The Rise of the Golden Idol

97%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,542 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
The Rise of the Golden Idol Game Cover
Rise of the Golden Idol is a brilliant sequel that expands the definition of what a deduction game can be.
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In "The Rise of the Golden Idol," players investigate a series of 20 interconnected crimes, deaths, and suspicious occurrences spanning across an era filled with hallucinogens, disco, and fax machines. As an observer, you must piece together clues and make sense of a larger mystery centered around the all-powerful Idol. The game offers players the freedom to explore crime scenes and form their own theories, providing a unique detective experience.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Android
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,542 reviews
story236 positive mentions
grinding17 negative mentions
  • The game features clever and engaging puzzles that provide satisfying 'aha!' moments.
  • The art style and music have been improved, creating a more immersive experience.
  • The story is intriguing and well-written, with a satisfying conclusion that ties together various plot threads.
  • The game is generally easier than its predecessor, which may disappoint some players looking for a greater challenge.
  • The UI can be clunky and overwhelming at times, making it difficult to manage multiple windows and clues.
  • Some puzzles require very specific wording for answers, which can lead to frustration when players know the solution but struggle to phrase it correctly.
  • story789 mentions

    The story in "Rise of the Golden Idol" is generally seen as a continuation of the engaging narrative established in its predecessor, though opinions vary on its effectiveness. While some players appreciate the intricate, non-linear storytelling and the way individual cases connect to a larger plot, others find the overall narrative less compelling and more convoluted, with several filler episodes that detract from the main storyline. Despite these criticisms, many agree that the game still offers satisfying twists and a rewarding experience as players piece together the overarching mystery.

    • “The story is gripping, the characters fascinating, the gameplay is once again a masterclass of deductive and intuitive design.”
    • “The story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing, with numerous twists and turns that are both surprising and satisfying.”
    • “The story is so well written, my mind was in both a 'no way' and 'I knew it' state towards the conclusion.”
    • “However, the content of the puzzles - the meaning of the mysteries and the overarching plot - is rather boring and unsatisfying.”
    • “A lot of the story being told, however, is much more bland and forgettable, which is disappointing.”
    • “The story is broken up into more digestible chunks, featuring a summary puzzle at the end of each chapter, which helps check your knowledge before progressing (although some prefer this deduction to be more implicit, like in the first game).”
  • graphics216 mentions

    The graphics in "Rise of the Golden Idol" have received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the updated art style that moves away from the original's pixel art to a more polished, painterly aesthetic, while others feel it lacks the charm and distinctiveness of its predecessor. Many commend the improved user interface and the vibrant, quirky visuals that enhance the game's atmosphere, though some express a preference for the original's retro style. Overall, the new graphics are seen as a significant evolution, though opinions vary on whether they surpass the original's unique appeal.

    • “The artwork is beautifully drawn and the scenarios are exquisitely well thought-out.”
    • “The art style is much more tolerable to look at than the original as well.”
    • “The art style has received an update and is a joy to behold.”
    • “I also want to comment on the visuals, which in my opinion is a huge downgrade.”
    • “The story, UI, art style, and difficulty all took major steps back in this release.”
    • “My only disappointment is everything but the puzzles - the soundtrack and the art style nosedive really hard compared to the case.”
  • gameplay188 mentions

    The gameplay in "Rise of the Golden Idol" retains the core mechanics of its predecessor while introducing several improvements and new features, such as batch keyword collection and chapter-wide puzzles that enhance the deductive reasoning experience. Players appreciate the diverse puzzle types and the engaging narrative, although some feel the difficulty has increased and the story is less cohesive than in the first game. Overall, the sequel successfully builds on the original's strengths, offering a satisfying blend of challenging puzzles and a quirky storyline.

