It’s the 1920s and the world’s foremost detective is about to embark on his most challenging case yet. Thankfully, in this world that’s not quite like our own, there’s nobody better to crack the case than the great detective and gentleman giraffe, Lord Winklebottom.
The gameplay of this title revolves around classic point-and-click adventure mechanics. Players take on the role of a giraffe detective, Lord Winklebottom, and his hippo companion, Dr. Frumple, as they investigate a mysterious murder. The gameplay primarily consists of exploring environments, collecting and combining items, and conversing with the game's quirky animal characters to uncover clues and solve puzzles.
The game presents richly detailed, hand-painted 2D environments for players to thoroughly explore. Players can click on a wide variety of objects and characters to examine them, often triggering dialogue or unlocking new interactions. The game encourages meticulous exploration, as some important items or clues may only become available after certain story triggers or dialogue options have been pursued.
The puzzles in this title are generally logical and well-integrated into the story. Players must combine items, use them on the environment, or uncover and interpret information to progress. While most puzzles are straightforward, some can be more obtuse, requiring experimentation or revisiting previous areas to find the correct solution. The game's hint system, while limited, occasionally provides guidance by restating the objective.
Throughout the game, players collect a variety of items that are stored in an intuitive inventory system. These items can then be combined or used on the environment to solve puzzles. The game's design streamlines interactions with inventory items and dialogue, respecting the player's time and allowing for quick navigation between scenes.
This title features a degree of nonlinearity, as some puzzles can be solved in different orders, allowing players to approach the investigation in their preferred manner. This adds a sense of player agency and encourages experimentation with various approaches.
The game's pacing is generally well-balanced, with a good mix of exploration, dialogue, and puzzle-solving. While players may encounter moments of frustration when stuck, requiring the use of online guides, the overall experience is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for both seasoned adventure game players and newcomers to the genre.