- Engaging puzzles and intriguing story.
- High-quality audio and charming art.
- Charming, fun, and relaxing experience.
- Improved sequel to a great game.
- Game length is too short.
- Story quality declined/less interesting.
Verdict
Mostly positive
Summary
Positive 96% · Negative 4%. Score: 4 / 100
Positives:
- The game offers a fun and engaging detective experience with well-designed puzzles and an intriguing story filled with twists. The deduction mechanics are smooth, and the game strikes a good balance between challenge and accessibility. The hint system is also praised for providing helpful clues without giving away direct answers.
- The game features excellent voice acting, high-quality music, and detailed sound effects that enhance immersion. The characters are well-written, funny, and brought to life by the voice actors, making the dialogue and interactions enjoyable. The art style is also praised for being charming and fitting the game's overall vibe.
- The game is consistently described as cute, charming, fun, and relaxing, making it perfect for casual play. Reviewers highlight the enjoyable gameplay, engaging story, and overall wholesome vibes. Many found it to be a delightful and emotionally impactful experience.
- The game is considered a great sequel that improves upon the first game while retaining its core charm. Reviewers appreciate the smoother gameplay, better atmosphere, and enhanced hint system. Many who enjoyed the first game found this sequel even more enjoyable.
- The interactions between the Duck Detective and his partner Freddy are a highlight, adding humor and charm to the game. Reviewers enjoy their dynamic and the evolution of both characters. Freddy's return as a sidekick is a welcome addition.
Negatives:
- Many reviewers felt the game was too short, with some completing it in under 2 hours. This was often compared unfavorably to the first game and led to concerns about the game's value for its price. Some reviewers felt that the short length left them wanting more content.
- Multiple reviewers found the game to be easier than the first installment. Some felt the puzzles lacked challenge, and the hint system made it even easier. This lack of difficulty may not appeal to players seeking a challenging experience.
- Several reviewers noted a decline in the story's quality compared to the first game. Some felt the story was less interesting or predictable, while others pointed out a tonal shift that they found strange or jarring. Some reviewers felt the characters were less charismatic.
- The game lacks support for certain languages, which can be problematic for puzzle-solving. This is especially true without error highlighting features. Community translations are relied upon.
- Some deductions can be obscure, requiring guesswork, especially towards the end. Grammar-based deductions can be confusing for non-native English speakers. This can lead to frustration and hinder the puzzle-solving experience.
Gameplay:
- The core gameplay loop revolves around exploring environments, gathering clues, interrogating characters, and using a deduction system (filling in blanks) to solve mysteries. The game offers adjustable difficulty with optional hints and highlighting of incorrect answers, making it more accessible.
- The game features a clear and easy-to-navigate user interface and a simple control scheme, making it accessible to players.
- The game's case involves espionage, secret relationships, and chess, with the final choice having emotional stakes for some characters.
Performance:
- The game exhibits good performance, running smoothly on a range of hardware, including low-end PCs and the Steam Deck. Reviewers reported no significant bugs or technical issues encountered during their playthroughs.
- The game reuses the graphics engine from the previous installment, with minor changes to the soundtrack, sound effects, and environmental interactions. This may be a point of contention for players expecting a significant visual or auditory upgrade.
- The game features smooth animations, contributing to a polished and visually appealing experience. This enhances the overall feel of the gameplay.
- The game offers a range of resolution options, from 720p to 2K, and supports both fullscreen and windowed modes. This allows players to customize the game's display settings to suit their preferences and hardware capabilities.
Recommendations:
- Many reviewers expressed strong enthusiasm for the game and the series, hoping for future installments and more content featuring the Duck Detective characters. They are eager to see where the story goes and want to experience more cases.
- Reviewers recommend playing the game, especially for fans of the first game, and consider it a worthy sequel. Some suggest playing the first game beforehand, while others note that it can be enjoyed as a standalone title.
- Several reviewers express general enjoyment of the game, using terms like "great vibes" and "good fun." While positive, these comments lack specific details about the gameplay or features.
- One reviewer suggests that the two games would be better as a single game with new chapters. This point is based on a single mention.
- One reviewer specifically wants more of the characters Freddy and Eugene. This point is based on a single mention.
Miscellaneous:
- The game features a distinctive paper-like visual style, a jazzy soundtrack, and full voice acting for all characters, enhancing the overall presentation. A dedicated 'quack' button adds a humorous touch, appealing to players who enjoy interactive and lighthearted elements.
- The game contains some lore elements, but the story isn't a major focus. The ending leaves the reviewer unsure how the series will continue, wondering if the next chapter will be an 'investigator' one.
- The game's ending allows for multiple conclusions, encouraging players to compare their choices. The ending hints at potentially significant changes in future installments of the Duck Detective series, creating anticipation for what's to come.
- The story involves bizarre and unexpected interactions between animals, creating a unique and intriguing narrative. The plot centers around shenanigans and dark dealings at a glamping site in the woods, fitting for a duck detective.
- The points include a quote from Freddy Frederson and a call for 'Justice for Freddy's heart'. These points are of low importance due to their lack of specificity and focus on minor details.
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