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The Case of the Golden Idol

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Xbox Series X|S, Mac, PlayStation 4, Android • 2022

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Quick resume

A new kind of detective game that allows you to think and investigate freely. Discover clues surrounding 12 strange and gruesome deaths and build your own theory. Pick your suspect, deduce the motive, unmask the awful truth.

Global score

98/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click, Puzzle

Pros

  • Engaging and clever deduction puzzles
  • Strong interconnected narrative
  • Unique and charming art style
  • Immersive atmospheric soundtrack
  • Accessible difficulty curve

Cons

  • Relatively short gameplay length
  • Some ui fiddliness reported
  • Limited replay value
  • Lack of multiplayer or social features
  • Occasional minor ambiguity in clues

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore scenes, gather clues, and make their own deductions without hand-holding."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game challenges players with logical deduction puzzles that require skillful observation and reasoning."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual puzzle solving and personal progress without comparison or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report addictive gameplay with desire to continue solving cases and uncover the story."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "While primarily single-player, some players enjoy discussing puzzles with friends, but no formal co-op."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players create their own mental models and theories to solve puzzles, though within predefined scenarios."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; purely individual deduction."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a mental escape, engaging in immersive detective work and story."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try different clues and hypotheses to solve puzzles, exploring multiple possibilities."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore detailed scenes to discover clues and piece together events."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization; players work within fixed scenes and narrative without avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "Set in an alternate 18th century with conspiracies and secret societies, offering imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction or community features."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop deductive reasoning and observational skills through progressively challenging puzzles."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement to solve puzzles; not suitable for idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Minimal social or emotional connection; mostly solitary puzzle solving."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; purely individual gameplay."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players progress by unlocking new cases and uncovering story elements, though no item collection."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Balanced challenge provides satisfying flow without excessive frustration."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Art and music create a unique atmosphere but sensory stimulation is moderate and subtle."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or ranking systems; achievements are personal."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with interconnected cases and satisfying story resolution."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Players engage in logical problem solving and planning to deduce correct answers."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense in uncovering mysteries, but overall controlled and cerebral experience."

  • Value
    2

    "Players find good value in the quality and satisfaction of the experience despite short length."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Violence is implied in murder scenes but gameplay focuses on deduction, not combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics; stable, low-risk environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026