- Official Title: The Case of the Serialized Killer
- Developer: Alexis Royce
- Publisher: Self-published
- Release Date: December 11, 2023 (Worldwide)
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Genre: Visual Novel, Mystery, Point-and-Click
- Social Media:
Steam Page
itch.io Page
An Edwardian Mystery with a Supernatural Twist
The Case of the Serialized Killer is an intriguing visual novel that blends Edwardian-era aesthetics with supernatural elements and a gripping murder mystery. Players step into the shoes of Harold Ludicael, a disgraced demonologist tasked with solving the mysterious death of a popular illustrator. Unable to summon ghosts, Harold must rely on his sharp wit and investigative skills to uncover the truth and potentially resurrect his faltering career.
This point-and-click adventure boasts beautifully hand-painted watercolor art, bringing its characters and locations to life with a unique visual style. The game features over 20,000 words of dialogue, offering approximately 3 hours of gameplay filled with rich storytelling and character development.
Key Features
- Engaging point-and-click investigation mechanics
- A diverse cast of suspects, each with their own secrets
- An interactive journal to track clues and character information
- Multiple endings based on player choices and deductions
- LGBTQ+ representation with queer main characters
A Tangled Web of Suspects
As players delve deeper into the mystery, they’ll encounter a colorful array of suspects, each harboring their own motives and hidden agendas. From the victim’s ambitious daughter to a military man with a mean streak, every character adds depth to the intricate plot. The game’s strength lies in its nuanced character writing, presenting morally gray individuals that feel both dynamic and realistic.
The Case of the Serialized Killer doesn’t shy away from mature themes, exploring complex topics such as redemption, greed, and the consequences of one’s past actions. Harold himself is portrayed as a complicated transgender adult, adding another layer of depth to the narrative and providing valuable representation in the visual novel genre.
Immersive Gameplay Experience
Players will find themselves fully immersed in the game’s Edwardian setting, complete with creeping monsters and summoning magic. The point-and-click investigation mechanics allow for an interactive experience as you gather clues, interrogate suspects, and piece together the puzzle of the illustrator’s death.
The inclusion of a detailed journal system helps players keep track of the expanding cast of suspects and accumulating lore. This feature proves invaluable as the plot thickens and new information comes to light, ensuring that no crucial detail is overlooked in your quest for the truth.
A Visual and Narrative Treat
The Case of the Serialized Killer stands out with its traditionally painted watercolor art style, lending a unique and atmospheric quality to the game. This visual approach perfectly complements the Edwardian setting and adds to the overall mysterious ambiance of the story.
With multiple endings to discover, including a true ending and various bad endings depending on your suspect choice, the game offers significant replay value. Each playthrough promises new insights into the characters and their motivations, encouraging players to explore different investigative paths and uncover all the secrets hidden within this captivating murder mystery.
Game Link: The Case of the Serialized Killer
