Flatfoots and Fools

Today we dive into Utter a Name, an investigation of a Victorian manor full of ghosts and bodies. In the Obra Dinn lineage, this is probably the most direct descendent, being almost a 2D version. After the game, we chat a bit about why there are so few games like this.Spoiler zone between 7:10 and 14:55Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

Today, John and Andrew wade into the bog with 2014’s Detective Grimoire. This Detective - Point & Click Adventure hybrid has become the first of a series two release games, and one upcoming. In addition to some of the best music in detective games, this charming adventure’s wacky cast is a delight to investigate. Spoiler zone between 9:38 and 25:50Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

This week we return to the foundations of the modern Detective Game Renaissance, with Andrew and John going through The Return of the Obra Dinn. It’s difficult to overstate the influence of Lucas Pope’s 2018 game on players and developers. It’s visually striking, and leaves the player to discover everything about this twisted tale for themselves. Seven and a half years on, this detecting experience remains a must try for anyone who can.Spoiler zone between 17:38 and 42:10Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

This week we continue Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All! Andrew and John and Lynx return to discuss the lows of case 3, the highs and quirks of case 4, and the how the title of the game becomes pivotal. We come out positive on the game overall, and Andrew finally understands more about the timeline and why Phoenix was being a pill to Edgeworth.Spoiler zone starts at the beginning, and goes until 25:36Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

This week we dive back into the Ace Attorney Series, with the second game Justice for All! Andrew and John are joined by Lynx for a two part discussion on this Mystery Adventure. This mixture of Investigation and courtroom drama keeps pulling from a deep mystery roots while delivering courtroom theatrics that would make Hamilton Burger’s head spin. We talk about the game in general, as well as cases one and two specifically. Spoiler zone starts at 19:10, and continues to the end of the episodeDiscuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

John and Andrew dive deep into Her Story, what True Crime might look like as a game. From 2015, this game about sorting through interview clips to understand the disappearance of a husband has depth and secrets that we loved digging through. It’s one of the most inspirational games in the detective space, yet it only takes up one session.Spoiler zone is from 12:00 to 33:12, and I really, really recommend avoiding it if you think you want to play this game.Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

Today, Andrew and John Follow the Meaning! We tour through this surreal Point and Click, coming away with different feelings, and wondering where the remaining cats were. Afterward we have a more general discussion, so come back after the spoiler zone on this one. It was recorded a bit ago, so the overlap with the New Year discussion was unintentional.Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this Episode, Andrew and John talk about their favorite entry in the Poirot series so far: Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express. Developed by Microids Lyon, this game takes the classic story, puts it in a modern but throwback setting, and adds the ability to play a past case instead of just hearing it described during the story. We have varied feelings on the parts of the game added past the original story. Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this episode, Andrew and John discuss John’s thoughts on The Case of the Golden Idol Base game, and then our thoughts on the DLC’s. We chat about both the Spider of Lanka and the Lemurian Vampire, as well as a bit of thoughts on Case as a whole. We enjoyed this game, and look forward to playing and discussing Color Gray Games’ projects!Major Plot spoilers are between 16:15 and 32:17Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

Andrew and John discuss the first half year of the Podcast. What were our favorite games that we covered, what did we regret not getting to? What are we looking forward to in 2026?Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4 Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this episode, Andrew and John talk about the second Darkside Detective game, A Fumble in the Dark. This is a Point And Click Adventure from Spooky Doorway, and is a great sequel to their previous Darkside Detective Game. Sadly, this one is mostly spoilers, but we recommend this for any P&C Adventure fans, and especially if you enjoyed the last one from Spooky Doorway.Please note this episode was recorded long before The Seance of Blake Manor released or had a public demo.Also, we have since fixed the audio issue with John’s mic.Main case spoilers are between 5:32 and 38:20Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this episode, Andrew and John discuss 2023’s Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The London Case. This is the sequel to The First Cases, and also Murder Mystery Machine. It's a detective adventure with a deduction web system. This game sits in a weird place for both of us, with lots that we didn't love.Main case spoilers are between 5:20 and 18:00Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music ⁠⁠https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this episode, Andrew and John discuss 2024’s Duck Detective: The Secret Salami. This is a short but delightful game about solving crimes as the titular Duck Detective, stumbling your way through the case. With great voice acting, and memorable characters, this is a good one for people who just want a nice morsel.Spoilers are between 4:54 and 11:52Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this episode, Andrew and John discuss 2021’s Murder Mystery Machine. This game is a detective adventure, with investigative and deduction systems. However, we hit significant issues, and didn't come out with a rosy impression of this game.Main case spoilers are between 7:50 and 27:20Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music ⁠https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this episode, Andrew, John, and friend of the show Lynx continue our discussion of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, capping off with the bonus case from the DS release. We recommend starting with Part 1, as we jump straight back into the discussion with no recap.Spoilers start at the beginning, and go to 26:58Solving the Mystery of Murder can be found ⁠here:⁠The referenced Interview Translations were sourced from the ⁠Gyakuten Library⁠, done by ⁠Ho-Ling no Jikenbo⁠Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music ⁠⁠https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this episode, Andrew, John, and friend of the show Lynx wade into Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. This game (originally released in 2001) started a franchise, multiple spinoffs, and inspired dozens of other games. We dig into what we still like about this title, with it's Capital M mysteries, Point & Click style investigations, and courtroom clashes. We had so much fun recording, that we had to cut it into two parts, and here is part one!Spoilers start at 15:00, and go through the end.Solving the Mystery of Murder can be found here:The referenced Interview Translations were sourced from the Gyakuten Library, done by Ho-Ling no JikenboDiscuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music: ⁠https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this episode, Andrew and John discuss 2021’s Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases. It’s a detective adventure with a mix of detective and story. We talk about what we like, and what we don't. Additionally, Andrew’s mic had some issues that required correcting, so I apologize for the strange cadence.Main case spoilers are between 14:30 and 24:50Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this episode, Andrew and Mike discuss 2022’s The Case of the Golden Idol. We discuss the base game, but not the Expansions, for Color Gray Games’s landmark game. Please note this episode was recorded early 2025, and some of the points are now out of date. For example, we have since discovered The Roottrees are Dead as a great game that’s a single large system, not split into cases.We go into deep spoilers between 15:00 and 20:19, so avoid this section if you want to remain unspoiled.Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music

In this episode, John and Andrew discuss The Darkside Detective, a 2017 point and click adventure from Spooky Doorway. We go into deep spoilers between 06:15 and 24:50, so avoid this section if you want to remain unspoiled.Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music ⁠https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music⁠ 

In this quick episode, we introduce ourselves. We share where we are coming from, and what our plans are for the show going forward.Discuss this episode or any other detective games on our Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/CMxrckaqN4⁠ Podcast edited by Peter CrevierPodcast art by Lalita Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitagrossMusic by Atonic Music https://soundcloud.com/atonic-music