Investigate This: Scarecrow! (XBLIG): "A Modern-Day Detective Tale With A Twist"

Guy Galer of Twist-Ed Games never ceases to amaze me with his interactive game creations. After seeing the file size (448+ MB) of his latest XBLIG adventure I new he had poured more into this title than he ever has before. Upon loading it up, and getting into the game I discovered just how true this statement really was. He not only updated his usually impressive CG graphics, and cutscenes, but also added interesting dialogue based references as well as some truly eerie tunes. Looking back On my playthrough I can say with certainty that this XBLIG title's graphics, and presentation rivals some of the better XBLA games that have been released in the past. In essence Guy Galer (The developer) makes an affordable yet very noteworthy game that will interest any open-minded gamer. With that in mind let us move into the bulk of this review ...

In "Investigate This: Scarecrow!/The Scourge of the Scarecrow" we are introduced to a modern-day pair of private investigators who have found themselves in one heck of a spooky case. When the game begins Guy Galer (the developer) blesses us with a 3D cinematic jump scare that sets the tone for the rest of the game. The lady (Dorothy Dinkle) who is unfortunate enough to have to endure this initial fright ultimately becomes the main focus of the PI's investigation. After the cutscene plays out we find Hannah, and Carson, the two main protagonists of the game in a meeting with a mysterious man who is seeking their aid in solving the mystery regarding Mrs.Dinkle. He gives little insight to his involvement of the case, but lets the two investigators know how he found them (via online website), and what he's willing to pay for their services.

With little to go on the two private investigators head into town to question suspects, and find out as much about the goings on of the case's involved parties as possible. As you can likely imagine the case itself is focused around an appearance of a spectral scarecrow that for some reason, or another does not want Mrs. Dinkle to sell her farm property. There are people in town who side with her selling it, and others who do not favor the notion so much. Through detective work that could be compared to a mixture of Mulder, and Scully's antics, and the Scooby Doo team's wacky hijink-based crime solving the two private investigators try to sort things out the best that they can. Armed with their wits, and a Ipad-like app the two set out to get to the bottom of the case, and make their names known as reliable investigators.

At the PI team's/Gamer's disposal is a special Ipad-like app that helps them organize their investigation, and keep things on schedule via a list of possible persons/topics of interest. Using this interactive tool is part of your role as the PI, and the gamer. When the game begins you have to choose between playing as Hannah, a rambunctious red head who spouts popular movie quotes, or Carson, a stick in the mud sort of guy who believes in doing things his way. With either choice you will have to manage your investigation using the specially designed app, and divide up your searches with your partner using the list provided. Some interrogations, or interviews will only require a single person's presence while others will require that both Hannah, and Carson are present. At any investigative point in the game you will have to choose two different actions on the app list. The one with the highest priority is usually the one that will initiate first though. After choosing your course of action an animated 3D cutscene will play out followed by character interactions/dialogue. Some dialogue based interactions will require that you make a choice. Whatever choice you decide on will ultimately impact the outcome of that part of the story, or the story as a whole. In the end managing your time wisely, asking the appropriate questions/people, and using the research resources that are made available to you will determine whether or not you'll ever learn the truth behind the haunting scarecrow.

As far as graphics, and sound quality are concerned "Investigate This: Scarecrow!" is truly top notch. The CG graphics are more professional than any 3D game you're likely to find in the XBLIG marketplace. The character models are so realistic at some points in the game that their features look more human than a mere animation. Things like facial shadows, and skin textures help to flesh out the human-like CG characteristics. Even the animated, and still locales (Bosch Motel, play on the old "Bates Motel" & the interactive corn maze) seem to be more theatrical in nature than a simple part of a point & click adventure. The music itself suits the games eerie atmosphere perfectly. There are points in the game where the fog associated with most horror movies appear, and an upbeat instrumental intensity ensues. The part with the wolf chase is a prime example of the mixture of musical, and visual scares that the game provides.

In the end, weighing all that the game has to offer, I think it is very much worth getting. There is one significant catch to that claim though. At a certain part, over halfway into the game a specific dialogue based interaction between Hannah, and the property salesman caused the game to freeze. I was thinking that it might be a setup for a scare, so I waited five minutes, and still nothing happened. At this point I stopped my playthrough. I'm not 100% sure if this is a bug/glitch, but I do intend on asking Guy about it. Regardless of this possible bug I have confidence that Guy Galer can sort it out. With his obvious computer editing skills I think he's more than well equipped to issue a patch for the game.

As far as the the rest of my critique goes I loved the new main characters. Hannah, who was my choice from the beginning had some truly interesting, and noteworthy dialogue to contribute to the case. Things like her Hannibal Lecter, and Clarice Starling wisecrack gave me a proper laugh. Even the sci-fi movie references were well spoken. You'll hear her say things referring to Star Trek, Star Wars, and other well known sci-fi series. The fact the Guy Galer also payed homage to the ever popular "Bates Motel" only made the game that much more engaging/interesting. The developer's attention to details, and character emotions in this game really shined through. In the end this game is the best "Twist-Ed Games" creation yet. I cannot wait to see what else Guy Galer's new PI team can get involved in next!