Shadows of Doubt Review

Released for the PlayStation 5, Shadows of Doubt is an ambitious first-person detective game that blends elements of immersive simulation and procedural generation. Developed by ColePowered Games, this indie title first gained traction during its early access phase on PC, where it captured the attention of fans of detective mysteries and simulation games. The game’s unique blend of voxel-based visuals and fun investigative mechanics made it stand out among early access titles, but it also faced a fair share of technical challenges.

The game’s initial launch in early access in 2023 showcased its core gameplay systems, allowing players to dive into a futuristic, noir-inspired city where they take on the role of a private investigator. During this period, players were encouraged to explore, provide feedback, and help the developers fine-tune the game. The procedural nature of the game’s content ensured that no two cases or playthroughs were alike, adding a layer of unpredictability and replayability that appealed to early players. However, as is often the case with procedurally generated games, this mechanic came with its strengths and weaknesses, which became more apparent as the game expanded towards its full release.

What is Shadows of Doubt About?

Shadows of Doubt’s visual design relies on voxel graphics, a style that creates a blocky, pixelated aesthetic, giving the game a unique retro-futuristic charm. Voxels, or volumetric pixels, are 3D pixels that serve as building blocks for the game’s environment and characters. This art style has been increasingly popular in indie game development due to its low computational demand, which allows for larger, more complex worlds to be created with relatively modest system requirements. In Shadows of Doubt, voxel graphics add a certain nostalgic appeal while simultaneously fitting the gritty, dystopian atmosphere of the game.

The city feels like a living, breathing entity where every alleyway, building, and room is constructed from these tiny, blocky elements, providing a distinctive look that sets it apart from more photorealistic titles. One of the game’s most impressive features is its procedural generation. The entire city, along with its residents, buildings, and investigation cases, is procedurally generated.

An Atmospheric Approach

One of the game’s strongest aspects is its atmosphere. Set in a dystopian, cyberpunk-inspired city, the game masterfully captures the feel of a gritty, rain-soaked metropolis teeming with corruption, mystery, and danger. The combination of dimly lit streets, neon signs, and a retro aesthetic makes for an immersive world that feels alive. The world-building is executed with precision, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the noir setting. Whether you’re sneaking into a suspect’s apartment, examining clues in a dimly lit room, or eavesdropping on conversations in a bar, the atmosphere pulls you in and never lets go.

The procedural city generation in Shadows of Doubt contributes significantly to its world-building. Every building, every character, and even their daily routines are intricately designed. Each NPC has its schedule, job, and place to live, making the city feel like a living organism. You can follow any character throughout the day, observe their habits, or even break into their homes to gather evidence. The world is dense with detail, giving players the feeling that they are part of a larger, dynamic environment.

Thankfully, a nice set of soundtracks completes the atmosphere. Composed of a blend of ambient sounds and dark, moody tones, the music perfectly complements the tense, investigative nature of the game. Whether you are walking through the streets or involved in a high-stakes chase, the soundtrack enhances the experience and adds to the noir atmosphere.

Shadows of Doubt is a Mixed Bag

The concept behind Shadows of Doubt is creative and ambitious. The idea of a fully immersive detective sim in a procedurally generated world hasn’t been explored much in gaming. The freedom to approach cases in any way you see fit gives players a sense of autonomy and control over the narrative. You’re not tied to a linear narrative. Instead, you’re given the tools to investigate, solve cases, and navigate the city on your terms. The game doesn’t penalize players for experimenting with different approaches, allowing for a wide range of investigative strategies.

Players have access to a variety of tools, from fingerprint kits to notepads, where they can manually keep track of clues and evidence. The game also lets players pin clues and piece together evidence, simulating the thought process of a real detective. This mechanic encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, making each case feel rewarding to solve. However, the gameplay is not that perfect.

While the game’s procedural generation ensures that no two playthroughs are the same, the variety in investigation cases can feel limited after extended playtime. Many cases begin to follow similar patterns, which can make the investigative process feel repetitive. The game features a job system that allows players to take on side gigs in addition to their primary investigations. However, these jobs quickly become repetitive and fail to offer meaningful variety. Another noticeable downside is the repetition of dialogues among NPCs. As you interact with different characters, you’ll begin to notice that many of them share similar or identical lines, which can break immersion and make the world feel less dynamic than it appears at first glance.

Not a Smooth Experience

Unfortunately, Shadows of Doubt is not without its technical issues. During both its early access and full release, There are a variety of bugs, ranging from minor visual glitches to more game-breaking issues. The game’s user interface is another area that needs improvement. The UI can feel clunky and unintuitive, particularly when navigating menus or managing clues. For a game that revolves around investigation and gathering information, a clean and efficient UI is essential, and this is one area where Shadows of Doubt falls short.

Shadows of Doubt is an imaginative game that offers a rich, atmospheric experience. Its voxel graphics, procedural generation, and freedom of choice create a world that feels alive and unpredictable. However, the game is not without its flaws, including bugs, UI issues, and repetitive gameplay. Despite these shortcomings, Shadows of Doubt remains a compelling experience for those who can overlook its rough edges.

The review code was provided by the publisher