As technology has advanced in the computer game field, the term "Interactive Movie" has been batted around with greater and greater frequency. Usually, it refers to an adventure game with a strong story element and a number of "cinematic" graphic sequences. Computer games that can actually boast the "star power" of a major, or even minor, Hollywood production have been rare to non-existent. If nothing else, Take 2's HELL: A Cyberpunk Thriller will have bigger celebrities involved than any other game to date. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

	In the year 2095, the democratic government of the United States has been replaced by the theocratic "Hand of God" party, led by Solene Solux, a charismatic woman with a platform strongly rooted in traditional family values. While the former regime could hold the word of law over its citizens, the Hand of God has the power to send its dissidents to everlasting damnation. That's how their PR has it, anyway.

	This "divine" regime is on the trail of two of its former security operatives: Gideon and Rachel. At one point, they had sworn their loyalty to the Hand of God, but now are being hunted down for "sins against the state." Unfortunately, they have no idea what these "sins" are that they have committed. As usual, ignorance is no excuse where holy vengeance is concerned.

	Well, that's the plot. Now back to celebrities. HELL has lots of professional voice actors involved, but none so distinguished as Hollywood legend Dennis Hopper. He has been acting in film since "Rebel Without A Cause" in 1955 and has been seen as recently as this summer's Keanu Reeves vehicle "Speed." Hopper is also a distinguished director, with classic films like "Easy Rider" and "The Last Movie" to his credit. Now he lends his vocal talents to the role of Mr. Beautiful, a wise-guy character who lives in the secret back-room of a speakeasy. The player is trying to find Mr. Beautiful at the game's start, solving numerous difficult puzzles along the way. But once he is discovered, there is no getting away from this bizarre character, and he follows the protagonists all the way to hell . . . and back?

	The female lead, Rachel, is portrayed by supermodel Stephanie Seymour. She is Victoria's Secret's most popular model and has appeared frequently in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issues. Unfortunately, her most recent publicity has come from her relationship with Guns 'n' Roses front man Axl Rose. Perhaps this game will allow her to return to some more positive press coverage. This is her first major acting role, and she appears in the opening segment in full-motion video.

	Solene Solux , The leader of the Hand of God party, is played by the unforgettable Grace Jones. Those familar with her work in such films as "Vamp," "Conan the Destroyer" and "Boomerang" may already be able to picture the tone of her role in HELL, which calls for her to be both a charismatic political figure and an evil manipulator of her citizens' faith. This is the sort of contradiction at which Jones excels.

	While he may not be as much of a "name" as the actors listed above, Geoffrey Holder has a very familiar voice. You may have heard it in the movie "Boomerang" or "A View to a Kill", but you probably know it best from 7-Up commercials. His resonant voice will take the part of the government's computers which the player will encounter all through the adventure. They may offer valuable information, but they will just as likely withhold it (or better yet, lie).

	As you can see, HELL has a strong storyline and several major stars making their "multimedia" debuts. It would be a shame if the visual element was not as promising. But, have no fear on that point. The graphics are beautifully rendered, bringing to life locales as diverse as a beatific church sanctuary and the vile chambers of Hades . . . or what certainly seems to be Hades. Strangely, the character design and motion doesn't even try to imitate reality. Rather, it seems to emulate George Pal's Puppettoon world. This element may take some getting used to, but it still looks great.

	Take 2 is planning to release HELL: A Cyberpunk Adventure this October 1st. If you hurry, you may have a truly horrific virtual experience waiting for you on Halloween.