A Case of Distrust

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 215 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • music
A Case of Distrust Game Cover
The Wandering Ben has delivered a riveting crime caper, revelling in the clichés of the period, but not beholden to them. If you enjoy mystery, noir or simply an atmosphere to get lost in for a few hours, A Case of Distrust is essential.
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What Is This? A Case of Distrust is a narrative mystery from 1924 San Francisco. Play as private investigator Phyllis Cadence Malone in this historical 2D adventure game. Explore underground...

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Mobile Platform
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 215 reviews
story51 positive mentions
replayability3 negative mentions
  • The game features a stylish art direction and a captivating jazz soundtrack that enhances the noir atmosphere.
  • The dialogue is well-written, with engaging characters and interesting conversations, especially with the taxi drivers that add depth to the story.
  • The gameplay encourages players to think critically and piece together clues, making the detective work feel rewarding.
  • The game is quite short, typically taking only 2-4 hours to complete, which may not justify the full price for some players.
  • There are frustrating moments with the gameplay, such as tedious backtracking and a cumbersome evidence menu that can disrupt the flow of the investigation.
  • The ending feels abrupt and unsatisfying, with some players feeling that the mystery was too straightforward and lacking in complexity.
  • story128 mentions

    The game's story is a noir detective narrative set in 1920s San Francisco, praised for its engaging atmosphere and art style, though many players found it short and lacking depth. While the plot offers intriguing elements and character development, some felt it became tedious and predictable, with an ending that left much to be desired. Overall, the storytelling is appreciated for its style and setting, but it may not satisfy those seeking a more complex or lengthy narrative experience.

    • “I loved how it felt like an authentic detective story (looking for evidence, contradicting statements, etc.) its art design was also great.”
    • “The story is good and the art services it quite well.”
    • “A great interactive story built on 1920's noir and highly stylized graphics.”
    • “My only complaint is that the story is really short, and I think because there are plenty of unimportant evidence, you could miss a thing or two to continue the story.”
    • “The story ends abruptly, and a post-credits scene suggests that Phyllis will continue to go on to solve more mysteries.”
    • “I found I couldn't care about the characters and lost interest in the story.”
  • graphics93 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stylish and minimalist art style, effectively capturing the noir aesthetic of the 1920s. Many reviewers highlight the beautiful visuals and immersive atmosphere, complemented by a fitting jazz soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience. However, some players note that while the graphics are appealing, they may not compensate for weaknesses in gameplay and story depth.

    • “This game is a wonderful noir murder case wrapped in beautiful visuals and followed with a great jazz track.”
    • “The artwork is fantastic, it's incredibly immersive with ambient sounds, and it really does transport you to a different world.”
    • “The graphics, music, and the atmosphere of the game were very pleasing, and the dialogue was well thought out and felt natural.”
    • “The graphics, music, and the atmosphere of the game were very pleasing, but the dialogue felt well thought out and natural.”
    • “The visuals and music were the reason I got the game, but to me, it felt like style over substance.”
    • “While aesthetically pleasing, it was light on content (100% in 3.5 hours) and it left me wanting more.”
  • music72 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread praise for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, effectively capturing the essence of the 1920s noir setting with its jazzy and minimalist compositions. While some players noted a repetitiveness in the soundtrack, many appreciated how the music complemented the visuals and narrative, creating an immersive experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's stylish presentation and engaging storytelling.

    • “The soundtrack combined with the artwork helps set the mood and makes you really feel immersed in the gritty dark side of the roaring twenties.”
    • “The music is fantastic and fits very well with the theme.”
    • “The dialog, the visuals, and the music blend together perfectly to recreate 1920s San Francisco.”
    • “I could expect something more from the plot (even if I appreciated the ending) and from the music.”
    • “It gets quite tedious clicking on things to ask about (especially when there is no voice acting, character faces, and the same music over and over again).”
    • “The music in this game only has one or two instruments playing at the same time; a shaker in one scene, a bass drum and a piano in another, and so on.”
  • gameplay48 mentions

    The gameplay is generally described as simple and straightforward, primarily involving point-and-click mechanics, dialogue interactions, and evidence collection, which some players found enjoyable despite its basic nature. While the visuals and music received praise, technical issues and a lack of depth in gameplay mechanics detracted from the overall experience for others. Overall, the game offers a quick, engaging detective experience, but players should manage their expectations regarding complexity and length.