    • “The gameplay perfectly pulls off the feat of having puzzles feel challenging but not unfair, and one feels immensely clever when they make some deduction by connecting the dots between a scattered bit of dialogue and something that a different character carries in their pocket.”
    • “Gameplay has improved from the first game, with less clicking around and more need to think about the links between people and objects in different chapters.”
    • “Fantastic sequel, keeping the core gameplay and quality while expanding on the lore, ideas, mechanics, and so much more.”
    • “The gameplay is the same but is more focused and has a more even level of quality.”
    • “The gameplay remains the same as 'Case of the Golden Idol' where you're filling in panels after being shown a 'diorama' of sorts of a singular snapshot in time.”
    • “The gameplay—specifically the 'scenario deduction' aspect—is just as strong as in the first game, though not better, which left me slightly disappointed.”
  • music125 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it is generally good and complements the gameplay, it lacks the memorable and impactful quality of the original game's soundtrack. Some appreciate the diverse and atmospheric tracks that enhance the game's setting, while others feel it falls short in comparison to the previous installment, particularly missing the charm and distinctiveness of the first game's music. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a solid addition, but opinions vary on its effectiveness and memorability.

    • “The music was captivating, and I couldn't stop playing - I wanted to see how Cloudsley and company keep getting away with it.”
    • “The music is diverse and atmospheric, making each case feel like a new experience.”
    • “The atmosphere of the whole story and also the individual levels is great; the music adds so much to it.”
    • “Starting off with no memorable musical pieces (not a single banger like 'Crowning Celebration' seriously?) I was prepared for further let-downs early on.”
    • “However, it lacks some of the charm, storytelling depth, and musical impact that made the original so great.”
    • “The music is competent, but I found it a bit of a step down from the previous game, though as an atmospheric backdrop for the cases it's plenty effective.”
  • grinding19 mentions

    Overall, players have mixed feelings about the grinding aspect of the game. While some find the puzzles challenging and rewarding, others describe certain elements as tedious, particularly when it comes to recalling clues and navigating the interface. The game manages to balance difficulty and engagement, but there are moments where the experience can feel frustratingly repetitive or unnecessarily complicated.

    • “It feels very rewarding, and the difficulty is just at the right level to be stimulating, but not tedious, so the temptation to do one more level is always high, even though playing this game requires constant focus.”
    • “Once again a genius puzzle game, that is smart and not tedious like most others.”
    • “The cases which stretch over 20 mini cases also need you to recall and pick up on hints that link to the final case, which can be tedious and at times frustrating if you stop and play over a period and forget some clues.”
    • “Translation problem aside, I'm always feeling like I'm grinding through deduction puzzles; the story just is not that engaging.”
    • “I appreciate that it makes the game harder (albeit, artificially), but more than anything, it's just tedious and frustrating.”
  • atmosphere19 mentions

    The atmosphere in the sequel, "Rise of the Golden Idol," is generally praised for its captivating and quirky elements, though some reviewers feel it lacks the distinctiveness and depth of the original game's soundtrack and overarching plot. While the music is effective and contributes to the atmosphere, it is seen as a step down from the first game, which had a more sinister and cohesive vibe. Overall, the sequel maintains a strong atmosphere with memorable levels and intriguing scenarios, but some players miss the political intrigue and emotional weight that characterized the first installment.

    • “It's a great game with a captivating atmosphere and interesting puzzles.”
    • “The music is diverse and atmospheric, making each case feel like a new experience.”
    • “A sequel of the Case of the Golden Idol that revolutionized the detective game genre, Rise manages to expand upon the concept of the original while maintaining the grotesque atmosphere that made the original so iconic.”
    • “That said, I missed the distinct vibes of Kyle Misko’s soundtrack from the first game, which added so much to its atmosphere.”
    • “This game starts out with incredibly thick atmosphere, lots of mysterious deaths that really get intrigue going, and then it all grinds to a halt halfway through the game as you solve a bunch of relatively minor incidents that have next to no weight. I mean, one of the cases boils down to accidental vandalism. Regardless of the grand story it's trying to tell, that's boring and it feels like a waste of my time.”
    • “I had hoped they'd lean more into the 'dystopian 70's corporate America' aesthetic to inform the game's atmosphere and design.”
  • emotional15 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by a mix of triumph and nostalgia, as players feel challenged yet victorious when solving puzzles, leading to a deeper investment in the narrative and characters. The ending is noted for its surprising emotional weight, contrasting with the game's whimsical tone, and while some players felt a lack of catharsis, many expressed strong emotional responses, including tears, particularly due to the connections formed with recurring characters and the intricate plot twists. Overall, the game successfully evokes a range of emotions, leaving players eager for more content.

