If there’s one puzzle game that tends to appeal to everyone, it’s nonograms, popularly known as Picross. A set of small boxes that, once solved, shows a hidden image. Over the years, different developers have garnered interest in this kind of puzzle. The problem, however, is that beyond offering numerous puzzles to solve, they do not take any further steps. At the end of the day, there isn’t much difference between these games and any mobile app that offers the exact same thing. But with the game I’m introducing to you today, Murder by Numbers, the story matters. Let’s start yet another Google Stadia review!
It was due time for Stadia to receive one of these games, and Murder by Numbers is the excellent entry point. I originally played the game on the Nintendo Switch when it released and adored it. Last year, I was really happy to see it make it to Stadia, and replayed it. Last month, I was even happier to see the game being added to Stadia Pro! This way, even more people can play it, or at least try it out.
A perfect fit
Developed by Mediatonic, the developers of Fall Guys, and distributed by Irregular Corporation, Murder by Numbers tells the story of Honor Mizrahi, an actress who plays a detective in a television series. Due to unexpected circumstances, Honor discovers that her boss, who has just fired her, has been murdered. It will be your mission to catch the killer. Meanwhile, she will meet SCOUT, a monitor with his own consciousness who is investigating his own existence.
As the game progresses, both Honor and SCOUT will collaborate with each other and other characters, in order to catch different killers in four different cases, all while investigating SCOUT’s origins. The dialogues are very entertaining, and the humor is always present. To some extent, you can see the influence of Ace Attorney and Ghost Trick, classic adventure and puzzle games.
Solve the puzzle, literally
Simply put, the game tasks us with solving nonograms. Small puzzles that consist of filling in the correct squares of a grid, following the order of the numbers in each row and column. Each row or column can show us different numbers, and we will have to follow them to fill in the boxes they tell us, always leaving a hole in the middle between each number. For example, if we are told 2 and 2 in a column, we will have to fill in 2 boxes, leave one blank, and fill in the next 2. There are nonograms of different sizes, with the 5×5 ones usually being the easiest. It’s a simple concept, but it is surprisingly engaging.
Between nonograms, we will follow the plot of the game through its graphic novel section. It’s a shame, though, that the game doesn’t use conventional graphic novel systems like dialogue history or quick save, although that’s partly understandable due to the focus on puzzles. In addition, we can also interrogate the characters and investigate our surroundings. Also, we can move around the different locations at all times, in order to look for evidence. Something very reminiscent of Ace Attorney. As we progress through the story, we’ll also unlock SCOUT’S Memories, special and harder puzzles. When completing those, we’ll also get some deeper look at the origins of SCOUT.
Very detailed presentation
Graphically, the game looks pretty good, with an anime art style, but with its own twist. That makes it distinct enough. The character designs are done by Hato Moa, known for Hatoful Boyfriend, an incredibly niche and unique visual novel about dating birds. Backgrounds are detailed enough, and nothing gets in the way of neither the dialogues nor the puzzles. Also, the menus and HUD are subtle and well implemented.
The soundtrack of the game was composed by Masakazu Sugimori, recognized for his legendary work in the Ace Attorney franchise among others. From the first moments, we will already begin to notice his hand, and the soundtrack of this game is full of the magic of his previous works. The sound effects are also quite typical, especially the dialogue boxes. The graphics, accompanied by an excellent soundtrack and entertaining dialogues, make Murder by Numbers a really entertaining and charming experience.
In short, Murder by Numbers is an interesting proposition within the world of Picross games. A mix between nonogram puzzles and a presentation worthy of a graphic novel. Interesting characters with hours of dialogue and puzzles to solve, all accompanied by designs by Hato Moa and a spectacular soundtrack by Masakazu Sugimori. On average, the game can last between 15 and 20 hours, which is more than acceptable considering its low price.
Murder By Numbers
Summary
Murder by Numbers is an interesting mix between nonogram puzzles and a presentation worthy of a graphic novel. Interesting characters with hours of dialogue and puzzles to solve, all accompanied by a spectacular soundtrack.
