Emerald City Confidential™

Alright everyone, I need help. This is by far my favorite childhood point and click game. However, I can't get it to work even if I run in compatibility mode. It keeps getting hung up when I pick up my first item (crowbar). Any suggestions would be amazing..... I really just want to play this game again for the nostalgia :((((((((

I want this type of title from Wadjet again

Sights & Sounds

A bumpy brick road

• While I wouldn't condemn the artwork as merely bad, I do find it a little dull. With the noir motif, you typically expect everything to dark and dingy, but the entire game takes place at night and within mostly dimly-lit environments. I'm all for moodiness in my mystery games, but the visuals began to look a bit stale by the time the credits rolled
  
• There were also some weird inconsistencies with perspective and character design that kind of bothered me. Environments feature both head-on and isometric perspectives, but the characters are always flat to your view, giving the impression of characters leaning forward in some scenes
  
• Additionally, I almost get the feeling that multiple artists created the character designs. Some human characters feature heads proportional to their body, while the protagonist, Petra, has a head as wide as her shoulders. I understand wanting to better convey certain characters' feelings visually, but it just makes her look like she's suffering from macrocephaly
  
• I don't know much about art, but I understand concepts like 3-point perspective and how it's used. That said, the Emerald Palace on the map screen is so severely out of line with the rest of the city that it looks like it looks really awkward. I know the intent was to make it look huge and imposing, but it mostly looks like it's about to fall backwards
  
• Character animations are woefully clunky. I've seen smoother slide transitions
  
• I don't want to be unilaterally negative, so I'd like to at least compliment the creativity of the environments. Re-envisioning Oz as a seedy, conspiracy-filled city does result in some really imaginative and unique locations
  
• Voice acting is also unfortunately uneven both in terms of talent production quality. Petra was competently voiced even if her microphone sounded muffled, while the Scarecrow sounded like the mad scientist from that Bugs Bunny cartoon with the big red monster but came through clearly. It almost sounds like two different sets of mics were used. Audio balancing is also poor at a few points, making it hard to hear what characters are saying
  
• The soundtrack is decent, mostly sounding mysterious while still appropriate for the fantasy setting. The main/title theme is a bit different, but I still liked its Batman cartoon vibes
  

Story & Vibes

Three cheers for world-building

• All things considered, this is one of the most interesting takes on the world of Oz that I've encountered. Unlike the fanciful, sunny allegory criticizing the gold standard that we're all familiar with, Emerald City Confidential instead takes place in a crime-ridden postwar version of the titular metropolis and its surrounding lands
  
• You take the reigns behind Petra, a green-clothed gumshoe in the midst of figuring out what nefarious business the formerly cowardly lion (now a corrupt, high-powered lawyer) is up to. Shortly after that tutorial portion, Petra winds up back at her office only to be disturbed by a knock at the door
  
• A woman is looking for her fiance, a man named Anzel, who appears to have gotten himself wrapped up in some dangerous business. He was supposed to be back in town by now, but he hasn't turned up anywhere. As you start pulling at threads to figure out his fate, you wind up unraveling a much greater conspiracy that reaches the very heights of Emerald City society
  
• It turns out Anzel has found himself in possession of a very dangerous magical artifact that Oz's former adversary in the pre-game war very much wants. Your goal is to track him down, secure the artifact, and skirt the proper authorities while doing so
  
• All the while, Petra is working on a mystery of her own. During the war, her little brother went missing, seemingly dropping entirely out of existence. There's no official records of him and no one seems to have ever met him. She knows she's not crazy, so why is the entire city attempting to gaslight her?
  
