The Sexy Brutale

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 78 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 78
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 78
  3. Negative: 8 out of 78

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  1. Skirlasvoud
    Apr 14, 2017
    9
    There's very little to dislike about this game and a lot to adore, but I'll blurt out the bad first:

    The game has some minor buffering issues. Controller input can be a little wonky, with your character turning around, rather than open a door. Other than that, I was - initially - somewhat disappointed by the puzzles. Going in expecting this to be a puzzle detective, I barely strained a    There's very little to dislike about this game and a lot to adore, but I'll blurt out the bad first:

    The game has some minor buffering issues. Controller input can be a little wonky, with your character turning around, rather than open a door.
    Other than that, I was - initially - somewhat disappointed by the puzzles. Going in expecting this to be a puzzle detective, I barely strained a brain cell for three quarters of it. All the puzzles are obviously telegraphed. Sneak up on the appropriate gaggle of Ne'er-do-wells and they'll handily exposition you the specifications of their circuitous scheme and how to foil it.

    No matter how obvious though, the act of foiling these plans (or not!) managed to remain fun throughout. The game has oodles of style and atmosphere and just watching the life in the mansion tick down is a true joy. Uncovering the details of a plot, sneaking about the mansion, spying and applying your interesting and well implemented skills, gives you a very "Thief"-like feeling of being the voyeur and saboteur to this beautiful, intricate world. It's all there for you to outwit, and be privy to the various overlapping intrigues as they run through each other like ornate clockwork. The urge to undo a tied ribbon, lies mostly in how pretty the bow is. The Sexy Brutale in that, is one hell of a tantalizing knot in artwork, sound and snappy character design.

    Eventually, the intelligence of this game is found instead, in how it kept misdirecting my expectations. There were several moments where I thought I had the Sexy Brutale figured out, only for mounting dread to make me doubt, and then fear another theory.

    In the end, the game has one hell of a mind-boggling plot twist that makes everything feel like it made sense. I'll only say this: A storepage's tag of "mystery/adventure" suits Sexy Brutale best. Buy this game for the mystery, vague as that may sound, and I can promise you the inquisitive will be well rewarded with one hell of a journey.    … Expand
  2. Strumbore
    Apr 16, 2017
    9
    The best-kept secret of 2017!

    A truly amazing game. Do not be fooled into thinking this game will only be novel for a few minutes; it will subvert your expectations from beginning to end. I can go on and on about the graphical style, about the music, but the gameplay itself is just extremely solid. It is amazing how interconnected everything is! The world is huge and characters have    The best-kept secret of 2017!

    A truly amazing game. Do not be fooled into thinking this game will only be novel for a few minutes; it will subvert your expectations from beginning to end. I can go on and on about the graphical style, about the music, but the gameplay itself is just extremely solid. It is amazing how interconnected everything is! The world is huge and characters have their own intricate schedules that interact with each other and the environment in novel ways. A lot of reviewers are saying the game is "Clue" meets something-other, but the only way it's like "Clue" is that people are being murdered in a mansion. A more apt comparison I have heard of is not even to a game, but to the short story, "The Masque of the Red Death". Most of the characters go about their business blissfully unaware of their impending doom, as the music within the ostentatious mansion builds to an ominous crescendo. The game is dark, witty, and funny as hell. Even the murderous staff have some of the best lines, to be discovered by spying on them in an unguarded moment. The Sexy Brutale reminds me most of Playstation 2-era Castlevania games, where players can rightly sense that a secret passage could hold the answers to mysteries with profound implications on the story.

    Flaws are few. There are the occasional pauses when entering new rooms and the protagonist's weird glitch when he randomly can't seem to get in front of and open a door--also rare. A cataloging system for playing card collectibles feels like an overlooked necessity. Other than those, it's just too bad that there isn't more of the game to play once you're done. The length is very satisfying, though (I spent several hours of several days playing the game, exploring its nooks and crannies), and there are many little secrets to discover (and at least one big secret).

