Methods: The Detective Competition

One hundred detectives enter a mystery-solving competition built around cases created by criminal masterminds. The winner receives one million dollars; if a criminal wins, they also receive parole. The story follows different participants as the contest unfolds.

To work through each case, examine the available evidence and answer multiple-choice questions about what happened. Cases may also involve interactive crime scenes, short minigames, and discussions with a detective partner. The puzzles are part of a story-focused visual novel rather than an extended investigative simulation.

The story is divided into 100 chapters and shifts between characters and viewpoints as the competition progresses. Detectives have different approaches to solving cases, and the contest tracks rankings across its stages. Character interviews, bios, galleries, and a music room provide additional material.

Players who enjoy the game often point to its large, distinctive cast, shifting viewpoints, and humorous writing as the main draw, with some saying they become more invested in the characters than in solving each case. Its stylized art and music also receive recurring praise. Reviews frequently caution that the investigation is light and the puzzles are generally easy, while opinions differ on the pacing and how well the many characters are handled.