Policenauts

Policenauts (1994)

by Konami
Genres:Adventure, Shooter, Visual Novel
Themes:Action, Science fiction
Game modes:Single player
Story:Policenauts is an interactive movie/graphic novel/adventure game with a hard science fiction storyline, written and directed by Hideo Kojima, and published by Konami. It was initially released for the PC-9821 computer platform in 1994, followed by remade versions for the 3DO in 1995, and the PlayStation and Sega Saturn in 1996. The game has never been officially released outside Japan, despite plans for an English localization of the Saturn version. On August 24, 2009 (in honor of the 46th birthday of the game designer, Hideo Kojima), an unofficial English translation patch was released onto the internet. The game is set in a primarily first person perspective and uses a point-and-click interface: the player can move the cursor and have the protagonist (Jonathan Ingram) analyze objects around his environment or talk to other characters in the game. Like in Snatcher, the game features shooting segments where the player must defend their character from incoming enemies. The player can use the shooting trainer at the police department to test their reflex and accuracy. There are numerous puzzles in the game, including an event where the player must dismantle a bomb by following their partner's instructions. The console versions of the game all include support for their respective mouse peripherals. The Saturn version features light gun support for the shooting segments. The game was notable for being an early example of extensive voice recording in video games. It also featured a theme revolving around space exploration and occasional full-motion video cut scenes. The gameplay was largely similar to Snatcher, but with the addition of a point-and-click interface and some first-person shooter segments. Policenauts also introduced summary screens, which act to refresh the player's memory of the plot upon reloading a save, an element Kojima would later use in Metal Gear Solid. The PlayStation version of Policenauts could also read the memory card and give some easter egg dialogues if a save file of Konami's dating sim Tokimeki Memorial is present, a technique Kojima would also later use in Metal Gear Solid.Show more
user avatarAdded by @Hank_Hell666
Vote to bring this game to GOG and help preserve it.
1 102
Trailers and screenshots
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Stories about this game (3)
What’s your memory of Policenauts?Share your favorite moments and see what others remember about this game.
user avatar@placeholder

Make sure to follow our Guidelines when adding new Stories.

