A Case of Distrust
A Case of Distrust is a stylish noir adventure.
ACase of Distrust is an adventure game about clues and interrogation. It looks gorgeous—each screen a block of color given life by silhouettes and the stylish transitions that link each scene. As P.I. Phyllis Malone, you gather evidence by clicking on the objects in each room, and take statements by questioning suspects. Present the right details to the right people and you’ll unlock new leads—a place, a witness, even a culprit.
Characters are almost all archetypes—the aloof fixer, the surly kingpin, the easygoing bartender. The formula works, though. A Case of Distrust wields its setting and genre adeptly. My favorite conversations take place during taxi rides between locations. These chats cover everything from transportation and Egyptomania to the plight of immigrants, and are fascinating in how they convey the excitement of the era.
It’s clear that Malone is a dogged investigator, with the jaded outlook and troubled past that typifies any fictional detective. But to many of the people she interacts with, Malone is a curiosity; a woman in a man’s world.
She is belittled and underestimated— rarely overtly, but it’s evident in the occasional remark and insensitive action. And yet, such comments feel more pronounced because of how neatly she fits the P.I. archetype.
It’s a balancing act that mostly works, but not always. Malone’s internal monologue upon experiencing discrimination can feel clinical, and not in a way that comes across like a character choice. It’s a small thing—the game is economical with its language—but it detracts from the impact of these moments.
At three hours long, A Case of Distrust is slight but satisfying. It’s not immune from the standard adventure game problems, though. At one point I became stuck because I missed a piece of evidence. It was my own fault, sure, but not knowing how to proceed highlights the uneasy alliance between adventure and investigation. Interviews can seem like negotiations where the subject could clam up at any moment, but that feeling disappears when you’re left asking about every item in your notebook, hoping for a lead.
Intel Inside
Still, the mystery is engaging. Your interactions, though basic, are enjoyable—a fulfilling loop of gathering intel and using it to put the squeeze on suspects. A Case of Distrust feels atmospheric and evocative—its unique style creates a compelling drama that cuts through its small missteps and frustrations.
It’s not immune from the standard adventure game problems