Database Detective: Minor Crimes Division

Possibly the best Detective game i have ever played! As a comp-sci student who has to learn SQL this semester this game got my attention for alllowing me to learn SQL in a fun way But then i realised that the game is so much more then that. Soon i was constantly making theories about the culprits and how to advance my cases, realised that seemingly easy cases where so so much more deep then i initially anticipated, that instead of having some fun little SQL puzzles, i have to really do detective work, read between the lines, come to conclusions, search for additional evidence and so on, and the whole SQL part, is "just" the cherry on top! Amazing game and the only little downside that just shows how incredible the game is, is that there are not 100 more cases to experience, since i have really falled in love with the game! :D

This game is an absolute gem. I'm at case 8 / 10 at this stage and I've been having an absolute blast. It's very well made, the increase in difficulty with each new case is steady but always interesting and on top of that, it's hilarious. Now, sure, SQL and datasets are kind of at the heart of the game. You're going to have to use it and If you know SQL already, you'll probably finish the game quicker than what's advertised as figuring that part out is supposed to be part of the fun (the SQL manual is funny too, and really helpful). The good thing is that the SQL implementation in this game is just the right amount of features and possibilities to make it powerful enough without going too crazy in complexity. That being said, if you know SQL already, it won't mean you're going to get away easy with it either! The core mechanic of each case is as follow: starting from a narrow list of clues that are given to you at the start, you're going to have to find more and more hidden ones. Some useful, some not. It's up to you to use actual deduction and logic, as with any (non SQL-based) investigation game to figure out the case, and what the relevant information is. All this to, eventually, build a SQL query that will allow you to narrow down a number of possibilities of suspects from one or more datasets to one single row. By the way, this final step of working out your way through the dataset down to this one single possibility is incredibly satisfying and is where the dopamin peaks :D Highly recommend to anyone, but especially to those who can experience some sort of excitment when looking at spreadsheets.

Zoran isn't perfect, but who is? 4/5 my brain hurts

This is a great game so far and you can feel real passion behind it's creation. The SQL isn't that difficult but it doesn't matter since it's just one part of being a detective of minor crimes. This game has made me giggle quite a few times with so many things, the art style is great, the OS feel, everything. Even better is that is has a free demo so you can see if you would like it. Once it's over I will be sad and hopefully there will be a sql...

This game is pretty funny. The messages from the lead detective had my friend group cracking up. I work as a database analyst for my day job, so SQL every day, and this was a lot of fun to work through and solve. I would say this does a pretty good job of teaching SQL and the manual does a good job visually of teaching you the finer points of the syntax, such as how grouping works or the aggregation functions. I would love to see more levels, side quests, etc. 10/10!

A great little game to learn the basics of SQL and make you feel like Sherlock Holmes when you find the one guy that chewed with their mouth open on a Tuesday at 3pm at the county fair.

in real life. the data you work with is very vague and can be frustrating. but sometimes it is good to work with the basics and enjoy these simple exercises.

Awesome game, well done! Looking forward to getting investigation packs with a bunch of missions to go through sooner than later. Could be a 1 to 3€ DLC and could be pumped out frequently. Personally I would totally be interested in buying that. Either way Chefs Kiss

Database Detective: Minor Crimes Division is a rare example of a game that embraces an educational concept without sacrificing entertainment value. Developed and published by Thomas Hsu, the title places players in the role of an aspiring investigator employed by the Minor Crimes Division of Los Zorangeles, a city as bizarre as its name suggests. Instead of chasing criminals through dark alleyways or engaging in high-octane action sequences, players spend their time combing through databases, examining records, and solving cases through the use of SQL. It is an unconventional premise, but one that immediately separates itself from the countless detective games available on Steam. The game's central mechanic revolves around querying databases to uncover clues and identify suspects. While SQL may sound intimidating to players unfamiliar with programming, the game is built with accessibility in mind. It introduces concepts gradually, providing tutorials, references, and contextual assistance that transform database management into an approachable puzzle-solving tool. Every investigation feels like an opportunity to learn something new, whether it involves filtering records, joining tables, or uncovering hidden connections between pieces of evidence. Rather than presenting SQL as a dry technical skill, the game frames it as the detective's most valuable weapon. What makes the experience particularly engaging is the way it integrates storytelling with its educational foundation. Cases are designed to encourage logical thinking, requiring players to interpret witness statements, timelines, and evidence alongside their database searches. The mysteries themselves range from amusing to surprisingly intricate, ensuring that players remain invested in discovering the truth behind each incident. The structure avoids becoming repetitive because every investigation introduces new challenges and database scenarios, steadily increasing complexity without becoming overwhelming. Los Zorangeles serves as an entertaining backdrop for the entire adventure. The writing leans heavily into humor, embracing absurdity through its world-building and dialogue. The idea of working as an unpaid remote detective becomes an ongoing joke, adding a layer of satire to the proceedings. Combined with the game's hand-drawn art style, the setting feels distinct and memorable. Characters possess enough personality to make interactions enjoyable, and the lighthearted presentation helps maintain momentum during the more analytical moments of gameplay. One of the title's strongest features is its dedication to player support. Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities rather than failures, with detailed explanations helping players understand why a query did not work as intended. The inclusion of an in-game assistant further reduces barriers to entry, making it easy for newcomers to ask questions and continue progressing. This thoughtful design philosophy ensures that the game remains welcoming to players who have never written a line of code while still offering satisfying moments for those already familiar with databases. That said, Database Detective: Minor Crimes Division is undeniably a niche experience. Its emphasis on reading, problem-solving, and database interaction means it lacks the immediate excitement associated with traditional detective or adventure games. Players seeking fast-paced gameplay or cinematic storytelling may struggle to connect with its slower, more deliberate approach. Success depends heavily on patience, curiosity, and a willingness to engage with its educational mechanics. Fortunately, the game understands its audience and never attempts to be something it isn't. Ultimately, Database Detective: Minor Crimes Division succeeds because it fully commits to its unique identity. It demonstrates that educational games do not have to feel like homework and that programming concepts can be transformed into compelling gameplay systems when handled creatively. Thomas Hsu has crafted an experience that is equal parts detective adventure, interactive lesson, and comedic satire. For players interested in mysteries, logical puzzles, or learning SQL in an entertaining environment, this title offers a refreshingly original experience that deserves attention. Rating: 8/10

Una sorpresa, más que solo SQL diria más que es un juego de puzzles y lógica donde usas el SQL como herramienta. Però también debes investigar, atar cabos y buscar pistas por "internet" para encontrar al culpable. La única pega que le pongo es que no disponga de traducción. Dispone de juegos de palabras o de momentos de leer entre lineas que si no eres muy ducho en inglés te proporcionaran pistas falsas. Lo recomiendo si eres fan de los misterios, quieres practicar SQL y no te da miedo el idioma de la pérfida Albión.