"Murders on Yangtze River" is an Ace Attorney-like detective game that takes you on a journey through early 20th century China as you solve a series of intriguing cases. Use your logical reasoning and deduction skills to uncover clues, interrogate suspects, and solve the mysteries.
The gameplay loop expertly emulates the acclaimed "Ace Attorney" series. Players assume the role of detective John Shen, solving a string of captivating murder cases along the Yangtze River. During investigation phases, the intuitive interface enables thorough examination of crime scenes and witness testimonies. Scouring environments for clues and finding contradictions in witness accounts requires keen observation and logical reasoning.
After gathering evidence, players enter tense courtroom trials. Here, they must strategically present the right proof at the right time to expose witness lies and identify the true culprit. The game features engaging "debate" mechanics that task players with pinpointing logical inconsistencies, putting their deductive skills to the test.
While built upon the foundation of Ace Attorney-style gameplay, the experience incorporates a refreshing variety of unique mechanics. These include mini-games, timeline reconstruction puzzles, and group discussion sections that add further complexity to the investigative process.
A standout aspect is the title's incorporation of historical facts and forensic knowledge. An in-game glossary provides detailed information about the early 20th century Chinese setting and crime investigation techniques, enriching the authenticity of the experience.
Reviews praise the title's ability to gradually increase difficulty while maintaining accessibility. Early cases introduce the core mechanics simply, before presenting more complex logical reasoning challenges. Even when stumped, the solutions often make intuitive sense upon reflection, demonstrating the developer's skill in crafting satisfying puzzles.
Underpinning the individual cases is an overarching narrative that follows detective Shen's personal investigation. This narrative throughline keeps players invested in the unfolding mysteries, complementing the engrossing courtroom gameplay.