Hello, detectives!
Demo 2.0 released with all-new gameplay, locations and puzzles
After the rush of October and the first demo, I've been hard at work overhauling the gameplay and implementing feedback. I'm really excited for you to play this new version and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
The biggest change in this demo is an all-new gameplay loop. Instead of being stuck in your office filling in data, you now get to go out and collect information yourself! You'll have to visit each location, take a photograph, and collect evidence to bring back to the office.
The all-new location list now includes:
Ginza Street, the most representative shopping street
Kabuki-za Theater, Kobikicho, Kyobashi
Hibiya Park
The Takarazuka Theatre
Senso-ji Temple dedicated to a Goddess of Mercy, Asakusa
Kameido Tenjin Shrine
At the same time, as you explore these new locations, you'll encounter familiar spirits and get the opportunity to uncover their stories - if you like. The spirit report is now optional, so feel free to skip it if you want to see more locations.
There's also visual and audio changes. There's a new CRT Filter which can be toggled using the side menu. Plus, you can sink your ears into a Tokyo soundscape with new ambient audio based on real recordings.
This demo is almost completely different with new puzzles and locations, so if you enjoyed the first demo, I think you'll love the new stuff in 2.0.
Please note: Because of the new gameplay, if you have a saved game from the old demo, it unfortunately will not be carried over. Additionally, there are important changes in the tutorial for the new gameplay. However, unlocked achievements will remain.
Steam Detective Fest
Keep an eye out for Mysteries of Old Tokyo in the upcoming Steam Detective Fest! I'm really pleased to have been included since I love detective games of all kinds. A few of my favourites (and inspirations for Mysteries of Old Tokyo):
Return of the Obra Dinn
The Roottrees Are Dead
The Golden Idol series
The Ace Attorney series
Chants of Sennaar
Hypnospace Outlaw
Paradise Killer
Analogue: A Hate Story
Outer Wilds
The Forgotten City
Her Story
I wholeheartedly recommend all these games if you like smart detective puzzlers.
Demo 2.0 changes
Features:
Gameplay 2.0: The “data entry” stage and “spirit report” stage have been merged into one cohesive stage per week.
Rather than having images and texts given to you, you have to visit each location to take a photo.
Visiting a location will unlock new “evidence” which is passed through to the Data Entry mode, with a counter to keep track.
Spirits now appear in more places, with more of a hunt to find them.
You can complete the Data Entry puzzles and Spirit Report stages for each week in any order.
The Spirit Report is now optional - you can skip it after completing Data Entry, but you’ll miss out on building relationships with the spirits.
Ambient audio when visiting locations and stations.
CRT Filter for groovy visual effects.
PDA now has a route finder app to make it easier to get around.
New interlude scene for Week 2.
Reworked maps, plus a new location (Tama River).
File filter is now included on Spirit Report when selecting text file evidence, to make it easier to find relevant files for the contradiction.
Better controls on the postcard browser.
Making an accusation now requires confirmation.
New postcards for a week are shown in a different colour.
Bug fixes:
Route finding is improved and will give more concise, easy-to-follow routes now.
Improved map out-of-bounds behaviour.
Fixed position of Mitsukoshi Dept. Store.
Fixed slow night and strange behaviour around the hotel.
Desk date advances correctly per week.
Fixed text filter matching BBCode tags (e.g. “tab” would match “[table][/table]”).
Other:
Chapters 1 and 2 have been completely overhauled with a new selection of postcards and re-scanned images.
Database has been optimised and streamlined