    • “A relatively quick detective game with enjoyable background music, good art style, and fun gameplay.”
    • “Great writing and atmosphere elevate rather simple gameplay.”
    • “The story, gameplay, art, music, all come together for a wonderful package that gives you the feeling of cracking a case with your own intellect without it being overly convoluted and difficult.”
    • “This technical issue severely hampers the gameplay experience, rendering the game unplayable.”
    • “The evidence/statement mechanic gets a bit confusing and thus, some crucial info is easy to overlook.”
    • “I was sure there were going to be multiple cases that built on the unfinished threads and unused mechanics, but was left disappointed.”
  • atmosphere15 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive 1920s noir aesthetic, enhanced by carefully selected music and appealing art style. Reviewers highlight the combination of great writing, minimalist design, and engaging dialogue, which collectively create a captivating and enjoyable experience, even if the gameplay itself is relatively simple. Overall, the game successfully evokes a nostalgic and atmospheric setting that encourages players to savor the experience.

    • “The title brims with a speakeasy aesthetic and jazzy atmosphere, has a lot of charming moments like the talks with taxi drivers and the minimalist presentation fits right in with the style.”
    • “Fantastic minimalist art, perfect music, brilliant dialogue, and a setting that is so perfect from both an atmospheric and historical perspective.”
    • “Great writing and atmosphere elevate rather simple gameplay.”
    • “Bring the atmosphere of a hardboiled novel, with background music from that time.”
    • “The tone and atmosphere are lacking.”
    • “It's not long or particularly deep, but it absolutely nails its atmosphere and aesthetic; and the story manages to be engaging all the way through.”
  • replayability10 mentions

    Overall, the game has been criticized for its lack of replayability, with many reviewers noting that it can be completed in a short time (around 2-3 hours) and offers little incentive to play again due to a linear story and minimal choices. While the characters and setting are praised, the consensus is that the game does not justify its price point given its limited replay value.

    • “Not much replay value, but if you're looking for something quick, it's definitely a good buy.”
    • “The game is fifteen bucks and it doesn't have replay value.”
    • “The game is a little too obvious with the breadcrumb trail it wants you to follow and it has essentially no replay value, but it has very likeable and well-written characters and an interesting setting.”
    • “Not for a game that can be cleared in 3 hours (without any guide for speed running) and offers 0 replay value.”
    • “2.6 hours for one playthrough, no real replayability, too little for the price point.”
  • grinding8 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, particularly due to repetitive tasks like clicking through dialogue options and navigating menus. While the art style and story are appreciated, the lack of variety in interactions and the overwhelming amount of evidence to sift through detracts from the overall experience. However, some users note that it is not as tedious as other games in the genre.

    • “It gets quite tedious clicking on things to ask about (especially when there is no voice acting, character faces, and the same music over and over again).”
    • “With so many options to talk about at the end of the game it becomes rather tedious.”
    • “But the animation for traveling from place to place gets very repetitive and tedious.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    Players find the emotional aspect of the game deeply immersive, often feeling as though they are witnessing genuine human experiences rather than scripted performances. Many describe moments as touching and impactful, enhancing their connection to the characters and story.

    • “Made me feel like I was watching people living, as opposed to a dramatization.”
    • “Touching when I get through.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is primarily delivered through engaging and often amusing conversations with taxi cab drivers, which add a lighthearted touch to the narrative and enhance the overall experience.

    • “The conversations you can have in the taxi cabs while traveling from place to place provide interesting stories and humorous exchanges that help lighten the mood during intense moments.”
    • “The witty dialogue and clever puns throughout the game kept me laughing and made the experience even more enjoyable.”
    • “I love how the game incorporates humor into its quests, making even the most mundane tasks feel entertaining and fun.”
  • character development1 mentions

    The character development in the game is highly praised for its meticulous craftsmanship, encompassing impressive character design, vibrant colors, and engaging dialogue that includes clever red herrings.

    • “This game is so well-crafted, from the character design and colors to the dialogue and red herrings.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

79% average critic score

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Play time

3hMedian play time
3hAverage play time
2-3hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs

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