Underdog Detective

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 118 reviews
  • story
  • humor
  • gameplay
Underdog Detective Game Cover
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In "Underdog Detective," players step into the shoes of a cynical yet honorable antique dealer and detective, investigating a devious conspiracy in the imperial capital. They'll solve puzzles, face traps, and make choices that determine life and death, all from a immersive first-person perspective. Quick Time Events add excitement as players seek out the conspirators and bring them to justice.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 118 reviews
story38 positive mentions
music3 negative mentions
  • The game features high production values with great acting, engaging visuals, and a captivating storyline that keeps players invested.
  • The interactive elements and unique deduction mechanisms provide a fun and immersive experience, making it feel like a blend of a game and a movie.
  • The humor and charm of the characters, along with the lighthearted storytelling, make it an enjoyable experience, especially for fans of C-Drama and similar genres.
  • The game is very linear, with choices leading to either progression or immediate failure, which may frustrate players looking for more complex decision-making.
  • Some technical issues and translation errors can detract from the experience, particularly for non-Chinese speakers, as certain parts may not be fully accessible.
  • The game is relatively short, and the requirement to purchase DLC for the complete story can be off-putting for some players.
  • story74 mentions

    The game's story is described as engaging and well-crafted, featuring a mix of humor and detective elements that keep players invested. While the narrative is primarily linear with choices leading to either progression or "bad endings," it is complemented by strong character development, impressive visuals, and high production values. Some players noted minor plot holes and a desire for a longer experience, but overall, the storytelling is praised as a highlight of the game.

    • “I thoroughly enjoyed this game with friends; the interaction mechanisms are unique and engaging, and the story itself is interesting.”
    • “Its enthralling storyline, coupled with impeccable acting and mind-blowing visuals, creates an unforgettable gaming journey that lingers in your thoughts long after you've put down the controller.”
    • “The storyline unfolds with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover what happens next.”
    • “The story is rather linear as it either results in a bad ending or continues the story.”
    • “It's very blatant that the DLC is needed for the complete story, and by the end of the third episode, most can easily determine whether the game is worthwhile to invest in.”
    • “Every outcome either proceeds the story or ends up as a 'bad ending'.”
  • humor21 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its charm, witty dialogue, and engaging characters that contribute to a fun and entertaining experience. The blend of humor with a captivating story and high-quality production values enhances the overall enjoyment, making it a standout feature of the game. Players appreciate the comedic elements, which often provide a delightful contrast to the game's detective themes.

    • “The acting is good, a lot of the characters are really charming and interesting, and the humor is really enjoyable.”
    • “Great acting and writing, captivating mysteries and puzzles, immersive visuals, genuinely hilarious and heartbreaking scenes - this game has it all and it does it all well.”
    • “It might not be a very complicated detective game I expected to play, but it is indeed an interesting and hilarious game with high movie quality.”
  • gameplay13 mentions

    The gameplay is primarily characterized as simple and akin to an interactive movie, with minimal challenge and limited player choices, resulting in a playthrough of about 4.5 to 8 hours. While it features unique puzzle-solving elements inspired by ancient Chinese culture, the overall experience leans more towards watching scenes unfold rather than engaging in complex gameplay mechanics. The production quality is noted for its strong acting and storytelling, but players should be aware of potential copyright issues when sharing content.

    • “The simple gameplay works the way it is intended to, understanding that any increment of complexity to the gameplay system will require much bigger production costs, especially relating to the acting, pacing, camera work, and scene setup costs.”
    • “The acting is nice and hammy, the story is interesting enough, and there's some decent gameplay moments that are more than just 'click choice'.”
    • “It features a captivating storyline, impactful gameplay, and flawless gaming mechanics that could easily translate into a great movie.”
    • “It is essentially a movie with minor gameplay interaction.”
    • “The whole thing was more like an interactive movie, meaning not much challenge in the gameplay.”
    • “Not a lot of choices to make for gameplay but more about sitting back and watching the scenes play out.”
  • graphics6 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning visuals and impressive art style, contributing to an immersive gaming experience. While the visuals are generally excellent, some users suggest that there is room for improvement, particularly on 4K displays. Overall, the combination of captivating graphics, strong acting, and engaging storytelling enhances the game's appeal.

    • “Its enthralling storyline, coupled with impeccable acting and mind-blowing visuals, create an unforgettable gaming journey that lingers in your thoughts long after you've put down the controller.”
    • “Excellent FMV game with great characters, decent story, and fantastic visuals.”
    • “Great acting and writing, captivating mysteries and puzzles, immersive visuals, genuinely hilarious and heartbreaking scenes - this game has it all and it does it all well.”
    • “The visuals can be improved on 4K cinematic displays.”
  • optimization5 mentions

    The game's optimization is generally regarded as decent, contributing to a solid overall performance. Players appreciate the high-quality performances and immersive experience, which enhance the game's appeal.

    • “The game is good and performance is decent.”
    • “The performance, plot, and scenes of the game are absolutely top-notch.”
    • “One of the most commendable aspects of the game is the astonishing performances delivered by the cast.”
  • emotional5 mentions

    The game excels in its emotional depth, featuring outstanding performances that create a cinematic experience, drawing players into a captivating and touching narrative. With a blend of humor and heartbreak, it offers a unique journey that resonates deeply, making it both heartwarming and profoundly impactful.

    • “This level of dedication from the actors truly elevates the game, making it a truly cinematic journey that you can't help but become emotionally invested in.”
    • “The emotional range and tone is amazing, and was unexpected.”
    • “A heartwarming and touching story that brings a lot of unique experience.”
  • music5 mentions

    The music in the game effectively complements the story and high-quality production design, enhancing the overall atmosphere. However, while the soundtrack is non-intrusive and sets the tone well, it lacks memorability and can sometimes overshadow dialogue due to sound mixing issues. Additionally, the presence of copyrighted music without an option to disable it poses a risk for content creators.

    • “The music suits the setting of the story very well; the prop designs, sets, and everything feels like a high-budget production.”
    • “The original soundtrack for this game is non-intrusive and enhances the scenes' tones, although it may not be memorable after finishing the game.”
    • “Like any budget TV show, the OST for this game is non-intrusive and helps enhance the scenes’ tones, but it’s something that you won’t remember after closing the game.”
    • “The sound mix can be a bit wonky, causing the spoken lines to be overshadowed by the music.”
    • “Playing this game could potentially lead to the shutdown of your channel, as there is no option to turn off copyrighted music within the game.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    The game is praised for its high production value and accessibility, making it an excellent choice for players seeking replayability and achievement hunting.

    • “Does it have replay value?”
    • “This FMV is easily the best offered on Steam due to its extremely high production value and accessibility for replayability and achievement hunting.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    Reviewers note a significant shift in atmosphere early in the game, indicating a dramatic change in tone and feel that may surprise players.

    • “The atmosphere shifts dramatically early on, creating a captivating and immersive experience.”
    • “The game's ambiance is incredibly rich, drawing players into its unique world.”
    • “From the moment you start, the atmosphere envelops you, making every moment feel intense and engaging.”
    • “Although really early on, it does a complete 180 in terms of the atmosphere and feel.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Users report stability issues, particularly for Linux and Steam Deck users, experiencing crashes and freezes, especially noted in chapter 2. These problems are primarily linked to compatibility with Proton.

    • “The last con is that it has problems with Proton, so if you are a Linux or Steam Deck user, you will experience crashes or freezes here and there, especially in Chapter 2 where it freezes at the beginning.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

8hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
6-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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