I really needed this early 2000s flash game energy in my life.
While not a true co-op game, I highly recommend playing with a partner! My gf and I had a blast putting our sleuthing skills to the test together. :)
While not a true co-op game, I highly recommend playing with a partner! My gf and I had a blast putting our sleuthing skills to the test together. :)
This was quite good. An Obra Dinn-inspired series of murder mysteries where you collect clues and fill in some notebooks.
It's good. I wish it were better as this 'genre' of sorts is very sorely lacking in any quality games. Part of that is because of how hard they are to write. It's not easy to be as clever as you need to be to pull of this sort of thing. And at times, particularly in the DLC, Golden Idol grates at that edge of cleverness. Eschewing clever tales for unnecessary complexity and contrivances. Replacing interesting outcomes with silly exercises in difficulty.
All-in-all though the game is rarely more than modestly challenging. The story is fairly convoluted but followable and interesting enough. The art style is very charming and the gameplay itself is quite good. I'd like to see some refinements in the sequel, like keeping a notebook with known information or even player typed notes instead of having to flip back to previous scenarios (a mild version of this sort of QoL upgrade is seen in the final DLC).
But there's just enough content to spend the bulk of a weekend playing and just enough intrigue and novelty to engage you the whole way through. It's fun, worth a pickup on sale and definitely worth your time to play it
It's good. I wish it were better as this 'genre' of sorts is very sorely lacking in any quality games. Part of that is because of how hard they are to write. It's not easy to be as clever as you need to be to pull of this sort of thing. And at times, particularly in the DLC, Golden Idol grates at that edge of cleverness. Eschewing clever tales for unnecessary complexity and contrivances. Replacing interesting outcomes with silly exercises in difficulty.
All-in-all though the game is rarely more than modestly challenging. The story is fairly convoluted but followable and interesting enough. The art style is very charming and the gameplay itself is quite good. I'd like to see some refinements in the sequel, like keeping a notebook with known information or even player typed notes instead of having to flip back to previous scenarios (a mild version of this sort of QoL upgrade is seen in the final DLC).
But there's just enough content to spend the bulk of a weekend playing and just enough intrigue and novelty to engage you the whole way through. It's fun, worth a pickup on sale and definitely worth your time to play it
The effect when you slot all the clues in place is one of the best things in gaming.
The bottom bar turns green, a nice charm plays and the used up clues disappear from the row of collected things in a classic power-point inspired fizz fade.
So understated and yet deeply motivating and reaffirming. Genius.
The bottom bar turns green, a nice charm plays and the used up clues disappear from the row of collected things in a classic power-point inspired fizz fade.
So understated and yet deeply motivating and reaffirming. Genius.
After finishing Return of the Obra Dinn I was looking for a deduction-based puzzle game in the same vein and stumbled across The Case of the Golden Idol by indie developer Color Gray Games. This is an absolute gem, with an engaging story revealed through polished investigation mechanics and a delightful art style reminiscent of 1990's adventure games.
The gameplay feels extremely innovative. Each of the twelve cases (eighteen if you include the DLC, which you should play) consists of "exploring" and "thinking" modes. The former plays like a point-and-click adventure game—the player explores a murder scene and identifies clues (some relevant, others not) which are captured as key words in a tray at the bottom of the screen. During the subsequent "thinking" mode, you actually solve the case, piecing together what occurred by filling blank spots in an incomplete description of the events, Mad-Lib style, with the available key words.
I found the difficulty of these puzzles to be just right and never used the available hints during my play-through. I was occasionally stumped at times, especially by the more challenging DLC cases, but usually found that by taking a step back and reexamining my assumptions I was able to tease out the solution. That said, I did have to brute force one or two tricky puzzles where the leap from clues to answer was just too great or a bit of questionable English got in the way of the developers' intention. Thankfully, the game validates if most (two or fewer) or all words in a section of narrative are correct, which felt more forgiving than Obra Dinn's "three identities" rule.
I also enjoyed the game's story, which follows an eccentric cast of characters vying for control of the titular golden idol, a supernatural relic that can perform magical feats. These characters are brought to life in an unique art style that looks like it was created in MS Paint; the presentation might be off-putting at first, but the detailed tableaus and amusing, looping animations quickly grew on me. The soundtrack by composer Kyle Misko is moody and atmospheric, but also surprisingly whimsical at times given the grisly murders that occur.
Overall, I really enjoyed my 12 hours or so with The Case of the Golden Idol. I've come to appreciate shorter, authored experiences that can be finished in just a few days and this certainly checks those boxes.
