How to shoot a criminal

About

How to shoot a criminal is a single player simulation game. It was developed by Pandorica and was released on January 20, 2017. It received neutral reviews from players.

Plunge into the dark ambiance of the 30's through the memories of a journalist working under an out-of-control editor who has become dangerous. Find the videos, the records, the radio programs and the reporter's notebooks. Piece the story of a unique newspaper together. Unlock its secrets. Bring it down from the inside.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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60%

Audience ScoreBased on 10 reviews

graphics2 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game features a unique and classy black and white aesthetic, enhancing the immersive experience.
The gameplay is refreshing and original, combining elements of investigation and narrative storytelling.
The historical research and emotional depth of the characters contribute to a compelling story.

The lack of proper translation significantly hinders gameplay, making it difficult for non-French speakers to fully engage with the story.
Some gameplay mechanics, such as keyword searches, can be frustrating and lead to confusion.
The game suffers from editing issues and a lack of focus on key characters, which detracts from the overall experience.

story
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
40%
30%
The story aspect of the game draws clear inspiration from "Her Story," featuring a blend of video footage and emotional scenes that enhance the narrative experience. While some players appreciate the flow and investigative elements, others criticize the editing and feel that the game fails to fully capitalize on its promising mechanics, ultimately leading to a less enjoyable experience compared to its predecessor.
- “On one hand, some of the searches are a bit frustrating, but there is a real flow in the story.”
- “The inspiration from her story is obvious, but I liked how they went further: there aren't just videos, there are small scenes, sometimes really emotional - I really enjoyed those with Winsmay.”
- “But the main interest of this game is the fact that you investigate and piece the story together watching videos (I mean real footage with real actors!).”
- “However, I find that 'How to Shoot a Criminal' does well in some places where 'Her Story' didn't.”
- “At the end, 'How to Shoot a Criminal' seems to focus more on recreating the mechanics of 'Her Story', rather than expanding on their own tools, which looked very promising from the get-go.”
- “However, playing it was another story.”
gameplay
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
37%
38%
The gameplay is a unique blend of Cluedo and a Google search, offering a refreshing departure from typical gaming experiences. However, some players criticize the execution, noting poor editing that detracts from enjoyment and makes it feel less polished than similar titles like "Her Story." While the mechanics can be challenging, they also provide an engaging experience for those who appreciate a more cerebral approach to gameplay.
- “The gameplay is a mix between Cluedo and your everyday Google search.”
- “The gameplay is really different from your average game; it's refreshing.”
- “Which is something I have never had an issue with; however, it directly impacts gameplay in an extremely negative way.”
- “It has taken the awesome mechanics from Her Story and made them impossible to enjoy due to poor editing, and not only that, they made it cost more than the better game as well.”
- “How to shoot a criminal's gameplay is pretty straightforward, searching various keywords to have articles, notes, or records show up in increments of four.”
graphics
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The graphics are praised for their elegant aesthetic and effective portrayal of a dark, thriller-like atmosphere, enhancing the overall theme of the game. Users appreciate the thoughtful design that complements the scenario.
- “The whole aesthetic was pretty interesting, quite elegant, really fitting the theme.”
- “What I liked: Clearly, the scenario, the dark atmosphere (it's like a thriller) and the graphic designs.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the emotional depth of the game, noting that it goes beyond mere storytelling with impactful scenes that resonate deeply, particularly in moments involving the character Wimsay. The integration of these emotional elements enhances the overall experience, making it more engaging and memorable.
- “The inspiration from her story is obvious, but I liked how they went further: there aren't just videos, there are small scenes, sometimes really emotional - I really enjoyed those with Winsmay.”
- “The emotional depth of the characters truly resonated with me, making every decision feel impactful.”
- “I was genuinely moved by the storyline; it tugged at my heartstrings and left a lasting impression.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
Reviewers praise the game's atmosphere for its immersive dark and thrilling scenario, complemented by impressive graphic designs that enhance the overall experience.
- “I loved the scenario and the dark atmosphere; it feels like a thrilling experience enhanced by the stunning graphic designs.”
- “The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into a world filled with tension and suspense.”
- “Every detail contributes to a haunting ambiance that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
- “The atmosphere feels lifeless and uninspired, lacking the tension and immersion I expected.”
- “Despite the dark setting, the atmosphere fails to evoke any real sense of fear or excitement.”
- “The game tries to create a moody atmosphere, but it ends up feeling flat and unengaging.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
The music in the game is noted for its lack of distinct musical identity, primarily featuring ambient sounds that create a background atmosphere rather than a memorable score. This results in a somewhat muted audio experience, as players often find themselves in a blend of video and audio without strong musical themes.
- “The ambient music creates a perfect backdrop, ensuring that the experience is never completely quiet.”
- “The soundtrack enhances the overall atmosphere, making every moment feel more immersive.”
- “I love how the music complements the gameplay, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.”
- “For instance, there is a lack of musical identity.”
- “The ambient music feels generic and fails to enhance the overall experience.”
- “The soundtrack is forgettable and does not leave a lasting impression.”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Overall, users report minimal performance issues during gameplay, indicating that the game's optimization is generally effective.
- “There are not many performance issues, especially in-game.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players generally find the game's replayability to be high, thanks to multiple endings, diverse character choices, and varying gameplay strategies that encourage multiple playthroughs. Many reviewers appreciate the added content and challenges that keep the experience fresh, making it enjoyable to revisit. However, some note that certain elements may feel repetitive after several runs.