The folks at COWCAT are looking to bring a fresh new spin to the point-and-click adventure. With their recently released game BROK the InvestiGator, the developer/publisher is combining the genre with the classic action beat ’em up and RPG elements.
You control the titular character, who is a grizzled down on his luck private detective solving various cases in order to make ends meet for him and his stepson Graff. Everything about the game from the bright colors to the character design to the animation to the voice acting provide the nostalgia of Saturday morning cartoons. It creates a playful atmosphere similar to those found in the original TMNT series and arcade game from the 90s.
But don’t let the lively aesthetics of BROK the InvestiGator fool you. There are also darker and more melancholy elements that make the narrative more resonant. The futuristic world of those who have and have not highlight striking class differences and the overarching story tip toes around a greater threat and conspiracy. Brok himself has deep personal baggage wrestling with a son who is not his blood while also being haunted by the questionable circumstances of his wife’s death.
The mystery unravels gradually as you progress adding profound depth and complexity. The relationship between the main character and Graff supply much of the heart. It’s fitting that the stepson is a playable character to develop that bond between the two as they work together, but also to see both of their perspectives.
The gameplay manages to blend the different genres well. You can seamlessly transition from investigation mode to action mode. All the decision-making is in your hands from the approach to how you interact with NPCs. This is demonstrated by the multiple distinct endings you can unlock. If you want a more cerebral experience, focus on being thorough and solving the puzzles.
A more direct approach is to fight and destroy everything. The action is the familiar arcade style brawling. There are different combo sets and the ability to use weapons, but most of the time you’ll find yourself button mashing. That’s not necessarily a bad thing considering the feel BROK the Investigator is trying to evoke, but it can be repetitive. Each method has their own distinct pros and cons and they make for a varied play through.
Another nice touch is the differing difficulty levels. The easiest concentrates solely on the point-and-click puzzle components while the hardest setting makes the fights that more challenging. Moreover, if you ever get stuck, there is currency you collect that can give hints.
BROK the InvestiGator is an amusing and fun throwback that successfully combines several genres while also delivering a moving story of family.
BROK the InvestiGator is now available on PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox.
The folks at COWCAT are looking to bring a fresh new spin to the point-and-click adventure. With their recently releasedCOMICONRead More