Become a private investigator and track down a serial killer in a fully-simulated sci-fi city. Think like a detective and use a variety of gadgets to gather evidence and solve cases in this truly unique detective experience. Meet individual citizens, each with their own name, job, apartment and daily routine, in unique, procedurally-generated cities. Take on new cases to earn cash, purchase new gadgets and equipment, and customise your apartment. Gather evidence to build your case - scan fingerprints, check call histories, read private emails, watch CCTV and more to gather information and accuse your suspect...

The game is set in a fully simulated sci-fi noir city

Shadows of Doubt is an immersive sandbox detective stealth game set in a fully simulated sci-fi noir city of crime and corruption. Explore the city, visit the crime scene, gather evidence and solve the murder. As you wander the city streets and enter the apartment buildings you can pick locks, break down doors, sabotage security systems and bribe citizens for information. There are multiple ways to approach each case. Explore every room in every building, and talk to every citizen. But time is against you. If you can't crack the case the killer will seek out their next victim and kill again.

First things first... you'll need to play the extensive tutorial to get your head around the mechanics of the game. Otherwise you'll end up wandering around like a fool with no clue what on earth you are doing.

The only possible niggle you could have is that the graphics are a little Minecraft-esque. But we're not here for the aesthetics. You'll want to play for the sheer open world game play that allows you freedom to roam the city as you see fit. Granted every apartment building looks similar, but once inside the apartments the layout is always varied.

Keep a track of your clues as you move closer to unmasking the killer

There are a few bugs, but to be honest that's not surprising with a game of this magnitude. For example I found myself, on occasion, stuck in areas where I shouldn't have. After climbing through a buildings ventilation shafts I ended up in a shower cubicle, but was unable to open the door in order to explore that apartment.

The fact you can interact with so many items, talk to all of the citizens and every time you play it's a completely different scenario, really impressed me, particularly considering it's a budget game.

It's a lovingly crafted game that is seeped in detective noir. For £20 you really can't complain.

9

Nick Smithson