The Rise of the Golden Idol review - the best detective game since Obra Dinn makes a killer return

A detective thriller with intricate puzzles set in the 1970s, sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol.

: The Rise of the Golden Idol is a detective thriller, offering a modern mystery set against the chaotic backdrop of the 1970s. It challenges players with intricate puzzles and vibrant scenes, taking them through a variety of scenarios without relying solely on murder to drive the plot. Featuring a cast of eccentric characters and a subtly informative gameplay style, it sits just below 'The Return of the Obra Dinn' in its genre. The game’s minor flaws do not detract from its overall thrilling narrative and compelling detective experience.

The Rise of the Golden Idol presents a captivating detective narrative set in the politically charged 1970s, serving as a sequel to Color Gray Games' previous work. The story unfolds through diverse scenarios like drive-in cinemas and corporate boardrooms, entwining drama with detailed investigative gameplay that spans a 12-13 hour experience.

Players engage with a point-and-click system to unravel mysteries, wherein each scene is a snapshot of chaos requiring keen observation and logical reasoning. While some scene mechanics have been refined, such as automatic gathering of clues, the game occasionally succumbs to brute-force problem-solving due to its color-coded prompts.

Comprising memorable characters and richly plotted puzzles, The Rise of the Golden Idol balances complexity with clever storytelling although inconsistencies with language hinder seamless play. Despite these minor hurdles, it remains a notable addition to the detective genre, promising further development in forthcoming installments from Color Gray Games.

Detective GamePuzzlesMystery Thriller