Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders
Genres: Mystery, Point & Click, Story Rich, Atmospheric, Adventure
Play modes: singleplayer
Release Date: 1-5-2019
Developer: Nupixo Games
Our verdict
7.5/10
- Difficulty: Easy
- Players: 1
- Playtime: 6–9 h
Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders is a pixel-art point and click mystery set in Chang'an in the year 683, starring the famous historical investigator Di Renjie. You examine crime scenes, question suspects and fit evidence together while a murder case unfolds amid court politics. It suits solo players who like story-driven detective adventures and an unusual historical setting.
Steam reviews are very positive (about 88% of 1,104). Players praise the Tang-dynasty setting, the scenic art, the relaxing music and a gripping story with twists, politics and romance. Several call it one of the best point and click detective games they have played in a while.
The complaints are about puzzles and pacing. Some found the puzzles either too easy or simply not fun, and one backer disliked the plot pausing for mini-games such as a drum sequence. Expect around six to nine hours. At its modest price it is worth it for mystery fans who care more about story than about hard puzzles.
Pros
- Rare setting: Chang'an in 683 with historical detective Di Renjie
- Twisting murder story with court politics and romance
- Detailed pixel-art scenes and calm music
Cons
- Puzzles swing between too easy and unintuitive
- Mini-games interrupt the investigation
About
REVIEWS
“Nupixo’s debut offering Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders is a brilliant introduction to one of ancient China’s most famous investigators that does just about everything right.”
- Adventure Gamers - 4.5/5
“A no-brainer to pick up for anyone looking for a cerebral and emotional murder mystery.”
- DarkStation - 4/5
“The story will pull you in almost right away, and there’s no denying how beautiful the pixel graphics are and how well-written the dialogue is.”
- GameSpewTHE STORY
Amid lingering political turmoil, the first and only female empress of China, Wu Zetian rises to power. Within months of her ascension to the throne, murmurs of discontentment and revolution swell as detractors and enemies begin plotting against her. It is against this backdrop that our protagonist, newly appointed investigating magistrate Di Renjie, must solve a gruesome series of murders--which will lead him on a collision course with the Imperial Court and the empress herself.
Will our young detective overcome his own inner demons and his allegiance to the previous emperor? What is the connection between the murder victims and the capital's many political secrets? YOU must uncover the truth...GAMEPLAY
Playing as the legendary detective, players will explore this unique setting and unravel its narrative twists and turns using familiar adventure gameplay mechanics such as exploration, dialogue choices, interaction with objects and clues, and puzzle-solving. Additionally, we are introducing an original mechanic where you will be able to deduct and reenact the scene of a crime and put your theories to the test.
The pixel art style of the game is also an homage to old school graphics, but we've added our own visual signature and design sensibilities. The game contains over 45 locations (many spanning multiple screen widths), each one pixel-painted with care and attention to detail.FEATURES
- Distinct 2D pixel art style
- Immersive story-driven experience dripping with historical atmosphere
- Challenging and fun puzzles to solve
- Unique Chinese cultural and historical references
- Fantastic soundtrack with 13 original tracks
- Multiple language support: English and Chinese
- Windows and Mac support
