Visually, Jack the Ripper does a lot of the big things right but manages to slip on some of the smaller details, some of which end up affecting the gameplay. The graphics, which combine rendered scenes and 3D characters, are one of the game's strong points. The sense of environment presented in the game is really good. Old time posters and well... old time everything fills up the game world and gives it an authentic feel. The only thing missing is old time people. Though you do run into a fair number of people (mostly prostitutes) during your adventure, the streets of New York seem just a little too empty. And, the people you do see are always going about the same duties and can be found in the same spot every day. This doesn't outright kill the game, but it takes away from some of the atmosphere it seems the developers were trying to create and reminds you that the otherwise deep and detailed backdrops are static renders. One noticeable problem I found with the graphics occurs when you begin searching for clues. 3D objects, which include every clue in the game, stand out a little too well against the rendered backdrops. This takes some of fun out of investigating since you know everything you're supposed to pick up in a room.
The voice work is top notch and helps to build on the game's atmosphere. Each of the characters you meet has their own quirks and personalities that really fit the time period. There's no real soundtrack to the game, other than the ambient sounds found in each area. Sounds play just as much of a part in the game as visuals do as far as investigation goes and can offer clues as to where to investigate next.
