Summary
- Robert De Niro’s game,
9: The Last Resort
, defied expectations with a music-based point-and-click adventure. - A star-studded cast and Mark Ryden’s art made the game unique, but it failed due to repetitive gameplay and high requirements.
- Despite critical praise, the game’s unique approach couldn’t save it from low sales and the closure of the studio.
As a seasoned gaming enthusiast with decades of experience under my belt, I must confess that I’ve had the pleasure of stumbling upon some truly unique gems in the vast landscape of video games. One such gem, though largely forgotten and overlooked, is 9: The Last Resort – a game that, despite its shortcomings, left an indelible mark on my gaming journey.
It’s intriguing to observe the ventures actors embark on when they enter the world of video games, especially in today’s gaming industry where they often assume direct roles within the medium. From Keanu Reeves in Cyberpunk 2077 to Norman Reedus in Death Stranding, it’s not unusual to encounter familiar faces in AAA games nowadays. However, in the ’90s, the relationship between acting and gaming was less intertwined, with these industries typically operating independently. This is what makes Robert De Niro’s attempt to create a video game during that era quite unusual. One might expect a gritty game, perhaps even a crime thriller given his filmography. But what kind of game did he actually produce?
In a surprising turn, the game “9: The Last Resort” was not what fans of Robert De Niro typically associate with his work in the world of video games. This point-and-click adventure game, centered around music and boasting an impressive ensemble of musicians and actors, seemed quite unlike something De Niro would be involved with. However, it managed to make an impact… albeit in a somewhat muddled way. We’ll delve into the origins of this game and discuss why it struggled to succeed despite garnering positive reviews when it initially hit the market.
9: The Last Resort Plot and Robert Deniro’s Involvement
As a film enthusiast, I found myself immersed in the captivating world of “9: The Last Resort” (1996). Upon inheriting an enigmatic hotel named The Last Resort from my late uncle Thurston Last, I was eager to claim my newfound possession. However, upon arrival, I discovered that the building had been overtaken by a band of nine muses, who were under the influence of a pair of malevolent forces known as the Toxic Twins. This unexpected turn made The Last Resort inhospitable for any newcomers like myself. My goal became clear: to reassemble an artifact called “The Muse Machine” and expel the twins, thus regaining control over my property. Essentially, “9: The Last Resort” is a point-and-click adventure puzzle game that draws its inspiration primarily from music for storytelling and challenges, much like the titles of old such as Myst. It’s a delight to casually explore this unique universe, reminiscent of those classic adventures.
Robert De Niro, along with Jane Rosenthal, co-founded the company known as Tribeca Interactive. This company is notable for creating the game “9: The Last Resort,” which was a part of De Niro’s broader initiative with Tribeca Enterprises. This studio is recognized for producing films such as “The Irishman” (2019), “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018), “A Bronx Tale” (1993) and “Cape Fear” (1991), where De Niro played significant roles. It was reported that De Niro played a crucial part in planning the game and assembling its all-star cast. Notably, “9: The Last Resort” was Tribeca Interactive’s only completed project, making it the sole foray of De Niro into the world of video games.
Robert De Niro Brought on an All-Star Cast
Robert De Niro leveraged his connections to gather an assortment of renowned actors and musicians for the project, resulting in a diverse ensemble cast for the game titled “9: The Last Resort“. This group boasted notable figures like Cher, James Belushi, Christopher Reeve, Ellen DeGeneres, Anne Heche, and Tress MacNeille. The villainous duo wreaking havoc throughout the house, who served as the game’s primary antagonists, were voiced by Steven Tyler & Joe Perry of Aerosmith. Marco d’Ambrosio was responsible for creating the game’s music; although Cher and Aerosmith were involved, the game did not feature any songs from either group. Instead, Jim Belushi provided the singing.
Another thrilling element in the game originated from artist Mark Ryden, who created the realm of 9: The Last Resort. Renowned for his significant impact on the “Lowbrow art movement” and “Neo-Surrealism,” which have left a lasting impression, Ryden is one of the most distinguished artists of the ’80s and ’90s. His work includes iconic designs such as the cover for the short-lived nu-metal band Jack of Jill’s album “Clear Hearts Grey Flowers” and Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous.” Ryden had previously collaborated with Aerosmith, producing the cover art for their 1986 album “Love in an Elevator,” more than a decade before working on 9: The Last Resort.
1. With an exceptional voice cast and a distinctive gaming world influenced by music and Mark Ryden’s art, Robert De Niro’s venture into video game creation didn’t turn out to be a complete flop. In fact, the game stands as a unique gem that, despite being largely overlooked with minimal recognition for the remarkable feat of creating a successful first-time video game under his production company, is often considered underrated.
Why 9: The Last Resort Failed Despite Acclaim
In summary: The game “9: The Last Resort” garnered significant critical acclaim. GameSpot awarded it a 7.3 out of 10, commending its beauty and lack of disorientation compared to Myst. MacAddict also praised the game, labeling it the “grooviest Made-With-Macromedia-Director game yet.” The game was highly anticipated as a potential cult classic. Online scores indicate that PC Games gave it a B, Power Unlimited gave it a 90/100, and South Florida Sun Sentinel gave it a 4/4. Despite its popularity and unique approach, the game ultimately fell short for several reasons.
Although the game stood out with its distinctive playstyle, it faced criticism for being somewhat monotonous and prone to bugs. This could be due to a waning interest in point-and-click puzzle games, as many PC gamers have shifted towards action-packed titles. Additionally, the development team was relatively new to this format, which may have been exacerbated by Tribeca Entertainment’s lack of experience in this area. The scarcity of video game movies also meant that the voice cast might not have been as enticing as anticipated. Moreover, the game had demanding system requirements for its time, reducing its market appeal. Although the budget for the game wasn’t disclosed, the use of an all-star cast and hiring Mark Ryden for the game world are likely to be costly endeavors. Given these factors, it seems unlikely that the game achieved its sales targets, a reflection in the studio closing soon after.
If you’re fortunate enough, you might find a real-life version of the game, but for a hassle-free gaming experience, consider downloading it from the My Abandonware website. Remember to exercise caution when downloading games online.
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2024-08-24 00:31