Paradise Killer

 PC
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 32
  3. Negative: 5 out of 32

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  1. JamesOhBurn
    Dec 2, 2020
    8
    This title truly sets a new standard for detective games. Using an open-world with hidden rooms and passages to find clues in order to solve an excellent mystery (even just on its own) was a fantastic idea and executed almost flawlessly.

    Creativity and worldbuilding oozes from this game's story, characters, and (of course) world to explore. So much so, in fact, that I fear it may be too    This title truly sets a new standard for detective games. Using an open-world with hidden rooms and passages to find clues in order to solve an excellent mystery (even just on its own) was a fantastic idea and executed almost flawlessly.

    Creativity and worldbuilding oozes from this game's story, characters, and (of course) world to explore. So much so, in fact, that I fear it may be too overwhelming for the first couple of hours of a blind playthrough. I would recommend someone who has beaten this game give you, or you yourself look up, a quick backstory to the world of Paradise Killer first so that you can focus on the mystery without being busy wondering what the heck you're even playing first.

    I very much appreciated this game not holding your hand when finding clues and solving each mystery, not to mention giving the player the ability to essentially end the game anytime they wish once they are satisfied with their investigation. This really helps the journey feel like your own, since you basically choose what ending you get as well as the fates of everyone left on the island. The journey is definitely where the game's strength is, however, as the epilogue to this mystery is overall a bit underwhelming considering its grande finale.

    Absolutely worth every cent of your $20 and I can't wait for more adventures with the Investigator.

    8/10    … Expand
  2. hueftenspeck
    Sep 9, 2020
    10
    My new favourite mystery game!
    I simply couldn't stop playing.

    With the open world and very little handholding you actually feel like a proper investigator!
  3. RaurosAmmonoid
    Sep 18, 2020
    9
    Very compelling writing, fun exploration and borderline platforming mechanics in a game about justice that isn't actually about justice, but rather a playful commentary on its mishaps and the brittleness of its framework.

    Setting's a fascinating (with yet even more interesting lore) yet corrupt island-city-whatever-loop and I seriously hope Kaizen Game Works pushes it forward with    Very compelling writing, fun exploration and borderline platforming mechanics in a game about justice that isn't actually about justice, but rather a playful commentary on its mishaps and the brittleness of its framework.

    Setting's a fascinating (with yet even more interesting lore) yet corrupt island-city-whatever-loop and I seriously hope Kaizen Game Works pushes it forward with future releases. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the anti-hero, sweeping the nooks and crannies of Paradise 24, breaking in secret lairs (props for the word design, stellar aesthetics and sound included), chit-chatting and coping with its complex and often incompetent ''keepers'' in a fidgety strive for a truth that reveals itself, towards the end, delightfully loose: when not downright elusive.

    As the ''witty'' character which chaperones you from ubiquity says, right before the ending credits, ''Humans are **** r*tards'' or something to such effect.
    Though I could have done with a little less of the light-heartedness. PK doesn't exactly wallow in the ''grimness'' which its very world brutally implies. Maybe that adds to the charm of it?

    Cheap, immersive, great. Buy this ****    … Expand
  4. mattaukamp
    Oct 19, 2020
    10
    This game is a vaporwave acid trip unlike anything I've ever experienced. Its an open-world detective game that doesn't hold your hand for a second. It lets you wander around this incredible setting to find or miss clues as you go and then you decide when you've figured it all out and take it to trial. The accusations and conclusions are your own.

    The setting itself is wild and deeply    This game is a vaporwave acid trip unlike anything I've ever experienced. Its an open-world detective game that doesn't hold your hand for a second. It lets you wander around this incredible setting to find or miss clues as you go and then you decide when you've figured it all out and take it to trial. The accusations and conclusions are your own.

    The setting itself is wild and deeply thought-out, with graphics that are as strange, beautiful, horrifying, and cool as the world they're portraying. Plus, a dope soundtrack.

