Computer Gaming Worlds
Charles Ardai stated that "
Countdown is as close to perfect as any game can be. It also comes closer to earning its self-appointed identification as an '
Interactive Movie' than any of its predecessors or competitors". The magazine wrote that excellent
VGA graphics, sound, and controls made the game a "feature film" compared to the "mere cartoons" from
Sierra On-Line, and compensated for the stock plot devices of amnesia and a protagonist falsely accused of murder.
The One gave
Countdown an overall score of 84%, praising the game's "cinematic atmosphere", which they attributed to the game's digitized graphics, "spine-chilling" sound effects, and the game's
flashback sequences. While expressing that
Countdown isn't an 'interactive movie' but rather an adventure with cinematic effects,
The One compared ''Countdown's
visuals to British science fiction series Joe 90, and 1965 spy film The Ipcress File''. Despite praising the game's 'good' animation,
The One criticized ''Countdown's'' 'average' graphics and "limited" inputs, stating that it "can't quite match the breadth or complexity of a top class Sierra or
Lucasfilm" game. Despite this,
The One praised
Countdown as "complex and substantial", and expressed that the game's espionage plot and exotic locations are 'engaging'. ==References==