    • “And his household in case, and having that familiarity made many moments in late game have the kind of narrative weight that intrigues my emotional response.”
    • “The ending is also surprisingly touching and serious compared to the series's overall whimsical tone.”
    • “I cried when I beat it but remembered we’re also getting DLC for this game with more cases so I stopped crying.”
  • humor12 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its originality and cleverness, with players enjoying the funny scenarios and characters that enhance the puzzle-solving experience. While some reviews note a shift from dark humor to more slapstick elements, the overall consensus is that the game successfully blends humor with engaging gameplay, making it both entertaining and memorable. Additionally, the humorous nature of both positive and negative reviews reflects the game's ability to elicit laughter and enjoyment from its audience.

    • “Great puzzles and funny scenarios.”
    • “Thoughtful and funny puzzles.”
    • “Very original writing, funny characters and some occasional references to Aurelius Whitlock's Murder Museum podcast, which I was very excited about when I discovered them!”
  • character development5 mentions

    Character development in the sequel has received mixed reviews; while some players feel a deeper attachment to the characters compared to the original, others criticize the tonal shift and lack of specific character arcs, leading to a diminished emotional investment. Additionally, the character designs have been described as less appealing and the animations as subpar, further detracting from the overall development experience.

    • “Another thing to mention, I've gotten attached to the characters in this game so much more than the first game, so with character development, this game has exceeded its predecessor.”
    • “The character designs in Rise still maintain that distinct, almost grotesque, look to them that made the original attractive to me.”
    • “Many negative reviews so far are along the lines of 'I liked the first game, but the tone of the sequel isn't quite the same, therefore the game is bad': the critique is somewhat fair, since this game is notably tonally different from the original, with less specific character development and fewer murder cases in favor of highlighting other themes.”
    • “It’s not just the shift away from pixel art; the character designs are uglier, stranger, and the animations feel painfully amateurish.”
    • “There is no character development at all for those involved and we have no reason to care about them or the twist at the end.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game is perceived as a cash grab, primarily driven by the financial backing of a publisher, which detracts from the overall experience. Players express skepticism about the game's value, especially in light of its promotional claims of being "bigger" than its predecessor.

    • “It comes off more as a cash grab than wanting to have a proper payoff.”
    • “It's a clear cash grab thanks to the financial backing of a publisher.”
    • “I was a tad hesitant about this upcoming game, especially with its advertisements saying it was 'bigger' than before.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game offers limited replayability due to its mystery format, which typically doesn't lend itself to multiple playthroughs. However, the promise of additional DLCs with new cases enhances its value for fans of the genre, making it a worthwhile purchase despite its inherent replay limitations.

    • “I loved the first game, but due to it being a mystery game, there is basically no replayability. The DLCs promise more cases to solve in a similar style, which is literally all anyone could ask of this game.”
    • “I look forward to the DLCs, and it's tragic that this kind of game lacks replayability by design. I cannot get enough of games like this.”
  • stability2 mentions

    Overall, users report that the game experiences minor glitches and bugs that detract from the overall enjoyment, particularly due to a problematic user interface and long loading times. While there is hope for future fixes, the current stability issues significantly impact gameplay.

    • “The UI seems to be a downgrade since it's so buggy and unclean that it quite ruins the fun (clue text pierces into the wrong layers, non-fullscreen cover background, very long loading screens, accidentally acquired clue text, etc.).”
    • “It also has some minor glitches, but they'll probably fix them soon.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    Many users express concerns that the game lacks proper optimization, indicating a need for improvements, especially in light of upcoming DLCs.

    • “The game feels like it's not optimized.”
    • “I hope it gets optimized for the DLCs to come.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

77% average critic score

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Play time

10hMedian play time
10hAverage play time
8-12hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs

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