Detective Kobayashi 小林正雪复仇之密室复制 ~ RIEview
During my search for more murder mystery/puzzle-solving games, I came across this Chinese game in the Play Store. While I begin preparing for this review after completing the game, I realised that there is an English version on Steam at the same cost of the Chinese version on Steam. Note that only the Chinese version of this game in the Google Play Store is free while on other platforms is paid.
A summary of the list of platforms:
Google Play Store – Chinese only
Apple App Store – Chinese only (this, and season 2)
Game Plot
You join the protagonist Detective Kobayashi in solving crimes. The first case begins just as he is transferred to a new department, so he needs to gather all the evidence based on witness testimonies and clues found in scenes.
There are 4 chapters in total, with the 3rd and 4th a two-part case. The game also has an extra chapter which is a case from Detective Kobayashi’s school years.
Verdict (5/5)
Really well-written plot! By the end of the story I was devastated to find out that we’ve been left on a cliffhanger, especially after what happened in the last case! Hopefully Genuine Studio will release Season 2 onto Play Store soon!
Character Diversity & Personality
Detective Kobayashi is what most people don’t expect as a protagonist, seeing his personality does come off as silly at times. To combat this, his coworker/assistant Matsuda steps in. The other characters are as colorful, with Kobayashi’s rival Ryu and their mutual friend Murata, the cast brings the story to life in its fullness. However, it is important to note that Kobayashi is the only character that is playable throughout the gameplay.
Verdict (5/5)
There is a lot of mystery around Kobayashi, especially when we are told that he was abruptly transferred to the department that is supposingly less inferior to the department he was from. This was also implied when Ryu makes his first appearance and taunts Kobayashi about an ‘incident’, which was later brought up again in the final case and subsequently ended on a cliffhanger.
Despite my love-and-hate relationship with cliffhangers, this only made me looking forward to season 2 where hopefully these mysteries will be answered. I’m pleasantly surprised by the character depth for the length of the game released! As season 2 appears to have new characters, it would be interesting to see how their interactions will shape the game further.
Game & CG Art
The game gives off a 2000s vibe, not sure if it’s the art style, the background choices, the colours, or a mix of all three. You can access the CGs through Kobayashi’s desk (小林书桌) if you want to save any as keepsake.
Verdict (4.5/5)
I happened to come across an interview that Giifu Games did with Genuine Studio’s writer. Kindly be informed that Genuine Studio is the one who released the game, with Giifu Games redistributing the English version on Steam. In the interview the writer mentioned that he happened to befriend an artist, both then deciding to collaborate on working with Detective Kobayashi. Both had no experience in this field prior to the game, so one can say that this is their firstborn – which honestly is pretty well done! Check out the interview here.
Game Mechanics
Detective Kobayashi is a mystery puzzle game that incorporates different features that are commonly found in escape-the-room sort of puzzles. The level of difficulty increases with cases, but if you are ever stuck you can get hints by watching an ad. I sometimes do a mix of watching an ad and checking this website for walkthrough.
A feature similar to Detective S is the deduction segment, where Kobayashi will pull together evidence collected to answer questions that were raised during the investigation. Then finally, all that’s left is arresting the criminal!
Verdict (4.5/5)
My biggest tip is to take note of the conversations, as most of the time there are clues in Kobayashi’s conversation with others. For me, I find the 3rd chapter is the most challenging. My favourite chapters is Chapter 1, because it’s the introduction chapter and consequently a slightly easier case, and the extra chapter, because it shows Kobayashi and his friends being detectives during their school days.
In-Game Events
N/A
I highly, highly recommend this game just for the intricate challenging (in a good way!) puzzles and the storyline. The solid plot in each case is so well written, that until now I'm still patiently waiting for season 2 to be released in Play Store. If you are on Android and can read Chinese, check this game out!
Happy Gaming!
~ RieRie
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