Detective Dotson, a new mystery-adventure game developed by the Ahmedabad-based independent studio Masala Games, was officially announced on Monday. A demo version of the game has been launched on Steam, allowing players to experience it ahead of the full release, which is slated for later this year. This 2D platformer is set against the backdrop of contemporary India, drawing influences from Bollywood and popular Indian TV series like CID, according to the game’s publishers. Masala Games previously released Word Mess, a word-based game for iOS and iPadOS.
The story centers around the titular character, an aspiring Bollywood actor turned reluctant detective. The plot thickens when Dotson’s father dies under mysterious circumstances, prompting him to embark on a quest to track down criminals, gather clues, create disguises, and even recruit allies to solve the case. A gameplay trailer on YouTube showcases the game’s emphasis on the 2D platformer style, interspersed with dynamic cut-scenes.
Screenshot from the Detective Dotson game
Photo Credit: Masala Games
The immersive setting of modern India is highlighted throughout the game, as indicated by the developers. Players will encounter various non-playable characters that they can interact with and potentially recruit for missions. According to the trailer, the game features fundamental controls typical of the genre, including movement in multiple directions, use of ziplines and other tools, projectile throwing, and traversal through diverse environments. Players will also have the option to customize their characters.
The demo currently offers a single mission titled “Who Killed Dad?” with plans for additional missions to follow in the full version. The game’s Steam listing indicates that it is expected to be available to the public in the third quarter of 2024. Developed in Unity, Detective Dotson boasts an original soundtrack created in partnership with Nikhil Rao of the Indian rock band Indian Ocean.
Masala Games emphasized that the game’s low system requirements will make it accessible to a wide range of PCs. For Windows users, the minimum specifications include an AMD FX-4300 or Intel Core i3-3240 or higher processor, 8GB of RAM, a Radeon HD 7750 (1024 VRAM) or GeForce GT 640 (2048 VRAM) or equivalent graphics card, 1GB of storage, and a Windows 10 operating system or newer.
For Apple computer users, the minimum requirements are similar, featuring an Intel Core i3-3240 or equivalent processor, 8GB of RAM, a Radeon HD 7750 (1024 VRAM) or GeForce GT 640 (2048 VRAM) or equivalent graphics card, at least 1GB of available storage, and MacOS Sierra or higher.
Detective Dotson will also make an appearance at the Courage XL pre-GDC (Game Developers Conference) event in San Francisco on March 17 at 9:00 PM PST (9:30 AM IST). Attendees of GDC will have the opportunity to play the game and enter for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch at the Masala Games booth from March 20 to March 22.