• The narrative winds up taking you to several imaginative locations throughout Oz where you'll meet both original characters as well as ones you'll remember from the Oz books (The Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy, Toto, etc.). No flying monkeys though, which is a shame
  
• All told, the game features some pretty impressive world-building. It's true that some characters and locations are borrowed from the books they're based on, but Wadjet Eye managed to put an interesting and unique spin on them
  
• The games noir-y vibes often feel desperate and hopeless, but Dave Gilbert always makes sure that there's a little corny humor here and there to lighten the mood and inject a little personality
  

Playability & Replayability

Thank you, but I already know

• Emerald City Confidential is a point-and-click adventure game. Have you played one before? If not, that's a little surprising, but this may be a good place to start, because I've never felt more infantilized by tutorialization. If so, the first hour of the game holding your hand will likely annoy you
  
• Once you get past it, it's fairly smooth sailing, but the game still spends too much effort in attempting to hammer very basic mechanics into your memory
  
• Not much else to say, really. It's a very basic PnC fare with absolutely no bells or whistles. There's not even item combination within your inventory
  
• I earned all the in-game achievements (though note that there aren't any platform achievements to pop) and found the experience fairly mediocre, so I don't think I'll be replaying. I'm also fairly ambivalent about Oz and its lore
  

Overall Impressions & Performance

Emerald City Retrospective

• After making my way through the Blackwell series, I was really interested in going through all the Wadjet Eye games in roughly chronological order. Having now finished the game, I think I would have been content to let the first two Blackwell games serve as my introduction to their early works
  
• It bears some of the same blemishes that their other pre-2010 games feature (particularly the muffled audio), but Emerald City Confidential lacks the accompanying attractive pixel art and additional mechanics seen in those titles
  
• Although I really like the world that Dave Gilbert and team were able to adapt and flesh out here, the audiovisual shortcomings and heavy-handed tutorialization ultimately left me with a negative impression of the experience
  
[*] As I normally add in PnC reviews, the Steam Deck's trackpads work very well. Steam hasn't yet assigned a Steam Deck compatibility rating to the game's page, but it performed well on the platform

Final Verdict

4.0/10. If you've never played a point-and-click and want to learn the ropes or are otherwise interested in the central idea of "Oz noir", this might be worth a look. Otherwise, if you're a genre veteran, I'm afraid Emerald City Confidential won't do much to interest or excite beyond the world-building

Being a sucker for a cheap game isn’t always a good thing. You’re gambling with your money if you’re picking games that aren’t being played by everyone else. It’s a roll of a dice whether the game is good, average, or just plain bad. Used to be that one didn’t have to chance it when there were demos still around. Nowadays, one has to because developers refuse to put out demos since they’re worried that players won’t buy the full game. Utter bullshit if you ask me since demos are a great way to see if the game is actually playable.

Emerald City Confidential is playable if you ignore the weird cursor glitch, the game turning itself off when you click to advance through the dialogue quickly, and other issues that other players dealt with. It’s still an average game with amazing graphics and voice cast even with those issues. Having pretty graphics and an amazing voice cast doesn’t excuse an average game’s issues. They just make the mediocrity stick out like a sore thumb. And sticking out is the last thing that any average product should do when trying to persuade potential customers to buy future products.

The one good thing that this game has is that there’s no mindreading the dev’s head for the answer to a puzzle. Fans of the point and click genre would argue that means that this game isn’t really a point and click if it doesn’t have those puzzles. And that it’s the main selling point of the genre. I would agree with them and call this game a visual novel with the occasional point and click gameplay. Is it a good visual novel then? Compared to say the likes of Doki Doki Literature club, the answer is clearly no.

Does it do anything with its setting to standout from the other average visual novels? The answer remains the same old negative no. Would it appeal to a fanbase that has a limited selection of games to play? Maybe, the desperate fans would buy this then end up being disappointed with it. Then they too would warn other fans about this game’s painfully average gameplay. A never ending cycle of mediocre games being pumped out to sell to rabid fans who warn other fans of them. That’s a sad state for licensed properties of franchises. Not surprising when foolish fans buy anything to support an idea, even terrible ones.

A mere average game that coasts on its unique setting to get consumers interested in it. Fanatics of the Oz series or point and click genre would be served better elsewhere. As someone who loathes the point and click genre and plays the occasional visual novel, I cannot suggest any other game that would satisfy the itch for either fanbase. Googling or posting in any forums should get you the answers that you seek. If you still haven’t received the answers that you seek then do not buy this game. Wasting your time to while away the hours isn’t always a good thing to do. Time isn’t a thing that you can get back nor store in a bank.

