OK, I've just been replaying, and thus have been overcome by the genius again (and thusly have to recommend it to any of you fools who haven't played it) of Grim Fandango.
For those not in the know it's a LucasArts puzzle game, ala Monkey Island or the likes, but it's just so damn classy.
It's set in the Land of the Dead, so naturally a lot of the style is South American (Aztec, Incan, Mayan and Mazatec), but with a hefty dose of 30's-50's film noir thrown in for damn good measure.
For instances: At the start you are in the town where the Day of the Dead parade is taking place, featuring some fine Peruvian music. You then move on to Rubaccava, which is basically Casablanca, with Manny turning into Rick.
The Music (Peter McConnell) is sublime, perfectly done, with lots of atmosphere, and still, a good 5 years on I think, the graphics hold up.
Then of course you have the wonderful voice acting and storyline, and the brilliant, though toned down wonderfully, LucasArts sense of humour involved throughout (see: Sprouting!).
Plus with it being fairly old, it's dirt cheap and runs on anything you throw it at!
It's probably still my favourite game, being half game, half film. And it's just the most perfect balance of things anyones done yet. Much as I like your typical games (Vice City, the FPS'ers, Mafia (for it's film like beauty)) Fandango just still has something them all.
I reckon as well, the sense of humour would appeal to Achewood'ers, slightly surreal yet, well, laconic and sublime at the same time. And maybe it's just because I like the both so much!
But anyway, I ramble on well, if you haven't tried it - you must!
For more info -
Grim Fandango Network
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