SFB Games Launches The Mermaid Mask Murder Mystery on Switch, PC and PS5

SFB Games returns with The Mermaid Mask, an undersea point-and-click murder mystery available now on Nintendo Switch, PC, and PS5. Following the adventures of Detective Grimoire and his assistant Sally, the game challenges players to solve a locked-room submarine murder among a vibrant cast of eccentric suspects.

Detective Grimoire and Sally Return Aboard the Mortuga Submarine

The adventure begins hot off the success of a previous Tangle Tower caper as Detective Grimoire and his assistant Sally dive straight into a high-stakes undersea investigation. The captain of the Mortuga Submarine, Magnus Mortuga, has been found dead under impossible circumstances. He was alone inside a small room with a locked door, lying next to a mysterious cauldron that had never been opened until his corpse was discovered inside. The Detective Grimoire series has been at the forefront of the developer’s work since its crew started out on Newgrounds, with this release marking about four games into the franchise if that humble beginning is counted alongside titles like Crow Country.

For players coming into the franchise for the first time, the game borrows a tried-and-true model from other detective franchises featuring returning leads, such as Benoit Blanc in the Knives Out films. Players can jump straight into the story cold without missing critical context, while returning fans will find subtle nods to previous adventures shared between the two investigators.

A Colorful Cast of Wayward Suspects

The Mortuga Submarine functions as an isolated floating half-way house filled with eccentric personalities brought together by the late captain. Among the crew are Dr. Zephyr, the dream attendant and mystic, alongside the new and spritely captain Sinthia. The manifest also features snarky successful writer J.D. Wirman, studly actor Dirk, swimming-obsessed Madam Tadpole, mysterious Mariana Moon, illusionist Symmetry, and quirky merchant Mr. Gripp. Interacting with this vibrant circus of characters forms the backbone of the experience, as every person has individual reactions to both other residents and the clues players uncover during their investigation.

Investigating Rooms and Solving Mechanical Puzzles

Operating much like a visual novel or social deduction game, players spend their time poking around the nooks, crannies, and knickknacks of the submarine’s tight quarters. Every physical object found during the search offers the option to rotate it and inspect various angles, frequently unlocking new insights. Alongside these environmental investigations, players encounter mechanical logic puzzles that break up the heavy dialogue, requiring tasks like turning dials precisely or organizing skulls on a shelf.

While the puzzles are generally sensible in their design, some can be a bit finnicky regarding exact placement to register a win. Similarly, players navigating the investigation may occasionally find themselves stuck without obvious leads, leading some to resort to presenting clues repeatedly until something clicks or utilizing the in-game hint system.

Confronting Suspects and Cracking Alibis

When enough evidence accumulates against a suspect, the gameplay shifts into intense personal investigation sequences reminiscent of the Ace Attorney series. Players assemble gathered clues to pierce through alibis, determine motives, and uncover personal backstories. These confrontations prove deeply satisfying, allowing investigators to break down a suspect’s facade with a single minor detail.

Solving a murder but all the suspects are whimsical – The Mermaid Mask [2]

The entire experience is elevated by fully voiced dialogue and lively line art, giving each suspect a distinct theme song when conversations begin. Even with extensive dialogue to parse through, an in-game notebook tracks all essential clues, keeping the sprawling investigation manageable as the narrative builds toward its parlor-room finale.

Availability Across Modern Gaming Platforms

Spanning an approximate ten-hour playthrough that culminates in a classic murder mystery parlor room confrontation, The Mermaid Mask is out now on Nintendo Switch, PC, and PS5.

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