The gameplay feels extremely innovative. Each of the twelve cases (eighteen if you include the DLC, which you should play) consists of "exploring" and "thinking" modes. The former plays like a point-and-click adventure game—the player explores a murder scene and identifies clues (some relevant, others not) which are captured as key words in a tray at the bottom of the screen. During the subsequent "thinking" mode, you actually solve the case, piecing together what occurred by filling blank spots in an incomplete description of the events, Mad-Lib style, with the available key words.
I found the difficulty of these puzzles to be just right and never used the available hints during my play-through. I was occasionally stumped at times, especially by the more challenging DLC cases, but usually found that by taking a step back and reexamining my assumptions I was able to tease out the solution. That said, I did have to brute force one or two tricky puzzles where the leap from clues to answer was just too great or a bit of questionable English got in the way of the developers' intention. Thankfully, the game validates if most (two or fewer) or all words in a section of narrative are correct, which felt more forgiving than Obra Dinn's "three identities" rule.
I also enjoyed the game's story, which follows an eccentric cast of characters vying for control of the titular golden idol, a supernatural relic that can perform magical feats. These characters are brought to life in an unique art style that looks like it was created in MS Paint; the presentation might be off-putting at first, but the detailed tableaus and amusing, looping animations quickly grew on me. The soundtrack by composer Kyle Misko is moody and atmospheric, but also surprisingly whimsical at times given the grisly murders that occur.
Overall, I really enjoyed my 12 hours or so with The Case of the Golden Idol. I've come to appreciate shorter, authored experiences that can be finished in just a few days and this certainly checks those boxes.
This probably more viscerally appeals to certain people, and if you're that person and you know the game exists then you probably already played it. If not - yes. go. duh.
I'm not that kind of mystery freak, but there was an itch that Obra Dinn made me realize I had by covering me in a scratchy wool sweater and this game was a fantastic way to get that out. Wonderful message, too - it's that little extra I was looking for.
I'm not that kind of mystery freak, but there was an itch that Obra Dinn made me realize I had by covering me in a scratchy wool sweater and this game was a fantastic way to get that out. Wonderful message, too - it's that little extra I was looking for.
Absolutely brilliant. Expertly designed to get you to follow a trail of breadcrumbs that are perfectly placed, in order to unveil a grand conspiracy. Every time you enter a new scene, everything is so overwhelming that it seems impossible to grasp what has happened in its entirety. But by and by, through each careful observation and deduction, it all clicks together.
The main game accomplishes this much better than the DLC episodes do, which I think are not as well-structured.
The main game accomplishes this much better than the DLC episodes do, which I think are not as well-structured.
It was Perfect. Perfect. Everything. Down to the last minute detail.
Loved it so much I finished it in two days.
Clearly influenced by Obra Dinn, but with its own character. Visuals are surprisingly charming and the ost is very nice. The story is legit great spanning many years. Each case is fantastic, some more complex than others, but all equally entertaining. If you like detective games this is one of the goats.
PSA: The Switch version has a bug where the game resets your progress when you exit it! It doesn't happen to everyone, but it did happen to me. Ridiculous that it's still unpatched.
Clearly influenced by Obra Dinn, but with its own character. Visuals are surprisingly charming and the ost is very nice. The story is legit great spanning many years. Each case is fantastic, some more complex than others, but all equally entertaining. If you like detective games this is one of the goats.
PSA: The Switch version has a bug where the game resets your progress when you exit it! It doesn't happen to everyone, but it did happen to me. Ridiculous that it's still unpatched.
Pretty good and very fun little mystery game! I may not be the smartest person (I didn't notice the main twist until the epilogue, yes I'm that dumb), but I enjoyed all the main cases and the DLC ones as well (although those didn't feel as good as the main ones).
Something about how this game handles the mystery feels very satisfying and rewarding once you figure stuff out and you fill in the blanks. Can't wait for the sequel!
Something about how this game handles the mystery feels very satisfying and rewarding once you figure stuff out and you fill in the blanks. Can't wait for the sequel!
I got stuck before too long and didn't feel drawn to come back.
10,7 t
Visually appealing and good narrative.
Unfortunately due to how clues are pieced together can rely too much on guesswork.
A logbook that retains clues from all cases would also be appreciated as some elements return in future cases and the only way to relearn them is to go back to already completed cases.
Unfortunately due to how clues are pieced together can rely too much on guesswork.
