The Shapeshifting Detective

 PC
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Adventure Gamers
    Nov 8, 2018
    80
    The Shapeshifting Detective is a unique game that provides a solid mystery with a creative twist on the usual means of information gathering.
  2. Hooked Gamers
    Nov 26, 2018
    65
    Overall, I did have fun with The Shapeshifting Detective. It’s a very competently made FMV, and one with a unique enough twist to earn a spot among its peers. I do think that there was a lot more potential in the concept than what the final product ended up delivering, but such is the case with many first shots at a new idea. Here’s to hoping we’re in line for a sequel that gives the concept some more room to grow.
  3. TheSixthAxis
    Dec 21, 2018
    60
    A functional but disappointing experience.
  5. PC Invasion
    Nov 6, 2018
    60
    Overall, I had a decent time with The Shapeshifting Detective. The story and much of the acting is underwhelming, but the core idea is fun and the game is engaging enough. Anyone who enjoys FMV games will probably find some things to like about the game, but it’s a mixed bag that could have been better with some more polished writing and a better cast.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. GVB
    Feb 11, 2023
    10
    It's a very interesting FMV game, in which the atmosphere of mystery, romance and horror is the great protagonist. Good performances,It's a very interesting FMV game, in which the atmosphere of mystery, romance and horror is the great protagonist. Good performances, replayable, and the main mechanic is very satisfactory.

    On many occasions, and for more reasons than I can say without going into spoilers, it will makes you think you are watching a movie directed by David Lynch. So yeah, 10/10.    … Full Review »
  2. Bug00g
    Jul 23, 2021
    9
    This game made me fall in love with fmv games. I bought it after seeing playtrough on youtube. Intriguing characters and sexy but darkThis game made me fall in love with fmv games. I bought it after seeing playtrough on youtube. Intriguing characters and sexy but dark atmosphere kept me.invested. the jokes have landed . id love to congratulate the actors. They made the experience memorable.… Full Review »
  3. MiaBlaiscote
    Apr 6, 2021
    7
    From the publisher of "The Bunker", here is another FMV game.
    This time the "gameplay" is more present, but it comes down to questioning    From the publisher of "The Bunker", here is another FMV game.
    This time the "gameplay" is more present, but it comes down to questioning everyone, by being Sam or someone else - because they are a shapeshifter -.
    Since three of the characters can be the killer, and he / she is chosen at random at each new game, I made three playthrough. I had a different killer each time and I obtained different endings.
    Despite this, I liked it less compared to "The Bunker", but I can't pinpoint why. Is it because of the actors’ performance? Is it due to the fact that the gameplay quickly becomes repetitive? Because of the fact, that in the first playthrough, we can't skip the cutscenes? So, we often see the radio scene and the movement in the guesthouse’ corridor + the scene in the room with Sam’s transformation into another character. Still, the concept is cool, and the story is interesting.
    So, my experience with this game is very mixed.
    If you like FMVs of investigation / story with supernatural elements / visual novel, "The Shapeshifting Detective" may be for you. If not, skip it.    … Full Review »
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