We recently got an extended preview of Detective Dotson, the made-in-India adventure by the aptly titled Masala Games. Long story short, it retains the exact vibes from the demo build that debuted during Steam’s Wholesale Game Celebration. More costumes, abilities, favour of lord Hanuman and the pigeon whisperer – our extended look at Detective Dotson was nothing short of mesmerizing.
P.S. – Some experiences have been exaggerated to the author’s liking because he can.
The first mission which you may have also experienced in the Steam Demo, features a well-detailed and relatable drama in a kitty party—fueled by what Indian Aunties do best – Rumormongering.
Dotson is invading the kitty party disguised as a niece of the aunt you’re hired by. You soon discover that nobody gives two bits about how you look, how much weight you’ve grown, or when you should get married. Strange right? Well, that’s mostly because of your new-found character-based ability – Make it drop (we came up with this ourselves). Stepping into the party with a grove fueled the Aunti’s jagrata spirits and all of them splurged themselves dancing to the music of the party. This gave you enough space and time to investigate what was going on.
After eavesdropping on the area with suspects, you soon find out that your client was the villain after all. But the client is a client, and money is money. Therefore, you let your client know why she was banned from the kitty party, and she sorted the scene herself.
Heartbroken from helping another villain who aggressively spoils the lives of young adults, you are served with another case to solve. But this time, it’s all “Jaadu Tona!”
Then, you are approached by Parth who is part of a marriage band. Parth complains that he’s being personally targeted by multiple pigeons.
A masterclass detective with a track record of solving even more heinous crimes than SET Max’s CID squad is now put up with solving crimes based on pigeon attacks? Absolute W. Human crimes are boring. We now need to solve supernatural crimes.
Upon investigating the source of the pigeons, you end up at a sealed well which mostly looked like a dead end. But it’s a Tuesday and there’s no stopping in the path of hard work and justice especially on a Tuesday. You come across the idol of Lord Hanuman, with whom you communicate and plead for help in accessing the well. Lord Hanuman wishes nothing more but only one smile of a true bhakt.
So you use your second disguise and it’s the ultimate ability – Reading thoughts. You soon discover a true bhakt in mental stress and help her smile, which completes Lord Hanuman’s requirement. In return, he sends a colossal thunder strike at the well, which completely rips apart the blocked entrance.
But wait, before we go in. Was Dotson’s smile not enough? Is Dotson not bhakt enough? Does Dotson not read Hanuman Chalisa?
#JusticeforDotson’sBhakti
Upon entering the well, you discover a strange tunnel and on the other side a stranger. The stranger tries to escape you, but no one escapes the law and the law’s hands. The suspect and Dotson arrive at a classic basti designed by platforming specialists.
Unleashing Dotson’s passive ability passed on by Ezio from a certain series, Dotson took mere seconds to climb up to the suspect. The suspect was supposed to deploy more pigeon attacks to disrupt your climb while at it, but… well you were too fast.
For the first time in the Indian crime-solving industry. The suspect was not slapped and teleported midway of him dealing the impact into the interrogation room.
Dotson, the destroyer peacefully interrogated the suspect who claimed guilty and complained about the marriage band playing ‘Fien’ by Travis Scott past 10 PM. Which was understandable, but the song choice was too good. Parth took note and closed the case. Another day, another crime brought to a close.
If you haven’t deducted already, I had one hell of a time playing Detective Dotson. The experience, environment, linear open world, and character designs truly fit well the “made in India” game. The game does not hide what India is. The bustling traffic, to breathtaking landmarks. Littered streets to a variety of personalities in the game. Dotson is set to be more than just an experience!
The game’s build is already quite strong and the graphics are already launch-ready. But alas, we will have to wait until the developers complete the storyline. The only thing that I feel could’ve been better was the OSTs and sound effects. They’re too generic for my tastes. The promise of Bollywood-styled music was camouflaged with just a lot of Morsing-based tunes. The background music does well though. It’s peaceful and matches the vibe of the sunset and the mood of the game.
Now comes the hard part: patiently waiting for Masla Games to announce Detective Dotson’s release date 🙁