A logbook that retains clues from all cases would also be appreciated as some elements return in future cases and the only way to relearn them is to go back to already completed cases.
¿Qué tiene en los bolsillos?
Return of the Obra Dinn es una de esas experiencias que te marcan como jugador. Es una obra inteligente, perfectamente medida e indudablemente insólita. The Case of the Golden Idol parece querer recoger su testigo y, no contento con eso, lo lleva a otros niveles de profundidad.
Empieza de sopetón, poniendo sobre la mesa unas mecánicas a las que te adaptas rápidamente y, sin darte cuenta, ya estás atrapado dentro de un sistema de investigación, especulación, reflexión y resolución reforzado por una narrativa interesantísima que se aprovecha de la división en capítulos para evolucionar en todos los sentidos —en lo jugable, en lo complejo, en lo argumental—.
Es, también, una obra inteligente y bien medida, con escenarios y situaciones lo suficientemente enrevesadas como para retar la mente de cualquier jugador. Y es que es una experiencia que te obliga a recrear mentalmente. Se trata de analizar la información, visual o escrita, y darle una forma lógica a través de las palabras y rompecabezas que se te presentan.
Es un concepto tan, tan bueno y a su vez tan, tan poco explotado en el mundillo, que tiemblo de solo pensar hacia dónde podrían hacerlo crecer.
Recordaré siempre con cariño aquel primer instante del capítulo uno, cuando vi ante mí una escena y pude empezar a investigar. Entonces me pregunté, "¿qué tiene ese hombre en los bolsillos?". Y accedí a sus pertenencias y me envolví entre datos, nombres, personajes y asesinatos hasta llegar al final, emocionado y deslumbrado, por lo que ha sido una experiencia maravillosa.
Return of the Obra Dinn es una de esas experiencias que te marcan como jugador. Es una obra inteligente, perfectamente medida e indudablemente insólita. The Case of the Golden Idol parece querer recoger su testigo y, no contento con eso, lo lleva a otros niveles de profundidad.
Empieza de sopetón, poniendo sobre la mesa unas mecánicas a las que te adaptas rápidamente y, sin darte cuenta, ya estás atrapado dentro de un sistema de investigación, especulación, reflexión y resolución reforzado por una narrativa interesantísima que se aprovecha de la división en capítulos para evolucionar en todos los sentidos —en lo jugable, en lo complejo, en lo argumental—.
Es, también, una obra inteligente y bien medida, con escenarios y situaciones lo suficientemente enrevesadas como para retar la mente de cualquier jugador. Y es que es una experiencia que te obliga a recrear mentalmente. Se trata de analizar la información, visual o escrita, y darle una forma lógica a través de las palabras y rompecabezas que se te presentan.
Es un concepto tan, tan bueno y a su vez tan, tan poco explotado en el mundillo, que tiemblo de solo pensar hacia dónde podrían hacerlo crecer.
Recordaré siempre con cariño aquel primer instante del capítulo uno, cuando vi ante mí una escena y pude empezar a investigar. Entonces me pregunté, "¿qué tiene ese hombre en los bolsillos?". Y accedí a sus pertenencias y me envolví entre datos, nombres, personajes y asesinatos hasta llegar al final, emocionado y deslumbrado, por lo que ha sido una experiencia maravillosa.
dark, creepy, grimy, and weird. evokes a 90s adventure game without making me actually play a 90s adventure game.
and we love to see a great game like this made in the godot engine don't we folks!
and we love to see a great game like this made in the godot engine don't we folks!
A wonderful, intriguing game that glued me to the screen. If you like games like Obra Dinn and/or even remotely enjoy solving mysteries, this is an absolute blast to play. The DLCs are great, too.
really good, but fucking difficult lmao!! as an obra dinn devotee i will eat up this type of puzzle though!
Slept on this for a while because I didn't care for the art style (and still don't-- sorry!) but as someone who loved Obra Dinn I FEASTED with this. Never needed to use hints, though I did game the word system a bit when I was close to an answer.
Having a bunch of small mostly self-contained cases was a smart move and made for a more satisfying experience than one really big mystery. It also allows for fun storytelling, again compared to Obra Dinn which sort of peters out at the end.
It's also nice how the game mixes things up with the sort of info you're supposed to piece together, though by the end (and in the DLC) you're mostly solving narrative mad-libs, which isn't as fun in my opinion. Personal favorite was the dinner case, which hits a sweet spot in terms of complexity and variety.
