" /> Another influence was the rise in [[anti-Japanese sentiment]] caused by the American [[crime film]] ''[[Rising Sun (film)|Rising Sun]]'' (1993).<ref name=":4" /> Some Asian-Americans held protests, fearing the negative characterization of Japanese in the film would lead to [[hate crime]]s.<ref>{{cite newsmagazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1993/08/06/rising-sun-stirs-controversy/|title=''Rising Sun'' stirs controversy|last=Hajari|first=Nisid|date=August 6, 1993|workmagazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=October 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222621/https://ew.com/article/1993/08/06/rising-sun-stirs-controversy/|archive-date=October 26, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1993-07-31/local/me-18850_1_asians-film-american|title=Charges of Racism Mar 'Rising Sun' Opening|last1=Ferrell|first1=David|date=July 31, 1993|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=Oct 26, 2018|last2=Tang|first2=K. Connie|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611120559/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-07-31/local/me-18850_1_asians-film-american|archive-date=June 11, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Space travel was also an influence after [[Toyohiro Akiyama]] became the first Japanese person to travel to space in 1990.<ref name=":4" /> Concurrently, many NASA documents about space travel and its effects on the human body were being published in Japan for the first time and were hot topics among Kojima's friends and family.<ref name=":4" /> Kojima was curious as to what effect living in space would have on the human body, relationships, and wondered what facets of humans would be exposed in space. He chose to explore these concepts in ''Policenauts''.<ref name=":4" /> Kojima mixed his space interests with the aforementioned social issues to build the thematic basis of ''Policenauts'' and hoped the players would ponder these topics.<ref name=":4" />
Earth was called "Home" in the game while the space colony was named "Beyond", names chosen to reflect a parent-child relationship. "Beyond" also references the colony's distance from Home and the 25 years protagonist Jonathan Ingram passed through during his [[Suspended animation|cryosleep]]. Kojima hoped that these names would reflect the persistence of human society and relationships, even after extreme technological advances.<ref name=":4" /> The colony's cylindrical shape was inspired by ''[[Gundam]]''.<ref name="jaguide">{{cite book|title=Special Talk|date=September 1996|publisher=[[Konami]]|isbn=4-87188-835-5|series=公式ガイドシリーズ|pages=118–122|language=ja|script-title=ja:ポリスノーツ 公式ガイド}}</ref> ''Policenauts'' was originally titled ''Beyond'', but Konami changed the name after they were unable to trademark it.<ref name="beyond" />
== Release ==
[[File:Policenauts_version_compare.png|thumb|right|The PC-98 version (''top'') features animated pixel art, while the console versions (''bottom'') use cel animation.]]
''Policenauts'' was first released for the [[PC-9821]] on July 29, 1994.<ref name="Fam200729">{{cite magazine|last=Raitā|first=Uwāman|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202007/29202993.html|title=『ポリスノーツ』がPCで発売された日。小島秀夫監督が手掛けた映画的な演出で魅せるSFハードボイルドアドベンチャーの傑作【今日は何の日？】|workmagazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=July 29, 2020|access-date=2021-07-01|lang=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102032459/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202007/29202993.html|archive-date=2020-11-02|url-status=live}}</ref> Kojima received a letter from a hearing-impaired player after release, upset that modern games like ''Policenauts'' with its [[CD-ROM]] technology were replacing game text with actual speech. Kojima originally omitted subtitles to evoke a cinematic feel, but he added them for following versions to satisfy the players.<ref name=":4" /> The first port was for the [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]] and released on September 29, 1995.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/policenauts/ |title=''Policenauts'' – Hardcore Gaming 101 |last=Kalata |first=Kurt |date=December 18, 2010 |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116080242/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/policenauts/ |archive-date=January 16, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=February 16, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite webmagazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/20808/ |title=ポリスノーツ (3DO) |websitemagazine=[[Famitsu]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217181440/https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/20808/ |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=February 17, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> A short demo with a game glossary, artwork, and design documents was released on April 21, 1995, called the ''Pilot Disk''.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite webmagazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/20809/ |title=ポリスノーツ パイロットディスク (3DO) |websitemagazine=[[Famitsu]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217181440/https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/20809/ |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=February 17, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The 3DO version and subsequent console ports had a drop in [[display resolution]], and used newly animated full motion video in contrast to the animated stills used in the PC version.<ref name=":14" /> The visuals were animated by [[Anime International Company]] using [[Traditional animation|traditional cel animation]] techniques.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/policenauts-hideo-kojima-adventure-game.html |title=''Policenauts'' and Hideo Kojima's Adventure Game Roots from 1UP.com |last=Mackey |first=Bob |date=January 7, 2013 |website=[[1Up.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109083821/http://www.1up.com/features/policenauts-hideo-kojima-adventure-game.html |archive-date=November 9, 2017 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 13, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine|date=April 1996|title=Preview: ''Policenauts''|magazine=[[GameFan]]|volume=4|issue=4|pages=15, 58–59}}</ref>
