Developed and published by Happy Broccoli Games, Duck Detective: The Secret Salami is a point-and-click indie- adventure game. The game dives headfirst into the detective genre with an irresistible blend of charm, humor, and noir vibes.
Released for iOS , Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows on May 23, 2024, the game takes a familiar mystery setup and gives a delightful twist—you’re not just any hard-boiled detective but a literal duck.
Yet, beneath its feather-light premise lies a surprisingly heartfelt story. A story carefully wrapped in clever writing, engaging characters, and an endearing art style that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Bearbus- The Theater of Absurdities
Available on Google Play Store, the story of Duck Detective: The Secret Salami unfolds in the offices of Bearbus, a public transportation company riddled with petty office politics, hidden agendas, and quirky employees.
The workplace setting is more than just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the narrative, reflecting corporate life’s monotony and subtle absurdities.
In the meantime, each office room, from cluttered cubicles to dimly lit break rooms, adds atmospheric depth to the mystery. Additionally, posters with ironic motivational quotes, suspicious snack stashes and oddly placed sticky notes, all serve as environmental clues, enhancing the overall detective experience.
The Duck Detective-in-Chief
At its core, Duck Detective is a point-and-click adventure game, but it subverts expectations with mechanics that feel fresh and intuitive. Your role as a player is to control Detective Eugene McQuacklin, a down-on-his-luck duck detective-in-chief with a sharp eye for detail and an even sharper wit.
McQuacklin is tasked with solving the curious case of the missing Secret Salami at BearBus- a corporate office filled with suspicious characters and even more suspicious sandwiches.
The investigation unfolds through classic detective work: interrogating suspects, gathering clues, and piecing together evidence to crack the case.
Deduction Board is a feature where you connect clues to form logical conclusions. This mechanic adds depth without overwhelming you. Additionally, it encourages critical thinking while maintaining a fun, lighthearted pace.
Meanwhile, the dialogue options are humorous, offering choices that can sway conversations, reveal hidden details, or lead to laugh-out-loud moments.
Besides, puzzles are woven seamlessly into the narrative. They range from simple observation challenges to more complex logic problems that require attention to detail.
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami Quirky Characters
Sophie Wintheimer, Manfred Ernst, Laura Angst, and Freddy Frederson are Duck Detective’s notable characters. Sophie Wintheimer is the Giraffe receptionist. She appears sad because no one remembers her birthday.
On the other hand, Manfred Ernst is the bear branch manager of BearBus. While Sophie embodies overlooked appreciation, Manfred’s role contrasts corporate leadership and hidden corruption.
Laura Angst is the Cat from customer service who hires Detective McQuacklin. The detective’s task is to investigate the theft of her lunch. Her anxious and meticulous nature provides comic relief throughout the gameplay.
Meanwhile, Freddy Frederson is the Crocodile operating officer whose laid-back attitude masks his potential involvement in the case. His contradictory behavior keeps players guessing, adding to the game’s suspense.
Other characters include Boris Petrovic, the buffalo bus driver who is also the Salami Bandit’s accomplice. Rufus Sedaris is the Penguin janitor who blackmails Manfred to stay quiet about Rufus illegally selling vouchers from Margaret. Lastly, Margaret Whitlock, the Sheep from customer service, is planning a surprise party for Sophie.
Aesthetic Visuals and Jazzy Tunes
Duck Detective is a visual delight! The hand-drawn art style bursts with personality, blending soft pastel tones with bold outlines that give each character a distinct flair.
Likewise, the aesthetics strike a perfect balance between whimsical and noir. Shadowy office spaces contrast against bright, quirky character designs. Moreover, the background is not only detailed but also filled with environmental storytelling elements that reward curious players.
Meanwhile, the soundtrack complements the visuals beautifully. Jazzy, atmospheric-inspired tunes set the perfect mood for detective work. Besides, smooth saxophone riffs and mellow piano chords add layers of melodious atmosphere.
Additionally, the sound design is charmingly impressive and deeply satisfying. These range from the gratifying clack of McQuacklin’s typewriter to the subtle background noises that breathe life into each scene.
Final Verdict
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami is more than just a quirky indie title; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and character-driven design. Happy Broccoli Games has crafted a game that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious, offering a mystery adventure that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re an indie games fan or love a good pun-filled narrative, this game deserves a spot on your playlist.
Is it Hardcore
Absolutely!
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami is more than just a quirky indie title; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and character-driven design. Happy Broccoli Games has crafted a game that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious, offering a mystery adventure that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re an indie games fan or love a good pun-filled narrative, this game deserves a spot on your playlist.