    There should be no hesitancy in picking up and playing this game.    … Expand
  5. timberlaender
    Jul 6, 2021
    10
    One of the strangest games I've ever played. First I thought it was a joke, an over-hyped indie junk. But something kept me coming back and then it clicked. I got it. And I was hooked. Beyond all the vaporware weirdness hides a compelling detective game full of twist and turns. Once you start to unravel the deep & dark mysteries of the island(s) and its bizarre inhabitants you just can'tOne of the strangest games I've ever played. First I thought it was a joke, an over-hyped indie junk. But something kept me coming back and then it clicked. I got it. And I was hooked. Beyond all the vaporware weirdness hides a compelling detective game full of twist and turns. Once you start to unravel the deep & dark mysteries of the island(s) and its bizarre inhabitants you just can't stop playing. You just have to find out what the f is going on here. Paradise killer is more than a masterpiece, it's a piece of art.… Expand
  6. Castrolias
    Jan 4, 2021
    9
    Such an intriguing game. Heard good things but honestly did not know what to expect. I was seriously hooked after the first hour. This is a Vaporwave detective mystery game that has surprisingly deep investigation mechanics, a weird but amazing world/lore and fitting characters. Besides that it has great art, smart writing and a dope as hell soundtrack. Give this game a shot and youSuch an intriguing game. Heard good things but honestly did not know what to expect. I was seriously hooked after the first hour. This is a Vaporwave detective mystery game that has surprisingly deep investigation mechanics, a weird but amazing world/lore and fitting characters. Besides that it has great art, smart writing and a dope as hell soundtrack. Give this game a shot and you probably won't regret it.… Expand
  7. GVB
    Mar 12, 2021
    8
    A nice mystery game with a very original and compelling world. Also, the characters are interesting and the mechanics (finally) will let you feel like a "true" detective.

    If I had to describe this game with just two words I would say: "pure creativity". That is really great, but sometimes there are so many concepts and new ideas that it can be a bit overwhelming. Also, I think that the    A nice mystery game with a very original and compelling world. Also, the characters are interesting and the mechanics (finally) will let you feel like a "true" detective.

    If I had to describe this game with just two words I would say: "pure creativity". That is really great, but sometimes there are so many concepts and new ideas that it can be a bit overwhelming. Also, I think that the ending could have been better, showing your relationships with the characters based on your dialogue options.    … Expand
  8. MunhozMCM
    Nov 5, 2021
    9
    My Score:

    (9) - Great!

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  9. txy
    Jun 25, 2023
    9
    A game that really makes you feel like you're on holiday. Beautiful style, perfect choice of music. The detective work may be more finding stuff than thinking about stuff but that didn't bother me much. I usually lack the patience for long, text heavy games like this one but it kept me hooked from beginning to end. Highly recommended.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best PC Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Impulsegamer
    May 5, 2022
    76
    Paradise Killer offers a highly unique experience with interesting characters and a heavily detailed mystery to follow. However, its needlessly convoluted story and writing may deter some players from diving in.
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  2. IGN Japan
    Nov 16, 2021
    70
    While Paradise Killer seems like a detective adventure game, it’s not impossible to beat the game without solving the main mystery at all. The game’s climax plays out in a court session, which the player can engage in at any given point. But in order to unveil the true story, you will need to collect countless pieces of evidence and talk to many different characters. This means that you will need to work your way through an inconveniently designed open world, and I often found the game’s scenario hard to swallow. That being said, from quirky character design to Japan-inspired locales and a Vaporwave-like soundtrack and UI, the game’s surrealistic atmosphere is well worth a visit.
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  3. Adventure Gamers
    Nov 16, 2020
    90
    An investigative adventure that actually makes you feel like a detective, Paradise Killer blends surreal world-building, vibrant art, clever writing, and rock-solid open-world gameplay to create an experience you won’t soon forget.
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