The gamenext port was ported a second time tofor the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], released on January 19, 1996.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite webmagazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/228/ |title=ポリスノーツ (PS) |websitemagazine=[[Famitsu]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217181440/https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/228/ |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=February 17, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> A bonus disc called ''Policenauts Private Collection'' was released concurrently which has most of the same content as the 3DO's ''Pilot Disk'' bonuses plus storyboards and the game script, as well as select shooting segments from the main game.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":6" /> The full motion videos in this version run slower at 15 frames per second (FPS) compared to 24 on the 3DO.<ref name=":4" /> Some story details that suggested subplots were also removed.<ref name=":4" /> The PlayStation launched while Konami was still developing ''Policenauts'' for the PC-9821.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/hideo-kojimas-memoirs-of-the-playstation-1669705939 |title=Hideo Kojima's Memories of the PlayStation |last=Nakamura |first=Toshi |date=December 11, 2014 |website=[[Kotaku]] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824131050/http://kotaku.com/hideo-kojimas-memoirs-of-the-playstation-1669705939 |archive-date=August 24, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=February 5, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Seeing the system's potential, Kojima promised himself he would make a ''Metal Gear'' game for the system, though first he ported ''Policenauts''.<ref name=":12" /> In contrast to computer games, Sony and other console manufacturers ran quality testing on games for their consoles to check for bugs and rate game content. When ''Policenauts'' was being evaluated, [[Shuhei Yoshida]] of [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] told Kojima they were discussing the extent of breast jiggling in the game.<ref name=":12" /> This version was re-issued on August 7, 2003, through Konami's online store,<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/policenauts-to-be-rereleased/1100-6070880/ |title=''Policenauts'' to be rereleased |last=Varanini |first=Giancarlo |date=July 7, 2003 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217181440/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/policenauts-to-be-rereleased/1100-6070880/ |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and it was re-released digitally on [[PlayStation Store]] on May 14, 2008.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|url=https://store.playstation.com/ja-jp/product/JP0101-NPJJ00157_00-0000000000000001|title=''POLICENAUTS''|website=[[PlayStation Store]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217181440/https://store.playstation.com/ja-jp/product/JP0101-NPJJ00157_00-0000000000000001|archive-date=February 17, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=February 5, 2019|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The final port was for the [[Sega Saturn]], released on September 13, 1996.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite webmagazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/14902/ |title=ポリスノーツ (セガサターン) |websitemagazine=[[Famitsu]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217181440/https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/14902/ |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=February 17, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The version comes packaged in a slipcase containing the game case itself and a hardbound art book.<ref name=":7">{{Cite magazine |last=Takuhi |date=December 1996 |title=Review: ''Policenauts'' |magazine=[[GameFan]] |volume=4 |issue=12 |pages=114–115}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> It also includes some additional scenes and some modified story details,<ref name=":14" /> including the readdition of removed details in the PlayStation version.<ref name=":4" /> Kojima insisted that the Saturn port have increased video fidelity, retaining the 3DO's original 24 FPS and not using [[Cinepak]] encoding.<ref name=":4" /> The port also includes [[light gun]] support, a concept Kojima had since the inception of a Saturn port.<ref name="jaguide" /> His hope was that players would feel more emotion using the gun in ''Policenauts'' than in games like ''[[Lethal Enforcers]]'' (1992) which he felt did not evoke empathy.<ref name=":4" /> The Saturn version also has some of the content featured in the ''Pilot Disk'' and ''Private Collection'' bonus discs released on previous consoles, such as some of the making-of videos and an interview with voice actress Kikuko Inoue (unlocked after completing the game once), as well as the glossary, which is now accessible during play, allowing players to look up keywords whenever they are first used in the story.<ref name=saturnmanual>{{cite book |title=セガサターン版 ポリスノーツ 取扱説明書 |year=1996 |url=https://archive.org/details/PolicenautsManualsJPSegaSaturn/page/n17/mode/2up |language=Japanese |page=16}}</ref>
===Localization===
After the successful release of ''Metal Gear Solid'', fan interest grew in ''Snatcher'' and ''Policenauts''.<ref name=":14" /> Around 2000, a petition on the Konami of America online message boards prompted the subsidiary to discuss localizing ''Policenauts'' with Konami of Japan. Their attempts were unsuccessful because Kojima did not want to work on older games.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/23/the-policenauts-e-mail-campaign |title=The ''Policenauts'' E-Mail Campaign |author=''IGN'' Staff |date=July 22, 2003 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217181440/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/23/the-policenauts-e-mail-campaign |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=February 5, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In response to the PS One re-release in 2003, fans organized an email campaign to pressure Konami to localize the game once again. Their attempt was publicized and supported by ''[[IGN]]''.<ref name=":0" />
