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Bucket Detective

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2017

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Quick resume

A dark comedy/horror game by Jesse Barksdale, creator of the static speaks my name. Help a cult complete a ritual in exchange for divine inspiration to finish writing your terrible novel. A story-focused experience which takes around 45 minutes to complete.

Global score

86/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie

Pros

  • Unique dark humor and narrative
  • Strong atmospheric art and sound design
  • Multiple endings and replayability
  • Developer commentary adds depth
  • Short and accessible experience

Cons

  • Very short gameplay length
  • Simple and few puzzles
  • Humor and themes not for everyone
  • Limited gameplay mechanics
  • Some players find value lacking

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players make choices affecting multiple endings and decide how to explore the mansion, though gameplay is mostly linear walking and puzzle solving."

  • Competence
    1

    "Puzzles are simple and few, providing some challenge but mostly straightforward tasks."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal exploration and narrative experience."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Multiple endings and developer commentary encourage replay, but game is short and sessions are brief."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer features."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Strong creative expression in art style, narrative, and dark humor; players engage with unique story elements."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; experience is personal and narrative-driven."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players immerse in a surreal, dark, and bizarre world to escape reality and experience unusual storytelling."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in dark humor and unique narrative; no obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Exploration of multiple endings and narrative paths encourages some experimentation, though gameplay is limited."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Exploration of mansion environment and discovery of story elements and secrets is a key part of gameplay."

  • Expression
    3

    "Artistic expression is strong in the game’s visuals and narrative style, though player customization is minimal."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Game features surreal, dark fantasy elements, cult themes, and absurd scenarios far from realistic experience."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Experience is solitary with no social or community interaction within gameplay."

  • Growth
    1

    "Some learning through puzzle solving and narrative understanding, but limited skill development."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of walking simulators; no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during short play sessions; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; purely individual experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements present."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through story and unlocking multiple endings, but no item or upgrade accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Atmospheric and immersive with some tension from dark themes, but overall a balanced experience."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Strong sensory elements through art, sound design, and voice acting create emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; focus is on personal narrative experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Narrative immersion is central, with multiple endings, character backstories, and dark humor."

  • Strategy
    -2

    "Minimal strategic or problem-solving demands; puzzles are simple and straightforward."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense and dark thematic tension, but no high-risk or adrenaline-inducing gameplay."

  • Value
    0

    "Mixed opinions on value due to short length; some find it worth the price for unique experience, others less so."

  • Violence
    3

    "Contains disturbing and violent themes including mutilation and sacrifice, integral to narrative."

  • Survival
    -3

    "No survival mechanics; environment is stable with no threats requiring resource management."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026