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A Case of Distrust

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

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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, Puzzle, Point-and-click

Similar games

    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

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Survival, Violence, Fellowship, Expression. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Fantasy, Value, Continuation.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    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."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026