I first played this game something like 15 years ago when I first become aware of Wadjet Eye and had played and really liked the first couple Blackwell games and The Shivah. I played it so long ago that other than remembering I liked it and wanted to get it on Steam and play it again, I didn't remember much about it. So I was happily surprised when it suddenly went on sale for a reasonable price at the last Steam sale for the first time in forever after having gotten stuck in a mess of transferred IP ownership and ending up apparently all but forgotten at EA for a decade.

And it was excellent! More than confirmed my positive but completely vague memories. Really well written, interesting story, mostly pretty easy puzzles (with a few trickier ones in the later parts) but diverting enough to always keep the player engaged. High quality voice acting, and it actually looks a lot better than the early very pixelated AGS Wadjet Eye games. I had only minor initial issues with some graphical glitches that I was able to fix by setting Windows compatibility to Windows 98 and setting it to run as administrator, and after that it ran perfectly. Highly recommended for any fan of P&C adventure games and especially any fan of Wadjet Eye's other games.

I remembered this game after a long time after watching Wicked. The story is so good! It's a pretty good game for it's time and I highly recommend this to anyone who loves point and click games AND wizard of oz!

Despite some graphical glitches I experienced, I absolutely enjoyed my time with this game. Truly a gem and an easy recommendation for fans of the genre!

Love the game even though it's an old one. (note: the game will crash a few times but it's an old game so i don't mind)

A pretty good point-and-click adventure set in the world of Oz. It does a great job of dropping you into the middle of this richly imagined world. There's some memorable character interactions, and the game contains a very good hint system.

My main complaint would be that sometimes the scenes and dialogues seem to drag a bit, especially if you explore every dialog option. I feel like the beginning half of the game is stronger than the end.

I ran it with Windows 95 compatibility to eliminate a visual issue with the mouse cursor.

Played a demo for this as a kid, but never got to play it. Happy I finally got the chance, I very much enjoyed it!

A rare gem ;) ;)
This game will surprise you with impeccable dialog (in writing and in voice acting!) a fair price for an amazing adventure. Petra is a fascinating, well thought out character to pilot, and all the faces you meet along the way are added in an imaginative way. Love how they transform AND stay true to the Oz world!
Music is fitting, and the game doesn't waste your time. Wish I could find more games like this (let me know if you've got any!) Pioneer on!

Love the game, have played it twice through. I actually purchased this game a long time ago on another platform. When I found it on Steam, I purchased it again since I did not have access to the previous purchased game. It is really fun and quirky. The characters are neat, the story line is fun, and of course the Oz world is what makes this game the most enjoyable. For the price, this game is worth it and I know I will eventually play it again in the future just because.

Whispers of Oz: A Noir Tale in Emerald City Confidential™

A Darkly Whimsical Beginning

In the smoky haze of Emerald City’s veins,
Where shadows dance and intrigue reigns,
A noir adventure unfolds with grit,
Emerald City Confidential, a tale that won’t quit.

Quick Take:
Oz transformed, a city of deceit,
Where charm and danger entwine on the street.
Petra, our guide, fierce and bold,
Navigates a labyrinth where secrets unfold.

The Heart of a Detective

With a fedora tipped low, and a glint in her eye,
She hunts for justice where shadows lie.
Her heart heavy with stories, her mind sharp as glass,
In a world cloaked in darkness, she dares to surpass.

Encounters in the Emerald City

The Tin Man laments with a heart full of rust,
His sorrow echoes, deep-rooted in trust.
Once full of dreams, now burdened by fate,
In the alleys of Emerald, he carries his weight.

The Lion, a lawyer, with charm like a blade,
Wields his words like weapons, yet truth starts to fade.
His suave demeanor hides a heart of despair,
In this gritty metropolis, trust is rare.

Tales of Woe and Whimsy

Each character’s pain is a story untold,
In the alleys of Emerald, their fates controlled.
From Glinda’s sweet smile that masks her intent,
To the Wicked Witch’s layers, dark and bent.

