Hack into crime scenes, look for evidence, analyze data, interrogate criminals, track suspects and deal with the consequences of your decisions. This is a dark and brutal detective story with a Black Mirror-esque atmosphere of digital dominance and the narrative structure of a US crime procedural.
Players take on the role of Isabella Song, a private investigator under house arrest, as she tackles a series of cases. The gameplay revolves around gathering evidence, analyzing data, and interrogating suspects to uncover the truth. Utilizing Isabella's hacking skills, players infiltrate surveillance systems, manipulate cameras, and control drones to gather crucial information. Reviewers praise the layered approach, where dialogue choices during interrogations can significantly impact the case's progression and outcome.
Interspersed throughout the investigations are various puzzle-solving challenges, such as cracking security codes, opening safes, and navigating drone controls. While not overly complex, these puzzles require logical thinking and deduction, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment when solved. The game's built-in hint system and the ability to retry puzzles without severe penalties ensure that the difficulty remains well-balanced, catering to players of different skill levels.
A standout feature of the gameplay is the split-screen interface, which separates the real-world view from the digital hacking environment. Players can strategically control the flow of information, access restricted areas, and manipulate their surroundings by hacking into surveillance systems. This surveillance-based gameplay adds an extra layer of challenge and engagement to the investigative process, even if some reviewers wished for more depth in the hacking mechanics.
The steady narrative pacing and the ability to pick up where one left off without repeating previous actions are generally well-received. While some players found the investigative loop repetitive over the course of the 12 cases, others appreciated the way new mechanics and story elements were introduced to maintain a sense of freshness.