Solving crime is no walk in the pond. You are a down-on-his-luck detective who also happens to be a duck. Use your powers of de-duck-tion to inspect evidence, fill in the blanks, and bust the case wide open! This is a short but twisty detective case.
As the down-on-his-luck duck detective, Eugene McQuacklin, players embark on a short but engaging mystery. The core gameplay loop challenges them to investigate a crime scene, interview suspects, and piece together clues to solve the case.
Players can closely examine various objects, such as a stale donut or a peculiar-looking salami, to uncover hidden details. Similarly, conversing with the game's quirky cast of characters, including a disgruntled cat receptionist and a well-meaning but bumbling custodian, allows players to learn about their connections to the investigation.
The key to solving the mystery lies in the player's ability to fill in the blanks in Eugene's notebook. The game presents partially complete statements, and players must carefully select the correct keywords from the clues they have gathered to deduce the missing information. This encourages close observation and logical thinking.
For players who may struggle with the deductive puzzles, the game offers a "Story Mode" that provides additional hints and assistance. This accessibility-focused option ensures a more forgiving experience, allowing casual players to still enjoy the narrative and charming atmosphere.
The game provides clear feedback when players make incorrect deductions, allowing them to refine their approach without penalty. This creates a rewarding loop, as players gradually piece together the case and feel a sense of accomplishment with each correct deduction.
Reviews highlight several aspects that players have praised about the gameplay: the intuitive investigative and deductive mechanics are easy to grasp, making the game accessible to a wide audience; the process of gathering clues and connecting the dots to solve the mystery is engaging and satisfying for players who enjoy detective-style games; the adorable duck protagonist, quirky supporting characters, and noir-inspired art style complement the gameplay, creating a delightful overall experience; and the inclusion of a flexible "Story Mode" allows players to customize the challenge level, ensuring the gameplay remains enjoyable for both casual and more experienced players.