Work on an English [[Fan translation of video games|fan translation]] began in 2002. In February 2007, the team announced it was nearing completion with a planned release forin the second half of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/policenauts-fan-translation-project-nears |title=''Policenauts'' Fan Translation Project Nears Completion |last=Whiting |first=Mark |date=February 7, 2007 |website=[[1UP.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628202620/http://www.1up.com/news/policenauts-fan-translation-project-nears |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 5, 2019}}</ref> Other help was provided by YouTuber [[Slowbeef]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Barnes|first1=Matt|last2=Brown|first2=Dazz|last3=SC|first3=Greg|date=July 8, 2021|title=Region Locked|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BCMZEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22slowbeef%22&pg=PA145|publisher=Feiwel & Friends|page=145|isbn=9781783529278}}</ref> The translation was finally released two years later in August 2009 as a patch for the PlayStation version.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/kojimas-policenauts-now-playable-in-english/ |title=Kojima's ''Policenauts'' now playable in English |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=August 24, 2009 |website=Engadget |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322205836/https://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/kojimas-policenauts-now-playable-in-english/ |archive-date=March 22, 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=February 5, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> It can be played on an [[Video game console emulator|emulator]],<ref name=":11" /> or a PlayStation modified to read [[CD-R]]s by ripping the game files from retail discs, applying the English patch, and burning the patched game to CD-Rs.<ref name=":1" /> Because some fans consider the Sega Saturn version a superior port, fans released a translation patch for it in 2016.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/classic-kojima-game-policenauts-now-in-english-again-1787514524 |title=Classic Kojima Game ''Policenauts'' Now In English (Again) |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=October 7, 2016 |website=[[Kotaku]] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808083044/http://kotaku.com/classic-kojima-game-policenauts-now-in-english-again-1787514524 |archive-date=August 8, 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=February 5, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
|GameFan = 94%, 92%, 100% (PS)<ref name=":6" />
|Fam = 30/40 (PS)<ref name="PSscore">{{Cite webmagazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=228|title=ポリスノーツ|websitemagazine=[[Famitsu]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317155137/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=228|archive-date=March 17, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><br>32/40 (SS)<ref name="FamSSp">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=14902|title=NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: ポリスノーツ [セガサターン]|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|issue=405|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation]]|date=September 20, 1996|access-date=2019-06-01|lang=ja}}</ref>
|SGP = 4.2/5 (PS/SAT/3DO)<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Kamikaze|first=Marcelo|title=32 Bits: Policenauts|magazine=Super Game Power|issue=34|publisher=Nova Cultural|date=January 1997|page=23|lang=pt}}</ref>
|rev1 = ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine (JP)|Sega Saturn Magazine]]'' (JP)
|rev1Score = 8.33/10 (SAT)<ref name="SSM">{{Cite magazine|title=Sega Saturn Soft Review: ポリスノーツ|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine (JP)|Sega Saturn Magazine]]|volume=15|publisher=[[SB Creative|SoftBank Creative]]|date=September 13, 1996|page=241|lang=ja}}</ref>
}}
In Japan, critics praised ''Policenauts'' for its high level of presentation. Both ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine (JP)|Sega Saturn Magazine]]'' and ''[[Famitsu]]'' praised the quality of animation, voice acting, and its engrossing setting.<ref name="SSM" /><ref name=":18">{{Cite webmagazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=228|title=ポリスノーツ みんなのクロスレビュー|websitemagazine=Famitsu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003082628/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=228|archive-date=October 3, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Sega Saturn Magazine'' felt it was more like a movie than a game and praised its unique blend of genres, but found some of the text difficult to understand and warned that its heavy scientific writing may not be suitable for everyone.<ref name="SSM" /> ''Famitsu'' described the narrative as "[[hardboiled]]".<ref name=":18" /> Both publications recommended ''Policenauts'' to fans of adventure games and [[anime]].<ref name="SSM" /><ref name=":18" />
The game was also reviewed in contemporary Western publications despite its lack of localization. ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' previewed the 3DO version and considered it a sequel to ''Snatcher''. They felt the game had an interesting plot, "bizarre and inventive" characters, and appreciated the "level of senseless violence and gratuitous rudity of graphics."<ref name=":15">{{Cite magazine|date=February 1995|title=Work in Progress: Policenauts|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=159|pages=42}}</ref> ''[[GameFan]]'' reviewed the PlayStation and Saturn ports; they felt it pushed the genre of [[interactive movie]]s better than previous games in the genre and praised the game's intricate technical details, although they cautioned that its specificity may put off some players. They also praised its suspenseful storytelling, and felt it was worth players' time even though it emphasized text over action. They concluded that ''Policenauts'' was "a masterful achievement, a near-future scenario so intricately detailed, well thought out and full of originality it puts Hollywood's best attempts at sci-fi to shame."<ref name=":7" /> Konami was busy releasing many sports games at the time, so ''GameFan'' feared it would not be localized.<ref name=":6" />
