A Case of Distrust Thumbnail

A Case of Distrust similar games & best alternatives

A Case of Distrust

iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2018

Related articles

Quick resume

A Case of Distrust is a narrative mystery from 1924 San Francisco. Play as private investigator Phyllis Cadence Malone in this historical 2D adventure game.

Global score

82/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click, Puzzle

Pros

  • Engaging noir detective story
  • Stylish minimalist art and jazz soundtrack
  • Logical deduction and clue gathering gameplay
  • Immersive 1920s setting with historical flavor
  • Well-written characters and dialogue

Cons

  • Short game length with limited replay value
  • Some tedious backtracking and menu navigation
  • Lack of voice acting
  • Price considered high for content length
  • Final plot twist and ending received mixed reactions

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players direct their own investigation by choosing which clues to pursue and how to interrogate suspects, with some freedom in dialogue choices."

  • Competence
    3

    "Players engage in logical deduction and puzzle-solving by collecting clues and contradicting statements, requiring attention and reasoning."

  • Competition
    -5

    "Single-player narrative experience with no competitive elements or comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    -3

    "Short game length (~2-4 hours) and limited replay value reduce habitual or long session play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players creatively piece together clues and decide interrogation strategies, though within a structured narrative."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social or multiplayer interaction involving control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive 1920s noir setting and story provide a strong escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in detective stories and narrative puzzles."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players try different dialogue options and interrogation approaches to uncover new information."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Players explore several locations and revisit them to gather clues, but environments are limited and familiar."

  • Expression
    -4

    "Minimal character customization or self-expression; focus is on narrative and investigation."

  • Fantasy
    -3

    "Realistic 1920s setting and grounded detective story with historical references."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; purely solo experience."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop deductive reasoning and investigative skills through gameplay."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to dialogue and clue gathering; not suitable for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited emotional connection through narrative but no social or close relationship building."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through accumulating clues and evidence to solve the case."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Calm pacing with jazz soundtrack and reading-based gameplay offers a relaxed experience."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Stylized visuals and music provide moderate sensory stimulation without intense excitement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with engaging plot, characters, and dialogue."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires logical thinking and planning to gather evidence and interrogate suspects effectively."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense from mystery and plot twists but overall controlled and calm experience."

  • Value
    -2

    "Short length and limited replay value reduce perceived value at full price; better on sale."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Minimal depiction of violence; focus is on investigation rather than combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics; stable narrative environment."

Similar games

    Last update: 06/03/2026