Duskwood - Detective Story 12+

This game is a bit similar to those “found phone” games like Sara is Missing and SIMULACRA, though not as complex as SIMULACRA in terms of game mechanics. You operate your virtual phone to communicate with a group of people to try to figure out what is going on. There are photos and short video clips as well, to enhance the story. Acting is decent. In the videos, the actors (actresses) talk in English with (I think) a bit of German accent, which is actually kinda of cool. There are currently two episodes. Story wise it does not seem to contain horror elements and jump scares such as those in SIMULACRA, though the story just begins to ramp up at the end of episode 2. Based on the story so far, I have some theory about what actually happened and who was behind it. Let’s see if I am right in future episodes ;)

Similar to SIMULACRA Pipe Dream that includes Flappy Bird as a mini game, this game includes a match-3 game that you need to clear to progress. Though polished, I am not that thrilled about having to play the match-3 as it often hampers my progress when I just want to get to the next part of the story. It makes the game longer than what it actually is, in my opinion.

In any case, this game so far is definitely worth the $2.99 or so I paid for the premium pass, which provides more dialogue options, and unlocks more photos and videos. Looking forward to seeing how the story resolves.

I was initially intrigued because I saw that there aren’t any ads and I was excited because I love a good mystery that really gets you into the story. It was great at first. They give you a ton of content in the beginning episode, and some in the second and then they start forcing you to play these asinine mini games. I’m all about some match 3 games but these are basically impossible at times. I’m on episode 4 I think? And I’ve been stuck on the same section of puzzles for a few days. Each time I run out of hearts because I get destroyed by RNG and there just simply aren’t enough moves/chances to finish a game. What’s really frustrating is getting it down to the last key or last piece needed and I run out of lives. And unless you pay for more chances you’re screwed out of a basically completed puzzle and have to start over and let RNGeezus do it’s thing. I paid for premium because I loved the story so much and wanted to be more engrossed in it, but man I’m close to deleting this app and never playing again simply because of the mini games. Honestly I’d rather watch ads and that’s pretty bad. I appreciate the hard work and effort that went into the story line, and I only wish that there was a way to pay to bypass the mini games or have it already be included in the premium pass. Please fix this, I really want to focus on the story and I just can’t because the games are so off putting.

I have just finished my first playthrough of this game, and I have to say I absolutely adore it. This is my favorite mobile game by a landslide, and I’m so glad I played it all the way through. Starting this game, it felt as though it would take forever to play. Once I actually got to a more consistent plot and the characters warmed up to me, I fell in love with this game. The actors are amazing, and you can feel how much work these creators have put into this game.

I bought the multimedia pack and I feel that it was absolutely worth it, because it allows you to feel like these characters are like your family, and you can even have a romantic interest. You also have the ability to see more of the town of Duskwood, and that added to the experience. The way I figure it, most games and books would cost more money than this pack costs, so I’m happy to give my money to this game (even as a poor college student). In case you are wondering, I have not been asked to do this review and it is completely my own love that has brought me to give these 5 stars. I would give more if I could.

If you’re wondering if you should get this game, the answer is YES. It’s wonderfully thrilling, and the ending is wonderfully done. I really look forward to their next game, and I hope to see them thrive.