We Love It's Guide to…
In 1924 San Francisco, private investigator Phyllis Malone searches crime scenes, questions suspects, and tests their stories against evidence.
Released 08 Feb 2018
Catch Suspects Lying
Match Clues to Statements
Explore Speakeasies
A Case of Distrust is a narrative mystery from 1924 San Francisco. Play as private investigator Phyllis Cadence Malone in this historical 2D adventure game.
Developed by An Open Ben · Published by An Open Ben
Set in 1924 San Francisco, the game follows private investigator Phyllis Cadence Malone as she investigates a murder. Her case unfolds amid speakeasies, billiard halls, and other period settings, against social pressures around women’s emancipation.
Players examine objects, read descriptions, talk with suspects, and use evidence to catch contradictions in their statements. The investigation focuses on connecting clues and asking the right questions rather than complex puzzles.
The story moves between locations as the case develops, with taxi rides featuring additional conversations. Its text-heavy, visual-novel-style presentation combines character silhouettes, scene transitions, and music with a single central mystery.
Players who enjoyed the game often praise its distinctive silhouette art, jazz-backed atmosphere, and dialogue, along with the period setting and a satisfying short mystery. Some also like piecing together clues through interviews, though others find the investigation too straightforward or the story less compelling.
A Case of Distrust is a narrative mystery from 1924 San Francisco. Play as private investigator Phyllis Cadence Malone in this historical 2D adventure game. Explore underground speakeasies, smoke-filled billiard halls, classic barber shops, and more. Catch suspects in lies by using evidence, statements, and your wits. Intrinsic challenges face our heroine, as she struggles against a pushback on emancipation, leading to many doubts, both internal and external. Uncover the truth in a mystery full of deception!
"Perfect video game noir... 9/10" - Polygon
"Impressed me with its nuanced, careful construction" - Newsweek
"Stunning two-dimensional silhouettes" - PC Gamer
"Beautiful noirish graphics... suspenseful mystery" - Vogue Magazine
A hardboiled mystery, working past deceptive characters towards the truth
1924 San Francisco with historically accurate details
Saul Bass inspired visuals and scene transitions
Finger-snapping music that gives style to the roaring 20s
Themes of poverty, racism, and emancipation that tie into contemporary issues
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 10 |
| Age ratings |
|
| Controller required | No |
| Demo | A Case of Distrust Demo |
| Website | Official website |
