The Ripper (video game)

The Ripper is a 1996 full motion video (FMV) point-and-click adventure game developed and published by Take-Two Interactive. It features a star-studded cast, including Christopher Walken, Paul Giamatti, Karen Allen, and Burgess Meredith (in his final acting role).

The game's story is set in New York City in the year 2040, and focuses on Jake Quinlan, a crime reporter who becomes embroiled in the hunt for a serial killer who is using futuristic technology to mimic the murders of Jack the Ripper. The killer removes organs from the victims, replacing them with microchips.

Gameplay primarily involves navigating environments, collecting items, solving puzzles, and interacting with non-player characters (NPCs) through branching dialogue trees. Progress is made by uncovering clues and piecing together the identity of the Ripper. A key element of the gameplay involves examining crime scenes and utilizing futuristic forensic tools to analyze evidence.

The game was released on multiple platforms, including MS-DOS, Windows, and Macintosh. The Ripper received mixed reviews upon release. While praised for its production values, including the acting and use of FMV, it was criticized for its challenging puzzles, lengthy loading times, and sometimes convoluted plot. The mature content and gruesome depictions of violence also drew attention. Despite mixed critical reception, The Ripper has gained a cult following due to its unique atmosphere, the performance of its cast, and its blend of science fiction and classic murder mystery themes.