Case Files: Behind Closed Doors

If you've been hoping for a successor or alternative to Contradiction, Case Files: Behind Closed Doors could be just the game for you—though it leans into more serious content compared to Contradiction. The mix of FMV and first-person graphical gameplay was a pleasant surprise, blending naturally and enhancing the experience as I delved into the mystery. I found myself second-guessing my suspicions about each suspect, and the game kept me on my toes without ever giving away an "it's so obvious" moment. Often, games either make things too easy, treating the player as if they can't think for themselves, or go too far-fetched. This game manages to strike a solid balance, though the writing occasionally has minor plot holes or leaves you wondering, "wouldn't they just check this…?" Fortunately, these moments are rare and not enough to spoil the experience. Behind Closed Doors combines elements of L.A. Noire and Her Story (I wasn't a fan of Her Story after I reached the end for what it's worth). Some scenes have slightly amateur acting, but it never veers into cheesy or distracting territory. Ramon Hamilton, who portrays Detective Martin Ruiz, stands out with a performance that’s both convincing and compelling—especially impressive given that he also directed and co-wrote the game! The difficulty is well-balanced, with an optional "assistance" feature that prevents you from selecting incorrect evidence when identifying contradictions. This keeps the gameplay challenging without being frustrating, allowing you to focus on piecing together the story and solving the murder. My only gripe with the difficulty lies in the 'select two contradictions' mechanic: you're only given options by interview title (e.g., "[person's] interview]"), which doesn’t narrow down what exactly in the interview is relevant. A better option might be to provide a list of highlights from each interview for players to choose from. Having played many FMV games, I’d rank this as one of the better ones—right up there with Late Shift and Contradiction. I’m looking forward to another instalment in what’s shaping up to be a very promising series.