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, gives players more choices and also presents a great show outside of the game.
Battle of wits vs. miracles
"Crocodile Detective Brog" is a plot-driven point-and-click adventure game developed and published by COWCAT. The game combines features such as side-scrolling action combat, case reasoning, adventure puzzles, and item collection. In the process of reasoning and some plot points, players can choose to use the crocodile's intelligence to solve puzzles or use brute force to break through.
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 also 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 necessary. "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 key clues or trigger hidden events. We can also use violence to break mechanisms to obtain clues or trigger hidden events, further deepening the depth of the game.
Sincere American 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 animation, resulting in smooth movements and rich character actions, highlighting a unique taste.
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 died in an accident, leaving behind a son who relies on him. Despite the hardships of life, they manage to get by. However, later on, in order to complete a commission, the protagonist accidentally discovers that there was a conspiracy behind the accident.
The plot may sound somewhat cliché, but the game offers up to 11 different multiple endings. Each choice you make in the game can lead to different outcomes. Combined with the previously mentioned options of using brainpower or brute force, the replayability and variability of the plot are greatly enhanced. When achieving one of the game's endings, the author thoughtfully provides a storyline map of the choices made for players to view, allowing players to better experience multiple playthroughs.
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 gameplay, so it should receive 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 was the Steam reviewers.
It turns out that traditionally, developers receive many requests from Steam reviewers for keys to review the game after its release. However, the developers only sent them keys that could only experience the first chapter version, and these reviewers resold them without trying them out. Then, because the product did not match their expectations, they came over and gave the game negative reviews. Finally, the developers complained to the official Valve and Valve 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. Just based on their approach of using the most direct and clever methods to solve problems, it is worth appreciating their game.