Inside and outside the game, the crocodile detective investigates cases diligently.
When it comes to puzzle games, we generally think of level-based linear processes, gameplay that involves searching for clues everywhere, and solutions that are impossible to figure out. However, "Crocodile Detective Brog" as a decryption game offers players more choices and also presents a great drama outside the game.
Brain vs. Brawn
"Crocodile Detective Brog" is a narrative-driven point-and-click adventure game developed and published by COWCAT. This game combines elements of side-scrolling action combat, case investigation, adventure puzzle-solving, and item collection. In the process of deduction and certain plot points, players can choose to solve puzzles using the intelligence of the crocodile or resort to violence with their fists.
That's right, it means that when we are stuck on decryption elements, we can choose to use brute force to solve those puzzles. This is the most unique aspect of the game. This combat gameplay is not like other games where there is a linear main storyline and violence is used when necessary, and brainpower is used when needed. "Crocodile Detective Brog" cleverly combines these two choices.
Compared to the traditional process of solving puzzles, getting stuck, and searching for strategies, this design is more exciting and provides a more coherent gaming experience. We can also use violence on NPCs to extract crucial clues or trigger hidden elements, and we can also use force to break mechanisms to obtain clues or trigger hidden elements, further deepening the depth of the game.
Sincere American-style art style/plot
"Crocodile Detective Brog" adopts the classic American cartoon art style of the 80s and 90s. It is said that a Disney master personally supervised the art direction, resulting in smooth animations and rich character movements, ultimately creating a perfect match.
In terms of the plot, the game is set in a future era where animals have replaced humans and civilization continues to develop. In this near-cyberpunk future world, the protagonist, Brog, is a former boxing champion and now a private detective. Two years ago, his wife passed away due to an accident, leaving behind their son who relies on Brog for support. Despite the hardships of life, they manage to get by. However, later on, in order to fulfill a commission, the protagonist accidentally discovers that the accident from years ago was not what it seemed, and there is a real conspiracy behind it.
The plot may sound somewhat cliché, but the game offers up to 11 different branching endings, and each choice you make in the game can lead to a different outcome. Combined with the previously mentioned choices between brainpower and brute force, the replayability and variability of the plot are greatly enhanced. When a certain ending is achieved in the game, the author thoughtfully provides a storyline map of the choices made for players to review, allowing players to better experience multiple playthroughs of the plot.
Exciting gameplay beyond the game
Speaking of which, like most good indie games, "Crocodile Detective Brog" has an interesting art style, innovative gameplay, and no major flaws in terms of gameplay, so it deserves positive reviews. However, something interesting happened on the second day of the game's release. The game suddenly received a large number of negative reviews for no reason, and the source turned out to be Steam reviewers.
It turns out that traditionally, developers receive many requests from Steam reviewers for evaluation keys after the game is released. However, the developers only sent them keys that could only access the first chapter of the game, and these reviewers resold them without trying the game. As a result, they came over and gave the game negative reviews because it didn't meet their expectations. Finally, the developers complained to the official V company and V company took action to ban these foreign reviewers. Everyone praised the developers for their clever and straightforward approach to solving the problem.
Developer COWCAT, just like the crocodile detective in the game, outsmarted the resellers. With their bold and clever approach to solving problems, they deserve our appreciation for this game.