Witty banter crackles, sharp as a knife,
Revealing the scars that shape their life.
The dialogue sings with a darkly humorous flair,
A blend of sorrow and wit, hanging in the air.

Emerald City Confidential is a masterclass profound,
Its writing sharp, with insights unbound.
An engaging narrative, charm wrapped in woe,
Leaves a lasting impression, a soft, haunting glow.

A Visual Masterpiece

The art, a feast, a haunting delight,
Emerald glimmers, yet shadows ignite.
A visual wonder, where each scene is a dance,
Drawing you deeper into its alluring trance.

The city pulses, alive with despair,
Each corner a whisper, each glance a snare.
Echoes of laughter mix with cries for help,
In a world where lost dreams hide and dwell.

Trials and Tribulations

Petra’s resolve is tested, her heart a fierce flame,
As she navigates danger, she plays the game.
The stakes are personal, the risks ever real,
In a world where betrayal cuts deep like steel.

Yet some may find bugs that disrupt the flow,
Glitches that hinder the story’s glow.
Underutilized areas may leave you bereft,
A longing for more, a sense of what’s left.

Backtracking required can feel like a chore,
Though walk speeds adjust to ease the bore.
Unresolved side quests linger like ghosts,
Echoes of narratives that haunt and boast.

A Tapestry of Emotion

But the experience, a masterpiece of emotion,
A captivating blend of charm and commotion.
Emerald City shines, a gem in the night,
With a narrative depth that feels so right.

Outstanding voice acting lifts each scene high,
Performances genuine, making hearts fly.
Beautiful art design, a vibrant display,
Crafts an atmospheric world where shadows play.

Emerald City Confidential—a gem to behold,
A narrative rich, a tapestry of gold.
Its haunting conclusion, bittersweet yet bright,
Leaves you with hope as you step into the light.

The Secrets Await

Step into its streets, let its secrets unfurl,
In this world of wonder, a hidden pearl.
For in every twist lies a truth to embrace,
In the heart of Oz, a timeless space.

Conclusion: A Journey Through Shadows

So heed the call of this darkened quest,
Where shadows whisper, and hearts are put to the test.
As you follow Petra through the night’s embrace,
Remember, every choice shapes this intricate place.

For within this tale of charm and of woe,
Lies the essence of life, in its ebb and flow.
Emerald City calls, not just to explore,
But to find in each heart what we’re searching for.

With friendship and courage, let your spirit take flight,
In a city of dreams, where wrongs can turn right.
Through shadows we wander, through light we will roam,
In the depths of Emerald, we’ll find our way home.

cute game enjoyed the story wish there was a continuation

Fun take on The Wizard of Oz world

Hammer Story, Gameplay mostly talk, but for Oz-fans a must. Best final for an adventure after Indy in Atlantis

If your familiarity with the franchise is solely the classic wizard of oz movie, be aware you'll be a tad confused with the whole host of characters that show up with minimal introduction. Emerald city Confidential works off prior knowledge involving the wizard of oz book series, namely The Emerald City of Oz (1910).

There are characters that play a pivotal role such as the phantasms, Ruggedo, Ozma, and general Jinjur. So, if you're purchasing this game with the prospect of interacting solely with Dorothy and her trio of pals you might be a tad disappointed. Albeit this title does play into the political dynamics of the book series, so having it be a noir point and click detective game makes complete sense.

The main character Petra herself is quite likable, she easily comes up with retorts and quips to the loopholes in character’s stories and gets straight to the point. Throughout the game you’ll easily see how despite her cold front, the detective is quite kind hearted.

There are some technical errors in Emerald Confidential such as when you try playing this game full screen it glitches out badly. Beyond simple mistakes that obviously are a byproduct of its age, I’d highly recommend this title if you’re a fan of the book series, but also would like to see a dark interpretation of Wizard of oz that isn’t complete nightmare fuel.

All in all, Emerald City Confidential is a love letter to the Wizard of Oz franchise. Would highly recommend this hidden gem.