If not sure what to write:
  • What made this game unforgettable?
  • Who did you play this game with?
  • What made it fun or challenging?
  • Why do you want this game on GOG?
user avatar@Bidugauser avatar@Biduga
February 01, 2025
Lesser known adventure by Kojima, because unlike Snatcher, it was unreleased outside Japan - I only played because a fan-translation project version. To this day I always remember a impactful moment from this title and, to me, is a evolution of Snatcher in so many ways. It is a gem from Kojima that should be played by anyone that enyoys sci-fi and adventures games - truly a hidden gem (like many many japonese games for us).
user avatar@arrmigliatouser avatar@arrmigliato
February 06, 2025
This game is currently only available in the West through a fan made translation (a very well done one) of the PlayStation/Saturn versions, which do not feature the original pixel art of the PC98 version. That version needs to be translated and ported to the West market, a little gem by Hideo Kojima that tells a lot about his storytelling abilities and uniqueness in creating.
user avatar@MarioDS01user avatar@MarioDS01
April 13, 2025
It is extremely sad to see this, and Snatcher have so much fewer votes than any of the other games on the list. It is a great injustice. Those two games are excellent with great story and characters. They need to become more well know known to players who know little to nothing about it and become more available. I hope regardless of the low votes, this and the other will be considered to be preserved.
Those games also need your vote!
Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2Left 4 Dead 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter video game, the sequel to Valve Corporation's Left 4 Dead. The Game builds upon cooperatively focused gameplay and Valve's proprietary Source engine, the same game engine used in the original Left 4 Dead. Set during the aftermath of an apocalyptic pandemic, Left 4 Dead 2 focuses on four new Survivors, fighting against hordes of the Infected, who develop severe psychosis and exhibit zombie-like tendencies. The Survivors must fight their way through five campaigns, interspersed with safe houses that act as checkpoints, with the goal of escape at each campaign's finale.
Action
Horror
Survival
Action
Horror
Survival
344
1
Left 4 Dead
Left 4 DeadFrom Valve (the creators of Counter-Strike, Half-Life and more) comes Left 4 Dead, a co-op action horror game for the PC and Xbox 360 that casts up to four players in an epic struggle for survival against swarming zombie hordes and terrifying mutant monsters. Set in the immediate aftermath of the zombie apocalypse, L4D's survival co-op mode lets you blast a path through the infected in four unique “movies,” guiding your survivors across the rooftops of an abandoned metropolis, through rural ghost towns and pitch-black forests in your quest to escape a devastated Ground Zero crawling with infected enemies. Each "movie" is comprised of five large maps, and can be played by one to four human players, with an emphasis on team-based strategy and objectives. New technology dubbed "the AI Director" is used to generate a unique gameplay experience every time you play. The Director tailors the frequency and ferocity of the zombie attacks to your performance, putting you in the middle of a fast-paced, but not overwhelming, Hollywood horror movie. Addictive single player, co-op, and multiplayer action gameplay from the makers of Counter-Strike and Half-Life Versus Mode lets you compete four-on-four with friends, playing as a human trying to get rescued, or as a zombie boss monster that will stop at nothing to destroy them.
Action
Horror
Survival
Action
Horror
Survival
261
Left 4 Dead: Game of the Year Edition
Left 4 Dead: Game of the Year EditionLeft 4 Dead is a cooperative first-person shooter video game with survival horror elements, developed by Turtle Rock Studios and published by Valve Corporation. The game uses Valve's proprietary Source engine, and is available for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360 and Mac OS X. Development on the game was completed on November 13, 2008, and two versions were released digitally: A downloadable digital version, released on November 17, 2008, and a digital retail disc version, with a release date determined by region. The digital retail disc version was released in North America and Australia on November 18, 2008; and in Europe and Japan on November 21, 2008. Set during the aftermath of an apocalyptic pandemic, the game pits its four protagonists—dubbed the "Survivors"—against hordes of the infected. There are four game modes: a single-player mode in which allied characters are controlled by AI; a four-player, co-op campaign mode; an eight-player online versus mode; and a four-player survival mode. In all modes, an artificial intelligence (AI), dubbed the "Director", controls level pacing and item placements, in an attempt to create a dynamic experience and increase replay value. Left 4 Dead was well received by the industry media upon its release, with praise given for its replay value, focus on cooperative play, and movie-like experience. Several criticisms were aimed at limited level selection and the lack of a narrative. The game has won several publication awards, as well as distinctions from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences and British Academy of Film and Television Arts. As was done with Team Fortress 2, Valve supplemented the game with free downloadable content. The first, called the "Survival Pack", was released on April 21, 2009. The second piece of DLC was charged for on Xbox Live and came in the form of a new Campaign entitled "Crash Course," released for both the PC and Xbox 360 on September 29, 2009. The popularity of the game led to the development of a sequel, Left 4 Dead 2, which was released November 17, 2009. Left 4 Dead 2 was released on Mac OS X via Steam on October 5, 2010, and the original Left 4 Dead was released for the Mac soon after on October 28, 2010. The Mac version of Left 4 Dead 2 incorporated a new map for both Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2, called "The Sacrifice". Eventually all Left 4 Dead campaigns were ported over to Left 4 Dead 2 and allowing for cross-platform support between Windows and Mac versions.
Action
Action
328
Lucius II
Lucius IIThe story of Lucius II continues where the original left off: Lucius emerges as the lone survivor of the burning wreckage his parents once called home, unscathed from the ruthless slaughter he had unleashed. He had taken the weak and punished the wicked. He had looked through their souls and found the true selves they had been hiding. Lucius is taken to the psychiatric ward of St. Benedict’s Hospital by unsuspecting caretakers. The Book of Revelation predicts the birth of a child that would end up ruling the world with an iron rod. The first part of this prophecy has been fulfilled. It is time to take care of the rest. Whispers of a prophecy find their way to the boy's ears. Lucius decides to act again to regain his powers. But little does he know of his new adversaries...
Action
Horror
Action
Horror
42
Lucius III
Lucius IIILucius is back. In a whole new narrative experience, he now returns to his old neighborhood of Winter Hill. The path will be a difficult one, with trials and tribulations waiting ahead. Has he made the right choices? Is it finally time to end it all?
Horror
Horror
41
Lucius Demake
Lucius DemakeLucius game has been demade, and is now ready for mayhem. Enjoy all the gore now in fewer pixels and fewer colors. The original game has been fully demade to achieve the atmosphere of an 80's style gory adventure. Lucius is now killing all the pixels and there isn't a damn thing anyone can do about it.
Action
Stealth
Action
Stealth
18
1
Vampire Survivors: Game + All DLC + OST Bundle
Vampire Survivors: Game + All DLC + OST BundleThe Vampire Survivors: Game + All DLC + OST Bundle includes the base game, all released DLCs, and the official soundtrack of Vampire Survivors.
Action
Fantasy
Survival
Action
Fantasy
Survival
58
1
Vampire Survivors
Vampire SurvivorsMow thousands of night creatures and survive until dawn! Vampire Survivors is a gothic horror casual game with rogue-lite elements, where your choices can allow you to quickly snowball against the hundreds of monsters that get thrown at you.
Action
Fantasy
Survival
Action
Fantasy
Survival
512
3
Resident Evil: Director's Cut
Resident Evil: Director's CutIn the ultimate experience of suspense and terror. Blood-thirsty zombies. Mutant beasts. Monstrous serpents. Untold mysteries lurk around every corner. The nightmare lives on in the award-winning game of survival horror. Now the terror comes alive with the Dual Shock Analog Controller to send shivers up and down your spine.
Action
Horror
Action
Horror
1 584
1
Saints Row
Saints RowSaints Row takes place in the fictional city of Stilwater, where the main character is involved in a conflict between four rival gangs. Despite the protagonist's attempts to remain uninvolved, you are drawn into the conflict and become a member of the Third Street Saints. As the game progresses, you go to war with Los Carnales, the Westside Rollers, and the Vice Kings, gaining status within the gang and taking over the city in the process.
Open world
Action
Comedy
Open world
Action
Comedy
1 613
22