    This game is worth every penny. Buy it now! Don't wait!    … Expand
  3. Underpants158
    May 16, 2017
    6
    The concept of a groundhog day mixed with murder mystery is intriguing but it never feels satisfying. Thwarting a murder is just about finding the information (usually through eavesdropping and tracking people throughout the day) that you need to stop it. I never felt like I came up with an ingenious way to stop a murder only like I stumbled upon the solution and there is only one solution.
  4. pooya_t
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    a great and uniqe game mostly games like this are too few. classic art and nice game theme and good story if you are looking for a diffrent game this is it
  5. Germashko
    Apr 16, 2017
    6
    Nice game but very basic. Good concept that was not explored to it's full potential, puzzles are very simple, they are designed for you to feel smart without actual complexity and challenge, wich feels like alot of lost potential.
  6. DaveTheJackal
    Apr 20, 2017
    7
    Slick production values, a cutesy gruesome aesthetic, the occasional laugh. i am all for bewildering plots which eventually kinda work out, and when it does eventually work out, the Sexy Brutale's tale is engaging enough, but there may be plenty of bemused wandering around before that, not really knowing what to do, never mind understanding what's going on and, importantly (for me) notSlick production values, a cutesy gruesome aesthetic, the occasional laugh. i am all for bewildering plots which eventually kinda work out, and when it does eventually work out, the Sexy Brutale's tale is engaging enough, but there may be plenty of bemused wandering around before that, not really knowing what to do, never mind understanding what's going on and, importantly (for me) not having fun. Still, it did work out in the end and I liked it overall. The puzzles could really do with more depth.… Expand
  7. drlowdon
    Jul 6, 2018
    7
    Lafcadio Boone wakes up in the middle of a party being held at the The Sexy Brutale casino mansion. A mysterious woman explains that all the guests are going to be murdered over the course of the next 12 hours and that it’s up to Boone to prevent them and eventually figure out who, or what, is behind the killings. To help him he is given a watch that allows him to restart each day any timeLafcadio Boone wakes up in the middle of a party being held at the The Sexy Brutale casino mansion. A mysterious woman explains that all the guests are going to be murdered over the course of the next 12 hours and that it’s up to Boone to prevent them and eventually figure out who, or what, is behind the killings. To help him he is given a watch that allows him to restart each day any time he chooses.

    The Sexy Brutale’s original premise is certainly interesting and the events behind each murder, as well as the overall plot, are well written and it was this that made me want to see the game through to the end. The gameplay however never really feels totally satisfying. Rather than “solving” the puzzle behind each murder I found myself largely just wandering around until I stumbled upon the solution, or in some cases had to look up the answer because of some obscure detail I’d missed.

    If you want to try something a bit different it’s worth giving this a go but I can’t help but feel it could have been something more.    … Expand
  8. wesker2012
    May 4, 2017
    6
    Unique puzzle/stealth/mystery game with gorgeous aesthetic. Gameplay was a bit lacking though and I got bored before I finished the game. If the gameplay was more fleshed out, this title would be more enjoyable.
  9. JWilliamJames
    Aug 24, 2017
    9
    I wasn't expecting much from this game but it really impressed me. Engaging, interesting, obviously a labour of love. I managed to complete it and get all the trophies in 7 hours of gameplay so it's not super-long but I didn't much mind -- quality over quantity.
  10. DarkSideMC
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    I finished the game 2 days ago and the end made me cry, I did not expect the game to have such a profound message about remorse and forgive oneself. Many AAA have to learn from this game.
  11. MightierRooster
    Jul 27, 2017
    9
    My gripes:

    - Sometimes you just didn't know what you are supposed to be doing or looking for. I'm not talking about stopping the murders, that is always well laid out, but more about not knowing how to get access to certain areas in the mansion. So you start exploring every accessible area until you stumble upon a way. I personally don't think this is a good game design. - You are    My gripes:

    - Sometimes you just didn't know what you are supposed to be doing or looking for. I'm not talking about stopping the murders, that is always well laid out, but more about not knowing how to get access to certain areas in the mansion. So you start exploring every accessible area until you stumble upon a way. I personally don't think this is a good game design.

