Detective Case and Clown Bot in: The Express Killer
- July 19, 2018
- Nerd Monkeys
Get on SteamSomeone has been killing passengers on the express train from Lisbon to Porto, every single day since Tuesday! Someone needs to stop the killer! Detective Case and Clown Bot are back and… is that a kid in the logo?
Mac OS
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game features enjoyable character interactions and well-written dialogue.
- The soundtrack is excellent, incorporating upbeat music that enhances the experience.
- New mini-games and improved pacing add variety and fun to the gameplay.
- The pixel hunting mechanics are tedious and can be frustrating, especially with similar colors blending into the background.
- The story feels rushed and lacks the depth and engagement of its predecessor.
- There are issues with translation and misspellings that detract from the overall experience.
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise for its quality and diversity, featuring well-composed original soundtracks that include real instruments and genres like fado. Reviewers noted the upbeat, nostalgic feel of the music, which complements the retro cartoon-style graphics effectively. Overall, the soundtrack significantly enhances the gaming experience.
“They were well written and the music was also excellent.”
“Of course, there are massive upsides to this game too, like its soundtrack that includes fado music played on real instruments, for example.”
“The graphics are a very retro looking cartoon style and the music is upbeat old time music.”
“The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it feel monotonous after a while.”
“The soundtrack doesn't fit the game's theme, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The audio quality of the music is subpar, with noticeable distortion that is distracting.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story is described as initially engaging and fun, featuring a mix of humor and detective elements reminiscent of film noir. However, many reviewers felt that it ultimately lacked depth and failed to maintain the same captivating quality as its predecessor, with a quick start that led to a disappointing and abrupt conclusion. The narrative involves a classic whodunit scenario, but the execution left some players wanting more.
“The added mini-games were a nice feature and mixed different gameplay mechanics with the story, which was fun and enjoyable until the very end.”
“Just like in Christie's story, the detective case and clown bot are faced with a slew of suspects who all could have committed the heinous killings, and it is up to the player to figure out who the culprit might be.”
“The game as a whole felt smaller, and the story didn't capture the same feeling (film noir spiced with humor) as the first one.”
“The story started quite quickly, and the detective was thrown a new case almost as soon as they woke up from a hangover, but in the end, the story fell flat and ended as quickly as it started.”
“Just like in Christie’s story, the detective and clown bot are faced with a slew of suspects who all could have committed the heinous killings, and it is up to the player to figure out who the culprit might be.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its engaging mix of mini-games and diverse mechanics that enhance the story, providing a fun experience throughout. Players appreciate the nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic games, combined with innovative features that keep the gameplay fresh and intriguing.
“The added mini-games were a nice feature and mixed different gameplay mechanics with the story, which was fun and enjoyable till the very end.”
“As police captain Garcia is too busy to save patrons from their unwarranted demise, it is once again up to detective Justin Case and his mechanical sidekick, Clown Bot, to save the day.”
“What truly intrigues in 'The Express Killer' is its game mechanics.”
“An amazing throwback to a style of games you don't see anymore, yet with fresh new mechanics.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics feature a retro pixel art style that enhances the game's temporal theme, creating a vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere. While some users find the graphics infuriating due to their simplicity, others appreciate the upgraded cartoon aesthetic and its alignment with the upbeat music.
“Pina & company even amped up the art style from the last time.”
“The temporal theme of the game works really well with the art style used.”
“The graphics are a very retro looking cartoon style and the music is upbeat old-time music.”
“The graphics are a very retro-looking cartoon style, and the music is upbeat old-time music.”
“And as the teeth are white and the graphics are in a retro pixel style, this becomes infuriating.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious and frustrating, particularly because it is necessary to collect all items to progress, rather than just for optional hunting.
“If it was solely for hunting collectibles, then I wouldn't have minded too much, but the fact that you had to find all of them to progress in the game was quite tedious and annoying.”
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged with the story.”
“I found myself spending hours on tasks that felt more like chores than enjoyable gameplay.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a fun adventure experience infused with a strong element of Portuguese self-deprecating humor, enhancing its overall charm and entertainment value.
“A fun adventure game with a good dose of Portuguese self-deprecating humor.”
