The detective genre is a compelling one, with several excellent games capturing the thrill of investigation and puzzle-solving.
Standouts in recent years include Disco Elysium and Return of Obra Dinn. There’s nothing quite like sifting through clues, analysing evidence, and piecing together the truth, even if it takes a few attempts to get it right.
There’s also been The Case of the Golden Idol, initially debuting on Steam and later releasing on Xbox, garnering positive reviews. Now, we have a direct sequel, offering a new story within the same captivating universe. Let’s examine the facts of The Rise of the Golden Idol.
Sequels often fall into the trap of simply rehashing familiar elements. However, The Rise of the Golden Idol expands and enriches its universe, refining its distinctive art style and introducing more challenging yet engaging puzzles.
While the previous game was set in the 18th century, this installment leaps forward to the 1970s, retaining the complexity and intrigue of its predecessor. You once again play as a nameless, disembodied detective, exploring crime scenes like a spectral investigator. Although not every scene across the 20 cases is immediately connected, recurring names and mysterious events, such as the “red curse,” weave a compelling narrative thread across the five chapters.
The writing is superb, and the intricate details hidden within the clues paint a fascinating and bizarre picture. The diverse locations range from a prison and a TV studio to a zoo, each offering a unique setting for a murder mystery.
The gameplay builds upon the investigative mechanics of the first game. However, the core loop remains the same: you’re presented with a subtly animated tableau in a distinct location, and your initial task is to gather clues. You examine objects, characters, and documents, clicking on relevant elements to add them to an evidence box in the corner of the screen. This box indicates the number of clues required to progress, which can include items, names, or specific words.
Once you’ve collected all the necessary clues, you move on to the deduction phase, where your detective skills are truly tested. The primary objective is to solve the crime by completing a statement with the correct clues, filling in blanks as you go. The game also presents additional objectives that can be quite challenging.
In one instance, I had to match construction workers to their corresponding vehicles on a building site. In another, I had to identify cosplayers’ costumes based on movie posters at a drive-in theatre. These new puzzle types that have been added to The Rise of the Golden Idol most certainly add variety and complexity. You could say the series has been upped for the better with their inclusion.Â
My only criticism is that the controls occasionally feel imprecise, making selecting clues a bit finicky; hit-and-miss. While not a significant issue, and far from game changing, it can be slightly frustrating after extended periods of play.
Visually, The Rise of the Golden Idol is stunning, building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor. The character animations are expressive, the ability to zoom in on objects enhances the investigative process, and the level of detail in the environments is superb. The presentation of cutscenes, menus, and scene transitions is polished and stylish. And the audio design is effective too, with atmospheric background music that complements each level.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Rise of the Golden Idol. The core gameplay loop of solving intricate mysteries remains addictive, whilst the enhanced visuals, new puzzle types, and expanded narrative create a rewarding detective experience. While the occasional control issues are a minor annoyance, they don’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment.
Basically, if you enjoyed the first game, The Rise of the Golden Idol will be seen as a bit of a must-play.
The Rise of the Golden Idol: A New Era of Mystery and Intrigue Unfolds – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-rise-of-the-golden-idol-a-new-era-of-mystery-and-intrigue-unfolds/
Buy The Rise of the Golden Idol on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/the-rise-of-the-golden-idol/9nhqgsh0598d