Having a bunch of small mostly self-contained cases was a smart move and made for a more satisfying experience than one really big mystery. It also allows for fun storytelling, again compared to Obra Dinn which sort of peters out at the end.
It's also nice how the game mixes things up with the sort of info you're supposed to piece together, though by the end (and in the DLC) you're mostly solving narrative mad-libs, which isn't as fun in my opinion. Personal favorite was the dinner case, which hits a sweet spot in terms of complexity and variety.
The game is good, but the Switch port sucks. There's a nasty bug that can randomly ruin your save file. Spare yourself the trouble and play on some other platform.
El sucesor de The Return of the Obra Dinn, con su propio estilo y ciertamente bien hecho. Es muy satisfactorio desentrañar todo.
Shorter than expected BUT incredibly clean game. Loved the nostalgic art style and story thread through each chapter. A little tricky and definitely made me feel dumb towards the end. But it all comes together! 🏆
Return of the Return of the Obra Dinn
find yourself a man who looks at you the way peter battley looks at mary richards
This review contains spoilers
You can tell a deduction game is good if it feels impenetrable at first, but once you know the full story, it's completely trivial.
By never clarifying what your role is as the player, and dropping you into the middle of scenes, it makes everything feel overwhelming, in a good way.
This is especially great when a new character was suddenly introduced and I was like "who's this guy?", but didn't think too much of it because everything felt a little confusing. So when I realized who he really was in the final scene I felt like a genius and an idiot.
it's a shame that every detective game is trying to find a validation mechanic half as good as Obra Dinn's, but hey, it's the greatest for a reason.
By never clarifying what your role is as the player, and dropping you into the middle of scenes, it makes everything feel overwhelming, in a good way.
This is especially great when a new character was suddenly introduced and I was like "who's this guy?", but didn't think too much of it because everything felt a little confusing. So when I realized who he really was in the final scene I felt like a genius and an idiot.
it's a shame that every detective game is trying to find a validation mechanic half as good as Obra Dinn's, but hey, it's the greatest for a reason.
Essentially a more accessible, streamlined version of Return of the Obra Dinn, which at the end of the day, still makes for a pretty fantastic game. Not to say the game doesn't have its own identity, just that it wears its inspiration on its sleeve. While I personally prefer Obra Dinn's more esoteric and hands-off approach to deductive gameplay, Golden Idol is way more approachable to those trying to get into the genre.
Also played both DLCs (The Spider of Lanka, The Lemurian Vampire).
Also played both DLCs (The Spider of Lanka, The Lemurian Vampire).
Fun mystery story about a bunch of nasty Britishers with some beautiful art and great presentation.
I've been itching for a mystery game like this since I finished Obra Dinn, and The Case of the Golden Idol certainly scratched that itch.
I plowed through this game with a couple of friends, and sharing the aha-moments once all the pieces were starting to fall into place was fantastic. A large part of the mysteries can be solved with enough trial and error, but we tried to challenge ourselves by only placing names that we were 90% sure were going in the right spot.
Looking forward to the sequel!
I plowed through this game with a couple of friends, and sharing the aha-moments once all the pieces were starting to fall into place was fantastic. A large part of the mysteries can be solved with enough trial and error, but we tried to challenge ourselves by only placing names that we were 90% sure were going in the right spot.
Looking forward to the sequel!
This game lived in my head rent-free after i just started chapter 11 so I accidentally solved the entire case at 2 am and physically sat up going ''OH SHIT'' when i Realized. Game good
These games surprised me with how nice the art and mystery is, I assumed there would be some moon logic but surprisingly almost everything was clear if you paid attention and really examined all the clues.
I just did not find anything interesting in this narratively or mechanically. Finding the clues is largely pointless, the UI is not at all conducive for piecing clues together, clues can too often rely on guesswork or visual similarities between crude lo-fi drawings, and the narrative is too banal and messy and disjointed to be helpful piecing any clues together - or vice versa,
An unique puzzle game where the player must investigate a murder scene or diorama . As a puzzle genre fan, I strangely did not vibe with this as it feels less detective work and more fill in the blank. It has its merits of surprises such as false leads but I did not get that aha factor that I look for. Perhaps it was not that difficult or did not feel I truly solved it on my own. For the story though, I do not truly think this is a mystery but more like a series of events with the idol as a key object. The twist though was okay but I did not like how it required guesswork in the last level to figure out the first part. This is still an indie gem worthy of recommendation and do play it with a mouse rather than a controller.