Art of Murder: Deadly Secrets
- July 13, 2018
- City Interactive S.A.
"Art of Murder: Deadly Secrets" is a point-and-click adventure game where players step into the shoes of FBI Agent Nicole Bonnet. As the body count of murdered antiquarians and collectors rises in New York City, Bonnet must connect the dots between these crimes and a retired subway worker's murder, all while investigating the infamous Crime of the Century bank robbery. With a tense plot, surprising turns, and a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack, players must work quickly to solve the mystery before another victim falls.
Reviews
- The music was good and added to the atmosphere of the game.
- The story had an interesting mystery that kept players engaged until the end.
- Players can collect hidden clocks for extra hints, which adds a layer of gameplay.
- The game is extremely short, finishing in just over 2 hours with minimal content.
- Many hidden object puzzles are poorly designed, making it difficult to find items due to clutter and low visibility.
- The lack of voice acting and reliance on text for dialogue detracts from the overall experience.
- story10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is criticized for being underdeveloped and inconsistent, with some players noting an interesting beginning that devolves into a series of disconnected hidden object puzzles. While a few found the mystery engaging until the end, many felt the narrative was overshadowed by gameplay mechanics, leading to an abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion. Additionally, the lack of voice acting in conversations detracted from the overall storytelling experience.
“The story was very interesting; it kept the mystery until the end, and I liked how the story concluded.”
“The earlier Art of Murder games prior to adding hidden object elements were much better: they had a better story and longer time investment.”
“No story to speak of, best avoided.”
“By the end of the game, the developers had completely forgotten the story altogether and just have you clicking from one hidden object room to another.”
“The storyline could've been okay, but the ending is abrupt and somehow anti-climactic despite a lack of suspense.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally considered subpar, with users noting that they require adjustments to function properly, particularly on Intel graphics cards. The low-quality visuals detract from the gameplay experience, making it feel frustrating and unengaging. Overall, the graphics received a score of 6.
“This takes a little tweaking to work because the Intel graphics card doesn't seem to like these games.”
“It's one thing to make a game more difficult by only showing a peek of an item or hiding it in a bigger item, but the low graphics in this game are akin to starting a game of hide and seek and then driving away from the house forever.”
“Graphics: 6”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy is perceived as a lazy cash grab, indicating that players feel the game prioritizes profit over quality and player experience.
“This game feels like a lazy cash grab.”
“The monetization strategy is overly aggressive and detracts from the overall experience.”
“I can't enjoy the game when it constantly pushes me to spend more money.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, noting that the game often fails to recognize interactions, leading to freezing and unresponsive behavior when attempting to use hints or click on objects.
“You click on the object, use the hint, and keep clicking until it freezes, but the game still does not recognize that you've found the object.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it impossible to progress without losing my saved progress.”
“I experienced constant lag and glitches that ruined the overall gameplay experience.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with users noting its quality and positive impact on the overall experience.
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received a mixed response, with a score of 7 indicating that while it offers enjoyable elements, there are areas that could be improved for a more engaging experience. Players appreciate certain mechanics but note inconsistencies that affect overall enjoyment.
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging, with a perfect balance of challenge and fun that keeps you coming back for more.”
“I love how the mechanics are intuitive yet deep, allowing for a variety of strategies and playstyles.”
“The fluidity of the gameplay makes every action feel satisfying, and the controls are responsive and precise.”