Methods: The Canada Files
- February 1, 2023
- LockedOn Games
Get on SteamMethods: The Canada Files is a mystery visual novel set three years before the events of Methods. In the last few stages of the Canadian detective competition, Detective Larika Downs is determined to discover the truth at all costs!
Reviews
- The story is engaging and well-written, with a fantastic premise that builds on the original game and offers unique subplots.
- The art and music are phenomenal, with beautiful character designs and a grand, cinematic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- The game features a diverse cast of characters, particularly strong female characters, and the dynamics within Team Tads are a highlight.
- The updates for the game take a while, which can be frustrating for fans eagerly awaiting new content.
- Some gameplay mechanics, such as the minigames and the main interrogation UI, are clunky and could use improvement.
- Certain clues can lead to a big jump in logic, making it feel like the truth is known before the clues directly indicate it.
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story of *Methods: The Canada Files* revolves around a captivating Canadian detective competition where teams solve intricate murder mysteries, featuring a central plot that is both engaging and enriched by unique subplots. While it serves as a standalone narrative, players familiar with the original game will appreciate deeper context and references, enhancing their experience. The game is praised for its strong character development, particularly its diverse female cast, and overall fantastic storytelling, despite some minor gameplay issues.
“The story tells the events of a mysterious Canadian detective competition, where detective teams compete against each other in solving constructed murder mysteries.”
“Its central plot of progressing through and investigating the competition is highly engaging, and the subplots are all unique and fascinating (and never-before-seen).”
“Fantastic storytelling and characters!”
“The story of [i]Methods: The Canada Files[/i] is awesome.”
“[i]Canada Files[/i] works well enough as a standalone story, but not having played the original game, one would miss references, context, and information, which would probably prevent the full experience.”
“It's would be fun if there's some rewards or punishment to get the answer correct/wrong and for the story I really like it.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring grand and cinematic soundtracks that enhance the emotional impact of key scenes. Players particularly praise tracks like "refutation," "brainmapping," and the emotionally charged "joane introduction" and "traitor," highlighting the developer's ability to seamlessly integrate music with the narrative. Overall, the art and music are regarded as phenomenal.
“The music is a major upgrade from methods, in my opinion, because it is so much grander and more cinematic.”
“All of the soundtracks are awesome, with some of my favorites being 'Refutation', 'Brainmapping', and 'Shift Your View' (file 03 spoiler).”
“Also, the developer of the game said that by writing and composing for the game, they can really make the music tracks fit each scene, and that definitely comes across.”
“The music for important and emotional scenes are the best tracks in the game: case in point, [spoiler]Joane introduction[/spoiler] (file 02 spoiler) and [spoiler]traitor[/spoiler] (file 03 spoiler).”
“The music is a major upgrade from [i]methods[/i], in my opinion, because it is so much grander and more cinematic.”
“Also, the developer of the game said that, doing the writing and composing for the game, they can really make the music tracks fit each scene, and that definitely comes across.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Methods: The Canada Files* is centered around mystery-solving through deduction mechanics, enhanced by interactive features that engage players in the narrative. As a visual novel, it combines storytelling with gameplay elements that encourage critical thinking and exploration.
“The gameplay in [i]Methods: The Canada Files[/i] is engaging, combining mystery-solving deduction mechanics with interactive features that keep you invested in the story.”
“I love how the gameplay encourages critical thinking and exploration, making every decision feel impactful.”
“The interactive elements of the game enhance the overall experience, allowing players to immerse themselves fully in the mystery.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight that the game's music significantly enhances emotional moments, with standout tracks accompanying key scenes such as Joane's introduction and the traitor reveal, effectively deepening the overall emotional impact.
“The music for important and emotional scenes is the best in the game; for example, the introduction of Joane and the 'Traitor' scene are standout moments.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers note a significant enhancement in graphics, highlighting improved graphical flair and animation that contribute to a more immersive experience, particularly in the context of more complex puzzles.
“The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the world to life.”
“The animations are smooth and add a layer of immersion that enhances the overall experience.”
“The visual design is impressive, showcasing a unique art style that captivates players.”
