At 18 years old, the newest generation is on a quest for discovery. Starting university presents a whirlwind of minor mishaps and significant challenges. Between sleepless nights and missed classes, forgetting where your research group meets, or misplacing your books, a considerable amount of time is spent searching for lost items.
These small enigmas often translate into nearly problems, forming charming little detective games that Mary, the protagonist, navigates as she embraces her new student life each day. Designed by Indonesian creator Melisa, who chose to be known by her first name, the inspiration was drawn from her passion for detective narratives and a wish to steer clear of violence in the genre.
“Since childhood, I’ve devoted myself to reading detective comic books, novels, and manga, alongside playing detective games. I have a fondness for horror as well. Initially, I thought blending detective games with horror aesthetics would create something intriguing—a delightful sense of warmth from unraveling the mysteries of everyday life.”
It’s relevant…it’s hardly a problem. Photo: Posh Cat Studio
In essence, there are no serious crimes. Often, Mary is simply on the lookout for a favorite earring, a familiar face in a crowd, or her playful cat. Each scene plays out like a hidden object puzzle where players search for clues—photos, notes, schedules, and more—before piecing together the story. Who shattered your cherished mug? Investigate its contents and consider what your housemate enjoys drinking along with whether you were present at the right moment to identify the culprit. This is undoubtedly the most relatable crime ever tackled in a video game.
The light-hearted, low-stakes atmosphere is accentuated through gentle cartoons and artistic styles inspired by anime such as Doramon, Marco-chan, and Kobo-chan. Much like certain domestic games like Unpacking, with elements of local storytelling, it emphasizes friendships and family through straightforward narratives. Melisa initiated this project as a quick prototype for the Twitch Game Jam, but it ultimately evolved over two years with the establishment of her studio, Posh Cat, alongside two additional team members. It became a labor of love. “I created it because I longed for a more comforting detective game,” she shares. “Expect something even cozier after 2025!”
Source: www.theguardian.com