    - You are solving the 6 murders in certain order, which is fixed. If you decide to follow one guest instead of the one game wants you to, you will quickly discover something which prevents you from doing so. To me, this seemed completely unnecessary, since the story would remain the same, even if you solved those murders in different order. So I would welcome if I could solve the murders in the order I choose, which would add more variety and freedom of choice to the game.

    - The final section of the game was not very good imo. I'm not talking about the ending here, I loved the ending, but the section just before.. To me, it seemed like the game threw out what made it interesting and unique in exchange for what seemed like a generic moon logic puzzle game.

    - One very annoying sound which comes every time you used certain ability.

    What I liked:

    - the music, the soundtrack and the music. Oh and the soundtrack.
    - style, visuals and atmosphere
    - story

    Overall, I loved the game, it is definitely one of my top gaming experiences this year.    … Expand
  12. frederik1478
    Sep 30, 2022
    8
    The puzzle and story in this one is amazing. I have not felt so satisfaction from playing a puzzle game with a good story in a long time.

    The music is really good. I listen to the soundtrack long time and didn't get bored of it . The art style is really cute. It was so fun to watch. The story really hit me moved in the last part of the game. I did not expect the story to be so    The puzzle and story in this one is amazing. I have not felt so satisfaction from playing a puzzle game with a good story in a long time.

    The music is really good. I listen to the soundtrack long time and didn't get bored of it .

    The art style is really cute. It was so fun to watch.

    The story really hit me moved in the last part of the game. I did not expect the story to be so emotional.

    If you're looking for a really good then play this.

    I enjoyed it so much. I got a platinum trophy.    … Expand
  13. TheDoodFrankWak
    Nov 2, 2017
    8
    The Sexy Brutale, a game I was playing off my live review Streams, captivated me with its stealth, mystery styled gameplay, beautiful jazz-themed soundtrack, and a truly interesting cast of characters. It's a game that has a certain mystique I haven't experienced since the days of the Myst Series. Introduced to this game by the Extra Credits Team on YouTube as the "Groundhog's Day ofThe Sexy Brutale, a game I was playing off my live review Streams, captivated me with its stealth, mystery styled gameplay, beautiful jazz-themed soundtrack, and a truly interesting cast of characters. It's a game that has a certain mystique I haven't experienced since the days of the Myst Series. Introduced to this game by the Extra Credits Team on YouTube as the "Groundhog's Day of Murder" I was instantly interested, and I have to say I'll definitely take their recommendations with great consideration from now on. This game was a masterpiece of how a stealthy mystery game should be made. it wasn't unfair at any point in time, or that punishing in moments of peril. This game had everything and allowed you to focus on solving the series of murders, rather than distracting you with how to avoid conflicts. It's a breath of fresh air and I can't wait to see Tequllia Works and Cavalier Games Studio's next project.

    The Sexy Brutale gets a 8/10
    -Das Dood
    Follow my Live Reviews on Twitch at Twitch.tv/Das_Dood    … Expand
  14. Hurrikhan
    Jun 14, 2021
    7
    Buying the game, I was hoping for a variation of a way more difficult and interesting a game from 2001 called "Shadow of Memories" (also called "Shadow of Destiny"), but only the basic idea is the same.

    Sexy Brutale is a very easy game that could be summarised in "be at the right place at the right time". You must save guests from assassination and to achieve this you can rewind time    Buying the game, I was hoping for a variation of a way more difficult and interesting a game from 2001 called "Shadow of Memories" (also called "Shadow of Destiny"), but only the basic idea is the same.

    Sexy Brutale is a very easy game that could be summarised in "be at the right place at the right time".
    You must save guests from assassination and to achieve this you can rewind time to Saturday noon every time you want.
    Every character in the game is doing the exact same thing every day. You can follow and spy their every move and conversation to devise a way to save one specific target.
    Most of the solutions are so straightforward calling them puzzle is a bit of an exaggeration.
    The story is pretty easy to guess and you'll see the twists coming from several miles away.

    I've liked the music, the graphics and the little details of the back-story.

    The one part that disappointed me is that I've tried several time to see if I could manage saving everyone in a single rewind. Alas the game stops you as soon as you save anyone else than your target and rewinds the game for you.
    Until the end, I've expected this to be the final challenge but : nope.

