The life of a detective isn’t easy! Unfortunately, your world is sinister, eerie, and full of questionable characters. However, with good fortune and hard work, you can change society and make a difference. This is the ethos behind Shadows of Doubt. It is a grim title that is filled with danger, criminals, and a never-ending stream of clues.
Developed by ColePowered Games and published by Fireshine Games, this is a tough detective simulation title. What’s more, the dark pixelated world, gruesome undertones, and cruel surroundings keep you on your toes. As such, you can never relax as you try to stay hidden in the shadows.
Shadows of Doubt sets the scene perfectly.
A classic story forms the gritty and compelling backbone of each adventure. A serial killer has struck, and it is your responsibility to solve the crime. However, in a world that is full of despair and fear, people are not willing to talk. That is, of course, unless you are willing to do something in return. Yet, with time ticking, and the killer sure to strike again, you must work hard to reprimand this psycho.
Set in a procedurally generated world, you take the role of a private intelligence investigator. This isn’t a job for the faint of heart, as each crime can be cruel, gruesome, and tough to solve. However, with technology on your side, a methodical mind, and the ability to map each case, you’ll put an end to the unrelenting crime spree.
With each of these elements put in place, Shadows of Doubt sets the scene perfectly. Moreover, an incredible tutorial helps you on your way to what would otherwise be a confusing occasion. Subsequently, though there is a lot to learn and plenty to do, you feel in control as you explore this vast, but horrific, alternative 1980s reality.
So many clues.
Who’d have thought the life of a detective would be so bloody detailed? Every minor element must be considered and double-checked. What’s more, you must connect the dots, and point the finger to solve each crime. By using your fingerprint tool, or searching each location, you’ll identify key components in each objective.
Whether you are investigating a crime scene, exploring a shop, trespassing into someone’s home, or stealing resources, you must think logically. Accordingly, whenever you are breaking the law (for the greater good, of course), you cannot get caught. Therefore, you must switch off cameras, remove suspecting individuals, break into houses, and stay in the shadows.
The denizens of this grim industrial world are suspicious and rarely helpful. Yet, by asking open questions, hacking their computer consoles, or stalking them from afar, you’ll get the information you need. Yet, occasionally, things go south, and violence is the only cure. If an individual wants to report your illicit activity, then what are you going to do? You don’t want to get caught doing your secret work, so a swift punch to the chops normally solves the issue.
The world of Shadows of Doubt is alive.
For all of its complexities, Shadows of Doubt is pretty simple. Effectively, you are tasked with finding every clue to resolve each job you undertake. By piecing together the information, you can solve the crime and get paid. How you gather your clues is up to you, and who you question or hurt is your choice.
What impressed me most, though, was how alive every unique city was. With hundreds of citizens, masses of properties, plenty of vehicles, and much more, the world is alive. Furthermore, you are free to explore as you wish! Locked doors, cabinets, or chests can’t stop you as you use hair slides and paper clips to unlock them. Alternatively, get what you want by hacking devices, using CCTV, or hunting through the rubbish.
It was incredible that every item or person could make or break each case you were tackling. On top of this, there is the risk of getting caught, being attacked, or being fined for your “crimes”. Therefore, stealth is your best friend in this seedy and excellent detective title.
Shadows of Doubt is a pixelated dream.
Shadows of Doubt is set in a grand but drab Voxel world. This pixelated art style is divisive, but I adored its sharp shapes, earthy colours, and oppressive nature. Additionally, the use of fog and rain added to the dramatic setting. Furthermore, I loved the roar of each bin fire, the unique character models, and the selection of shops, houses, and apartments that can be explored. Alongside this, the amazing UI and the incredible clue board make solving each crime just a little easier.
The oppressive action is supported by a dramatic soundtrack. I cherished the blend of songs, the gritty sound effects, and the environmental noises. Whether it was rain pounding the streets, a car rolling by, or the disgruntled sound of a citizen, it added to the gameplay. On top of this, the tapping noises on each keyboard, or the zing of your fingerprint tool, were fantastic.
A steep learning curve.
Unsurprisingly, Shadows of Doubt has a steep learning curve. With many investigative layers to try out, you’ll be tested during the tutorial stages. However, once you understand the finer points, you’ll love the exploration elements, the seedy investigatory moments, and the tools at your disposal. Sadly, though, this isn’t optimised for Steam Deck. If the developers were to push this platform, then I believe it would work extremely well.
This game is massive! Furthermore, the procedurally generated assets and the freedom to explore are wonderful. As a consequence, it has masses of replay value and longevity. What’s more, you are free to explore each vast map however you choose. Therefore, you can lose yourself for hours in this sinister sci-fi world.
Shadows of Doubt is incredible.
I’ve played some great indie games in my time. Yet, Shadows of Doubt outshines them all. Thanks to its creepy world, suspicious denizens, and open gameplay, it is incredible. Subsequently, it is full of surprises, weird people, and horrendous crimes. As such, you don’t want to miss your chance to clean the streets of criminal scum. I loved this excellent and much-anticipated title and I recommend that you buy it here! Search for clues, piece together the evidence, and save the day.