== Legacy ==
''Policenauts'' was not well known in the West until the fan translation was released in 2009.<ref name=":9" /> Critics have expressed interest in a re-release or sequel.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" /> Sam Bishop of ''IGN'' included it among a list of games he wanted to see receive a [[High-definition video|high-definition]] remaster.<ref name=":8" /> N. Ho Sang and Peter Tieryas of ''Kotaku'' included it on a list of desired sequels, and expressed interest in a proper English port of the original.<ref name=":3" /> Writing in 2013, Jon Leo of ''GameSpot'' wrote that he wanted to see the game re-released for the [[PlayStation 4]], feeling it could be a good mainstream push for visual novels and adventure games.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/rise-from-your-grave-franchises-the-ps4-should-resurrect/1100-6404748/ |title=Rise From Your Grave! Franchises the PS4 Should Resurrect |last=Leo |first=Jon |date=May 27, 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227042852/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rise-from-your-grave-franchises-the-ps4-should-resurrect/1100-6404748/ |archive-date=December 27, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> While still working with Konami in 2012, Kojima expressed interest in exploring a follow-up to ''Policenauts'', but felt it was difficult to carry out from a business perspective.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-09-27-policenauts-silent-hill-and-a-metal-gear-jrpg-an-audience-with-kojima |title=''Policenauts'', ''Silent Hill'' and a ''Metal Gear'' JRPG - an audience with Kojima |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=September 27, 2012 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |language=en |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621093204/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-09-27-policenauts-silent-hill-and-a-metal-gear-jrpg-an-audience-with-kojima |archive-date=June 21, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Bob Mackey of ''1UP.com'' criticized Konami for failing to acknowledge or pursue localization of ''Policenauts'' and other non-''Metal Gear'' games by Kojima.<ref name=":9" />
In retrospect, the game is often called a spiritual successor to ''Snatcher.''<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":2" /> Sang and Tieryas wrote that "''Snatcher'' was a masterpiece. ''Policenauts'' took it a step further."<ref name=":3" /> Both''IGN'' havecalled beenthem called"arguably sometwo of the bestbiggest sciencecyberpunk/sci-fi fictiongames worksto inever gamesgrace consoles",<ref name=":118" /> and ''Eurogamer'' described ''Policenauts''' sci-fi elements as "some of the medium's strongest."<ref name=":811" /> andBoth games are credited for establishing Kojima's style that propelled him to excellence with his later games.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":82">{{Cite news |url=https://kotaku.com/5837305/snatcher-hideo-kojimas-adventure-masterpiece |title=''Snatcher'', Hideo Kojima's Adventure Masterpiece |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=September 5, 2011 |work=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=September 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007073715/https://kotaku.com/5837305/snatcher-hideo-kojimas-adventure-masterpiece |archive-date=October 7, 2018 |url-status=live |language=en-US}}</ref> Some of the ''Policenauts'' staff went on to hold lead development roles on Kojima's later efforts, including the ''[[Zone of the Enders]]'' and ''[[Metal Gear]]'' series.<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |url=https://www.konami.com/mg/archive/other/psonebooks/policenauts/interview02.html |title=多くのスタッフの出会いの場となったポリスノーツ |date=2008 |website=[[Konami]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217181440/https://www.konami.com/mg/archive/other/psonebooks/policenauts/interview02.html |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=February 16, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The character [[Meryl Silverburgh]] and the Tokugawa Corporation in ''Policenauts'' were repurposed for the ''Metal Gear'' series.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":21">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/02/mgs4-hideo-kojima-interview?page=3 |title=''MGS4'' Hideo Kojima Interview |last=Haynes |first=Jeff |date=April 2, 2008 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217181440/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/02/mgs4-hideo-kojima-interview?page=3 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=February 5, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
== Notes ==
==External links==
*{{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20100712083449/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/policenauts/index.html}} {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/psonebooks/policenauts/ ''Policenauts'' PSone Books re-release official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*{{moby game|id=/policenauts}}
*{{Vndb|id=2528}}
{{Hideo Kojima}}
[[Category:Visual novels]]
[[Category:Video games about police officers]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]] ▼[[Category:Video games directed by Hideo Kojima]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Tappi Iwase]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 2040s]]
[[Category:Works about astronauts]]
[[Category:Fan translation of video games]]
▲[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
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