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0 DeTechtive 2112 is a story-driven action adventure that follows a mystery over a unique array of maps. Created by M11 Studio & 5Deniz, and published by Indie.io, DeTechtive 2112 is available now on Steam for £8.74. However, if you want to experience other work by M11 Studio, bundles with previous games may pique your interest.
How will you solve the case?
The first game of the year for me to review has me taking the role of a detective in the dystopian future of 2112. So let’s get into it.
Gameplay
DeTechtive 2112 begins by introducing you to the protagonist, Detective Matthew Wallace. Instantly you are drawn to the secrets Matthew may be hiding, as he is confronted as soon as the game begins. After collecting back your belongings, you are then thrown into the cases that make you a Detective.
The premise of these cases is pretty simple. You are given a case, you start the case, and then you shoot a bunch of guys before returning to your office. All together there are 5 cases for the player to complete. While these are advertised as cases, it must be said that there is a focus on combat rather than problem-solving. There is a good base for this, through the use of the detective vision button. However, it is underutilized. Highlighting only a few interactable elements within a case.
N0.1 Detective
Whilst working through the cases you are offered two ways to play the level. Firstly, there is going in guns blazing. Secondly, there is stealth. I found it incredibly hard to use the stealth option. As soon as you walk into the vicinity of enemies, they seem to be instantly drawn to you. There is seemingly no choice on how to complete the levels. However, there is an up-side in guns blazing mode.
Aside from the variety of weapons and gear to choose from, the best thing about going in guns blazing is that there are plenty of AI enemies to kill. And, they make it very easy to do so. They either run in a line towards you whilst they’re shooting you. Or, they will just stand next to you and shoot. There is seemingly no attempt for the AI to be smart or attempt to hide. Well, at least you can’t complain about how many kills you will have by the end of the case!
Graphis & Audio
While there are the beginnings of some good narrative gameplay, the graphics are the real star of the game. Neon-lit streets, detailed cityscapes and a retro-futuristic design highlight the cyberpunk atmosphere of the game. The top-down view offers a beautiful perspective of the surrounding environment. It is completely neon-drenched, an excellent way of capturing the cyberpunk aesthetic. In addition to this, the character designs are another positive of DeTechtive 2112. Again, they add to the overall atmosphere of cyberpunk feel of the game.
The audio generally fits the feel of the game. However, there are sound effects that seemingly do not fit. This is especially prevalent in the difference between gunshots and footsteps. The footsteps are louder than the gunshots, which is slightly confusing.
Longevity
DeTechtive 2112 is a relatively short game. There are 5 cases for the player to complete, which can be completed in a short amount of time. Whilst there is scope to play the game co-op, I’d imagine that the repetitiveness of the levels would become tiresome.
Final Thoughts
While the game has roots in becoming a successful cyberpunk game, it is unfortunately lacking in the detective area of the game. It seems that DeTechtive 2112 focuses more on the action, rather than the problem-solving associated with being a Detective. However, it must be said that those behind the game are a small indie company. And they have committed to continue to improve the game where problems have been identified.
For now I will be awarding DeTechtive 2112 the Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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