Video games, as a medium, are a unique form of art. They serve as platforms for escapism, providing immersive experiences that captivate players and keep them returning for more. However, not all games achieve this level of engagement. “Detective Minerva Case” by K148 Games Studio, unfortunately, falls into the category of games that miss the mark.
To begin with, the storyline of “Detective Minerva Case” is bewildering and poorly developed. Players are thrust into the narrative with minimal context, introduced by a voiceover that resembles the robotic tones of Microsoft’s read-aloud feature. The premise is simple: you play as a detective in a futuristic setting, tasked with solving a murder. Beyond this basic setup, the plot is thin and unengaging, failing to draw players into its world.
The gameplay involves visiting various locations to find clues related to each case. However, finding these clues is far from challenging. You merely walk around the crime scene, and clues automatically unlock without any real effort. There is a counter indicating the number of clues you need to find, but this mechanic offers no real difficulty or sense of accomplishment. Once all clues are collected, you return to the office to arrange them on a timeline board. This task is equally undemanding; in one instance, the clues were already in the correct order, removing any need for critical thinking or problem-solving.
The overarching narrative revolves around tracking down an individual who is killing people to reach an A.I. named Minerva. At the game’s conclusion, players face a choice: take a blue pill to save Minerva or a red pill, leading to the A.I. launching every nuke on the planet in a bid for revenge against humanity. This plot twist, reminiscent of “The Matrix,” feels underwhelming and more like a teaser than a fully fleshed-out story. It lacks the depth and emotional weight needed to make such a dramatic decision impactful.
As for the game’s length, it is disappointingly short. Speedrunning the game can take as little as 12 minutes, while a regular playthrough took me just 34 minutes. This brevity is inadequate for a meaningful gaming experience, leaving little room for character development, plot twists, or intricate puzzles—elements that are essential for an engaging detective story.
“Detective Minerva Case” is an easy target for achievement hunters, as the achievements require minimal effort. For example, you can earn 90g simply by walking into a room or picking up a phone. This ease of achievement feels like a lazy attempt to add value to an otherwise lackluster game. Instead of providing meaningful goals that encourage players to explore and engage with the game’s content, the achievements are so trivial that they feel like an afterthought, further diminishing the overall experience.
The gameplay itself is subpar. Movement is awkward and sluggish, with running inexplicably slower than walking. The graphics are reminiscent of an early PS3 game, lacking the polish expected from contemporary titles. This dated visual presentation, combined with clunky mechanics, detracts significantly from the immersion and enjoyment of the game. The only redeeming feature is the game’s musical score, which provides some enjoyment amidst the otherwise disappointing experience.
The soundtrack is well-composed and does add a degree of atmosphere that the rest of the game sorely lacks. However, even a good musical score cannot compensate for the multitude of issues present in other aspects of the game.
It’s a shame because the concept of the game’s world hints at something intriguing. The idea of a futuristic detective story with an A.I. antagonist has the potential to be compelling and unique. However, the execution is severely lacking in almost every regard. The poorly developed storyline, unchallenging gameplay mechanics, and lackluster presentation all contribute to an overall experience that falls far short of its potential.
Given these numerous shortcomings, “Detective Minerva Case” receives a very generous 1 out of 10 from me. The game is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X, PlayStation 5, and PC. Notably, it is already on sale shortly after its release, which speaks volumes about its reception and the general consensus among players and critics alike. This rapid discounting suggests that even the developers and publishers recognize the game’s deficiencies and are struggling to generate sustained interest in it.
Detective Minerva Case Trailer
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