Full Throttle
Full Throttle is a beloved classic in the world of graphic adventure video games. Released in 1995, this captivating game was brought to life by the talented developers at LucasArts and designed by Tim Schafer, marking his debut as project lead and head writer and designer. Prior to this project, Schafer had already made a name for himself working on other iconic LucasArts titles, such as The Secret of Monkey Island, Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge, and Day of the Tentacle.
The game takes place in a near-futuristic setting and centers around the enigmatic character of Ben, a motorcycle gang leader who finds himself wrongly accused of the murder of a revered motorcycle manufacturing mogul. Determined to clear his name and uncover the truth, players embark on an unforgettable journey filled with twists and turns.
In 2017, Double Fine Productions brought Full Throttle back to life with a remastered edition. This version, available on Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, iOS, and Xbox One, breathed new life into the game, allowing a new generation of players to experience the thrill and excitement it has to offer.
As LucasArts' eleventh adventure game and utilizing their in-house SCUMM game engine, Full Throttle embraced innovative elements. It incorporated full-motion video and action sequences, powered by the impressive INSANE animation engine, previously seen in Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire. Another notable aspect of this game is its distribution method, being one of the first LucasArts titles to be exclusively released on CD-ROM.
One of the defining features of Full Throttle is the introduction of a unique contextual pie menu. This menu allowed players to fully immerse themselves in the game world by providing intuitive controls for interactions with objects and characters. Taking a departure from the norm, Full Throttle not only featured compelling gameplay but also boasted a stellar voice cast. The game showcased the talents of professional voice actors such as Roy Conrad as Ben, the iconic Mark Hamill as the villainous Adrian Ripburger, Hamilton Camp as the elderly character of Malcolm Corley, and Kath Soucie as Ben's resourceful ally, Maureen. Adding to the game's immersive experience, Full Throttle also featured licensed music from the renowned San Francisco-area rock band, The Gone Jackals.
Full Throttle remains a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of LucasArts and Tim Schafer. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its engaging storytelling, unique gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable characters.