    I've been on the fence choosing between "recommend" and "not" but it's generally enjoyable so it's a thumbs up.
    Just don't buy it expecting a challenge.    … Expand
  15. checat
    Nov 30, 2017
    10
    I like almost everything in this game. I like art, story, music (I like soundtrack very much).

    Go ahead: explore storyline, make theories. Game is wonderful. I put 10 but for me there is one drawback in this game (well actually not a drawback but mis expectation as game is still quite good, but not what I expected it to be): puzzles are easy. So if you want hard puzzles that will    I like almost everything in this game. I like art, story, music (I like soundtrack very much).

    Go ahead: explore storyline, make theories. Game is wonderful.

    I put 10 but for me there is one drawback in this game (well actually not a drawback but mis expectation as game is still quite good, but not what I expected it to be): puzzles are easy. So if you want hard puzzles that will challenge your intelligence you won't wind them here. But what you find is interesting art style, good themed music and mystery story.    … Expand
  16. MatchWest
    Jan 28, 2018
    7
    Sort of like a cross between Cluedo and Groundhog Day, The Sexy Brutale is a puzzle game in which you use time travel mechanics to save people from gruesome deaths – about ten in total. It’s set in a swanky casino which you’re invited to attend a masked ball by a mysterious host and it immediately that not all is as it seems. Each guest is lured into various areas where they’re killed offSort of like a cross between Cluedo and Groundhog Day, The Sexy Brutale is a puzzle game in which you use time travel mechanics to save people from gruesome deaths – about ten in total. It’s set in a swanky casino which you’re invited to attend a masked ball by a mysterious host and it immediately that not all is as it seems. Each guest is lured into various areas where they’re killed off without remorse. It’s up to you to use the power of a trusty pocket watch to work out how they’re going to die. And then to stop them from doing so.

    The trick to it all is that you can’t be seen by any of the guests. The masks they wear – or have been purposefully designated – contains a hidden power that attacks you should you enter the same room as them. In order to avoid this, you have to find ways to work around it. You can hide in wardrobes, peek through doors, and watch them on surveillance cameras. But the trick is that you only have 12 hours to do so.

    As such it's imperative to play through each death. Travelling back in time to an earlier part of the day allows you to gain knowledge of their actions, including who they interact with and where they’re going to die. It might sound complicated but in practice it works seamlessly. It requires the player to figure out ways around the mansion that don’t involve confronting them directly and to make sure the guards don’t find a successful way to bump guests off.

    In many ways, it’s quite similar to a point and click adventure. You acquire items throughout your trips around the hotel, which you can use to interact with other things. The only thing you need to remember is that certain things will only be found, or work, at certain parts of the day. Rewinding time means you lose each item. It opens up the rescue as a process that comes together as you repeat each day.

    Pleasingly, the story is well-designed. Aside from an exposition dump in the last 30 minutes, the game sticks to the tried and tested formula of playing out each death as a chapter like in a tragic storybook. Characters themselves are minimal yet always quite interesting. However, it’s your relationship with the casino’s owner where the game shows its narrative strength. To mention it in any depth at all would be to spoil it but rest assured it’s a strange tale of regret, death, and remorse.

    While there were times when I found myself stumped – I had to look up the answer on at least two occasions - the puzzles are mostly all fair. The art-style is brilliant, as is the jazzy soundtrack, and there’s something extraordinarily satisfying about investigating the casino’s ground. The limit to each day made it feel like there was something to accomplish each time I turned back the clock, and while I unwittingly saved at least two guests by complete accident, the game kept me fully engaged throughout its five-hour duration.

