The USB Stick Found in the Grass
- January 29, 2021
- Marcin Borkowski
Get on SteamThe USB Stick Found in the Grass is a forensic puzzle that simulates investigating a USB stick as a police officer. Using your own computer's tools, you'll analyze the stick's contents to solve a potential crime. The game aims for realism, with no intrinsic limitations and fully functional tools, making it a unique and challenging experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique concept of simulating a forensic investigation by browsing through a virtual USB drive, which adds a layer of realism.
- The diary included in the game is well-written and provides an intriguing story that some players found engaging.
- Players appreciated the challenge of solving the puzzles, even if they found the execution lacking.
- The game requires admin permissions and installs additional software, raising security concerns for many players.
- The gameplay primarily revolves around reading a lengthy diary and solving trivial password puzzles, which many found tedious and unsatisfying.
- The lack of a satisfying conclusion or payoff after the effort put into the game left many players feeling disappointed.
- story60 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story is often described as lacking depth and resolution, with many players feeling it resembles more of a reading experience than an engaging narrative. While some appreciate the diary's writing and the intrigue of piecing together the backstory, the overall execution leaves much to be desired, as it fails to provide satisfying gameplay or a coherent conclusion. Many reviewers suggest that the story could have been more effectively integrated into the gameplay, rather than relying heavily on a lengthy document that does not fully engage players.
“The backstory has tons of information in it, more than is needed to simply 'unzip the files', and it really gives this game an amazing story.”
“Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, and the entertainment the story gave me.”
“By reading the diary, which contains a nicely written story, you can get a sense of what probably happened on the day somebody might have seen someone allegedly being harmed.”
“There's no real achievement in completing it as the story is the story without an ending.”
“Game was boring and the diary is 25 pages long and nothing was really leading to find the passwords or the story in the game.”
“But the inconsistent breaking of the fourth wall and the lack of resolution to the story ultimately produces little enjoyment from investing or solving the riddles presented.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is largely criticized for its lack of traditional mechanics, primarily revolving around deciphering passwords from diary entries and browsing multimedia content rather than offering interactive challenges. Many reviewers feel it resembles more of a multimedia experience than a true game, with minimal engagement and little to no actual gameplay elements. Overall, the experience is seen as unique but ultimately unsatisfying for those seeking conventional gameplay.
“Ok puzzle, different mechanics, fun.”
“This is probably one of the most unique gameplay experiences I've ever had.”
“[the USB stick] is more aptly described as a 'multimedia experience' than a 'videogame,' because the gameplay here is browsing through the different media present - namely the lengthy diary.”
“The gameplay mostly boils down to deciphering passwords from diary entries and doesn't utilize much else on the USB.”
“Seems the dev spent the whole budget on the video at the bridge and had nothing else for the gameplay in the end.”
“Neither offer much in terms of actual gameplay; you're just given the opportunity to go through a bunch of short video clips and a diary in hopes of piecing together the story.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report a mix of emotions while engaging with the game, feeling both a sense of thrill and irresponsibility due to the potential risks involved. The experience evokes feelings of being a detective, with emotional highs tied to uncovering the story, despite some concerns about security and intelligence. Overall, the emotional journey is engaging, albeit tinged with apprehension.
“Made me feel like a real detective, but less smart.”
“Enjoyed the ride though, definitely had emotional responses going throughout uncovering the story.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while some puzzles are manageable, one particularly tedious challenge can lead to frustration and the temptation to cheat. Overall, the grinding can feel both boring and fascinating, depending on the task at hand.
“Somehow boring and tedious, somehow fascinating.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore that takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay engaged with the storyline.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is noted for its initial creepiness, enhanced by effective sound design, but ultimately suffers from a lack of engaging stimuli and video content, leaving players feeling disconnected and unimmersed.
“The atmosphere was incredibly immersive, with the sound design enhancing the eerie feeling throughout the game.”
“The lack of distractions allowed me to fully appreciate the haunting ambiance, making the experience all the more captivating.”
“The auditory elements, like the sound of the computer, contributed significantly to the creepy atmosphere, drawing me deeper into the story.”
“No video packages besides the beginning, no other stimuli at all. Her story was so good at auditory perception, the sound of the computer, etc. The atmosphere was creepy, but there was nothing that could draw you into the game.”
“The environment felt lifeless and uninspired, lacking any real sense of immersion or tension.”
“Despite the potential for a haunting atmosphere, the game fell flat with repetitive sound design and dull visuals.”
