Detective Penguin

About

Detective Penguin is a single player casual action adventure game. It was developed by That Other Fish and was released on April 15, 2025. It received very positive reviews from players.

Detective Penguin lets you step into the flippers of Detective Nooter, solving mysteries in Penguin Village through clever investigation or direct confrontation. Interrogate suspects, find clues, and explore a charming world filled with quirky characters and multiple side cases. Customize your penguin detective and uncover the truth behind the Missing Mackerel.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 36 reviews

story15 positive mentions

stability2 negative mentions

The game features a unique and humorous story with lovable characters, making it a fun experience for players.
The gameplay is enjoyable with a good blend of freedom and structured storytelling, allowing for exploration of a quirky penguin society.
Despite some bugs, the developers are responsive and actively working on improvements, which adds to the overall positive experience.

The game suffers from various glitches and jankiness that can detract from the overall experience, particularly during movement and physics challenges.
Some players found the horror elements, particularly the creepy fish, to be off-putting and not in line with the game's otherwise lighthearted tone.
The game can feel linear and overly guided, with some players expressing disappointment in the lack of true detective gameplay and fetch quest mechanics.

story
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
71%
15%
14%
The game's story is praised for its engaging blend of humor and seriousness, with well-developed characters and a charming atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. While some players noted a slow start, the narrative picks up in the second half, offering enjoyable twists and a lighthearted tone. Overall, the storytelling and world-building are highlighted as standout features, making for a fun and immersive adventure.
- “I love that it knew just when to take its characters and plot seriously and when to play fast and loose.”
- “Genuinely thought-provoking and interesting story.”
- “But seriously great game, very well written and interesting story, well fleshed out characters and it looks great.”
- “I also have one small and one big story-based complaint.”
- “Still very funny moments and wacky physics/tone but able to tell a darker story anyways.”
- “I haven't gotten too far into the game yet, but I am loving the story so far.”
humor
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is consistently praised for its charm and effectiveness, with witty dialogue and funny characters enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the blend of lighthearted moments and darker storytelling, alongside amusing minigames and engaging fetch quests. Overall, the game's humor is a standout feature, contributing significantly to its enjoyment.
- “The characters and dialogue have a very specific sense of humor that works really well.”
- “Charming little detective game with lots of humor, funny minigames, and a decent story.”
- “The writing has also made me laugh quite a few times now.”
gameplay
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
28%
29%
The gameplay is simple yet engaging, featuring smooth mechanics and enjoyable side missions that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the lighthearted humor, memorable cutscenes, and unique elements like the mind room mechanic, which contribute to a magical atmosphere. Overall, the game is a delightful spin-off of Penguin Heist, offering a refreshing take on gameplay with a strong emphasis on music and humor.
- “It plays easily and somewhat smoothly, less janky than Penguin Heist sometimes felt. There are a few side missions to do; overall, very enjoyable gameplay, not stressful or anything.”
- “I really liked the mind room mechanic and I was sincerely astonished after entering the echo chamber in the 'space' parkour scene with Fabrizio's music band playing. That's exactly the moment I thought, 'Yeah, this game is pure magic.'”
- “The gameplay is pretty simple but is interspersed with little challenges.”
- “Overall, I love the cutscenes, the gameplay, the music (especially the music, it is amazing), and of course, the nooting.”
music
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
86%
14%
The music in the game is consistently praised as fantastic and integral to the overall experience, enhancing both the gameplay and emotional moments. Players highlight specific scenes where the music elevates the atmosphere, contributing to a sense of magic and immersion. Overall, the soundtrack is a standout feature that complements the engaging story and lovable characters.
- “The music is fantastic and the characters are loveable.”
- “Music was amazing, great game and story 10/10.”
- “Overall, I love the cutscenes, the gameplay, the music (especially the music, it is *amazing*), and of course, the nooting.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game suffers from numerous physics glitches that significantly impact stability, and players suggest that replacing certain game elements could improve the overall experience.
- “This game could really be fixed if they changed the fishing mechanics to something else and addressed the glitches.”
- “Be warned of lots of physics glitches though.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its engaging storytelling and emotional intensity, particularly during key events, creating an immersive experience for players.
- “I've really enjoyed the story and atmosphere so far.”
- “Cute story writing, and good intensity and atmosphere around key events.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express that the game delivers a strong emotional experience, evoking feelings of pleasure, amazement, and happiness, making it a worthwhile investment for its price.
- “Undoubtedly among the best €5 I've ever spent. Only a few games, including 'The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time,' have made me feel so pleased, amazed, and happy to spend a few bucks.”