    Overall, it’s a smart, delightfully-designed game that shows how a low-production budget needn’t hold a game back from daring to use new ideas. While not a complete masterpiece it's still a very unique experience.    … Expand
  17. MBCR
    Feb 5, 2018
    8
    The Sexy Brutale is an overall great experience that is perfect if you're looking for something good, but are short on time. It offers a unique and charming visual and sound design that contrasts well with the grim tone of the content; as well as, great writing and enjoyable game-play, despite a couple of minor issues. The Sexy Brutale focuses on the story of Lafcadio Boone, a priest whoThe Sexy Brutale is an overall great experience that is perfect if you're looking for something good, but are short on time. It offers a unique and charming visual and sound design that contrasts well with the grim tone of the content; as well as, great writing and enjoyable game-play, despite a couple of minor issues. The Sexy Brutale focuses on the story of Lafcadio Boone, a priest who has recently died and whose ghost is gifted a magical pocket watch that gives him the ability to rewind the day back to noon. He is then informed that the mansion that they have been invited to is attempting to murder its guests using the servants of the house. So Lafcadio must traverse the mansion learning the patterns of its inhabitants and the mansion it self’s layout; all the while rewinding time to save all of his friends. The catch being that he cannot be in the same room as any other person, preventing him from directly interfering with the nefarious plans. The game-play consists mostly of finding all of the pieces to each individual murder. Once you have found the pieces the solution is typically rather straightforward. This leads to the game being rather easy and each mission being rather short, which is nice when you are lacking in free time. Additionally, the limited time you do have with each individual mission is well used. You find yourself considering your fellow guests as friends even though you only know them for 30 minutes. The missions themselves are also woven together with a very flowing soundtrack; that while small is at points really good with an old-timey, jazzy, bass heavy sound and recurring sinister tones. It makes the mansion seem alive as you are tracking down information about its inhabitants and hearing all the various machinations of your group’s downfall as the day goes on. All leading up to a very satisfying and climactic ending, even though the story in the meantime wasn’t very eventful. Ultimately, The Sexy Brutale is a very unique experience that would be very welcome to anyone short on time or looking for a short game for whatever reason.… Expand
  18. ejbarnes89
    Apr 2, 2019
    10
    An extremely tight and emotive game. People are dying in a mansion and you have the power to rewind time to stop them from dying. The art is so beautiful, the writing is incredible - the story and characters are so memorable. One of my favourite games of all time. The attention to detail is phenomenal. The writing can be laugh out loud funny and crying real tears upsetting. If you're intoAn extremely tight and emotive game. People are dying in a mansion and you have the power to rewind time to stop them from dying. The art is so beautiful, the writing is incredible - the story and characters are so memorable. One of my favourite games of all time. The attention to detail is phenomenal. The writing can be laugh out loud funny and crying real tears upsetting. If you're into story driven puzzle games, I would recommend this.… Expand
  19. lazylee
    Apr 3, 2019
    9
    Easily one of my favorite games of all time. I think it's a very succinct and beautiful experiences that's a real joy to play through. The puzzles aren't hard, per se, but I find it enjoyable to explore the mansion and figure out how certain things go together. The story is excellent and the game is gorgeous.
    My few complaints are limited to slight lag when moving rooms sometimes and a    Easily one of my favorite games of all time. I think it's a very succinct and beautiful experiences that's a real joy to play through. The puzzles aren't hard, per se, but I find it enjoyable to explore the mansion and figure out how certain things go together. The story is excellent and the game is gorgeous.
    My few complaints are limited to slight lag when moving rooms sometimes and a few times the controls have been a bit iffy. Other than that, I highly recommend this game!    … Expand
  20. micszy
    Dec 14, 2019
    8
    Outstanding music, great story and pretty nice gameplay. I was feeling lack of a mini-map but I can understand it was on purpose. Worth to play for sure!
  21. bergcamp101
    Oct 15, 2021
    8
    Absolutely unique and great game. The story, the mechanics, the atmosphere - everything is great. The only issue it's too small.
  22. joiyua
    Aug 22, 2021
    7
    Got better and better. Unfortunately kinda short, otherwise I would've rated it higher.

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jul 7, 2017
    50
    But no mask – no matter how flamboyant – can fully hide The Sexy Brutale’s faults. [July 2017, p74]
  2. games(TM)
    Jun 17, 2017
    50
    A novel idea becomes a bland experience. [Issue#187, p.77]
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jun 14, 2017
    50
    It seems to have all the right ingredients on the outside looking in. That's before you start trying to unravel its awkward puzzles via its tedious time mechanics. [June 2017, p.86]
See all critic reviews »