Case Files: Behind Closed Doors
- April 11, 2024
- Think Ten Media Group
Get on Steam"Case Files: Behind Closed Doors" is a narrative-driven detective game where players must solve an abusive boyfriend's murder. By examining evidence, finding contradictions in suspect interviews, and making key decisions, players will determine the guilt of one of four suspects and ensure justice is served. With multiple endings and alternate interview clips, replayability is encouraged.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Engaging and immersive gameplay that makes players feel like real detectives, with a strong narrative and meaningful choices.
- High-quality FMV visuals and strong performances from the cast enhance the overall experience.
- Multiple endings and replay value encourage players to revisit the game and explore different outcomes.
- Limited gameplay mechanics and interactivity, leading to a somewhat linear experience that may feel repetitive.
- Some plot holes and questionable writing choices detract from the overall narrative coherence.
- The pacing can be slow, with long video clips and minimal player agency during interrogations.
- gameplay22 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the immersive detective experience and the blend of live-action video with first-person elements, which enhances the mystery-solving aspect. However, many criticize the lack of meaningful mechanics and interactivity, often feeling that the gameplay is limited to watching videos and answering questions without enough engaging challenges. Overall, while the narrative and decision-making elements are praised, the gameplay mechanics leave much to be desired.
“The gameplay makes you feel like a legit detective, right down to the 'aha!' moments and occasional overconfidence.”
“The mix of FMV and first-person graphical gameplay was a pleasant surprise, blending naturally and enhancing the experience as I delved into the mystery.”
“Its engaging gameplay, strong narrative, and multiple endings make it worthwhile for fans of investigative games.”
“Mechanics: there are no meaningful mechanics to be found in cfbcd.”
“Literally the entire gameplay consists of watching a live-action video that's between 4-10 minutes, then answering a question.”
“The gameplay consists of document dumping, listening to a 15 minute interview, and answering one question, usually not the one you'd want to ask.”
- story15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally well-received, with a believable environment that enhances the narrative and engaging character development, particularly with characters like Charles and Janice. While some players noted minor plot holes and a lack of variety in outcomes, these issues are not significant enough to detract from the overall immersive experience. However, opinions on specific story arcs, such as Noire's, vary, with some players expressing disappointment in their resolution.
“This game manages to strike a solid balance, though the writing occasionally has minor plot holes or leaves you wondering, 'wouldn't they just check this…?' Fortunately, these moments are rare and not enough to spoil the experience.”
“The developers have done an excellent job of creating a believable environment that enhances the storytelling.”
“I found myself getting especially invested in the case and characters, enjoying the longer format of the game and intently hanging on to every story detail.”
“That part of the plot seemed deliberately stupid, but it could have been explained with the killer's naivete.”
“Noire and her story (I wasn't a fan of her story after I reached the end, for what it's worth).”
“It could really use more interesting outcomes and more variety in both the story and gameplay.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are praised for their realistic full-motion video (FMV) visuals, which significantly enhance the immersive experience. The user interface is also noted for its interactivity, reminiscent of "Deep Rock Galactic," and the blend of FMV with first-person gameplay is seen as a pleasant surprise that enriches the overall experience. Overall, the graphics quality is rated 7/10.
“The mix of FMV and first-person graphical gameplay was a pleasant surprise, blending naturally and enhancing the experience as I delved into the mystery.”
“The FMV visuals are realistic and contribute greatly to the immersive experience.”
“More so than graphical fidelity, I have to give kudos to the UI - it reminds me of Deep Rock Galactic how much of the interactivity takes place on in-game monitor buttons.”
“+ realistic FMV visuals.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is generally well-received, with users reporting no performance issues or bugs. The graphics quality is rated at 7/10, indicating a solid but not exceptional visual experience. Overall, the game runs smoothly, contributing to an engaging gameplay experience.
“Performance: no issues with performance and I noticed no bugs.”
“Performance: no issues with performance and I noticed no bugs.”
“Graphics quality and performance are rated 7/10.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the impactful performances of characters like Charles and Janice, whose delivery enhances the narrative depth. Players feel deeply engaged in the investigation, as the game encourages critical thinking while also emphasizing the importance of emotional cues in storytelling.
“The game requires critical thinking, and I appreciated how it made me feel deeply involved in the investigation.”
“Charles and Janice were both top notch; the emotional delivery and range they showed really added a ton of depth to the story itself.”
- music3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game received a low score of 6/10, with multiple users noting that they did not notice any music at all during gameplay. This suggests a lack of impactful or memorable musical elements in the overall experience.
“Music: I didn’t notice any music.”
“Music: I didn’t notice any music.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability through multiple endings and branching paths, allowing players to unlock alternate interview clips and experience different storylines. This encourages revisiting the game for a fresh experience with each playthrough.
“Two endings and paths provide good replay value.”
“Multiple endings add to the replay value.”
“The replay value is significant, as you can revisit the game to unlock alternate interview clips and explore different paths.”
“Multiple endings add replay value.”
