Sometimes it takes a friend to solve a murder - Antioch: Scarlet Bay Quick Review
1K View2022-12-06
As an interactive fiction fanatic, Antioch: Scarlet Bay was a real treat. This indie gem is a unique entry into the genre that adds a cool multiplayer aspect to the familiar choose-your-own-adventure mechanics.
TIME PLAYED
I spent around two hours total playing Antioch: Scarlet Bay with a new recruit I named "Stagger" That was plenty of time to wander around the city and gather clues about a mysterious murder, but overall playtime will depend on the paths you take, the areas you choose to spend time investigating, and whether you choose to replay for multiple endings.
WHAT'S AWESOME
• Narrative. Antioch: Scarlet Bay is ultimately about the narrative experience. I was hooked by the various choices I had to make while traveling through this grizzly city. My favorite quirk was choosing how to react to my partner. Did I want to be the cooperative rookie? Or an asshole rogue? Little tidbits like this make each playthrough different and reward exploring the multiple endings.
• Music and visuals. The music in Antioch: Scarlet Bay really put me into the film noir feel. Jazzy saxophones and piano keys make the city feel seedier. And the artsy visuals make for a nice-looking game, even if it’s not 3D and played entirely in portrait mode.
Multiplayer. This is what makes Antioch: Scarlet Bay stand out. Playing with a friend or stranger online and working together to solve the case brings “interactive” to a new level. Conveniently, if you don't have a strong internet connection or no buddies to play with, you can also play offline, and a bot will serve as your partner.
WHAT SUCKS
• No character voice-overs. With the colorful cast of characters littered throughout Antioch, it would be nice to have some voice acting to add to their varied personalities.
SHOULD YOU PLAY IT?
This is a must-play for anyone who enjoys interactive storytelling or the detective genre. The game costs between $2.99 and $4.99 depending on which platform you play it on, but it’s well worth even the higher price. In fact, why not pick up two copies: To get the intended experience, you’ll want to make sure you have a buddy join you.
💬 What's your favorite detective game? Give a shout in the comments section!