The sedate gameplay does not induce sleep but a feeling of tranquillity similar to the buzz from opium. The Case of the Silver Earring is not going to revitalise the adventure genre but it is well coded and written and acted with some flair and passion. Even if you are not an obsessive fan of the genre you could do yourself no harm by searching out this game, for it offers something different from the usual PC fare and it's a pleasant way to while away some lazy hours. Just don't forget your deerstalker.

The dialogue itself is witty and often entertaining. It is very much tongue-in-cheek and has some very interesting references to modern times, along with some out-of-place items in the game. For example, in one particular dialogue, there is a reference to our current President and the war. There are also robots, bullhorns and mobile telegraphs—all out of place in a western-themed game but all very much in place in this one. Our hero himself is, at times, hapless and, at times, brave and able. This dichotomy makes Fennimore a very interesting character indeed. By the end of the game, I really like him and some of the other characters we come across. On this point the developers of this game succeed.