This game has four cases to solve. The first two are charming if simple diversions. I'll never know what the fourth is, because the third case ground my progress to a halt. For one thing, there's a sudden whirlwind of activity onscreen at all times in the streets, with people running around pelting one another with colored powder bombs in a playful manner. This slowed the game down to unplayable speeds on my Steam Deck. I had to force-close the game twice just to restore regular speed to my character's movement and to bring the frames per second back into a double-digit number. As such, the minigames became impossible due to unfair tech restraints. Someone throws a ball that you're supposed to swing at with a racket, and the game couldn't provide me with more than two frames of the ball in flight, so hitting it was never going to happen. Likewise for the "find the hidden items" minigame, in which the cursor would not settle where I wanted it to, because once again the framerate was so...
Detective Dotson
- Release Date:
- Apr 24, 2025
- Developer:
- Masala Games Private Limited
- Publisher:
- Masala Games Private Limited
- Platforms:
- Windows Mac Linux
Game Tags
About This Game
A Cozy Mystery Game
Explore the colorful streets of modern India while you’re on the job! As you dive deeper into what seems to be a normal case for Detective Dotson, more unfolds and you learn how it all connects to your father’s sudden passing.
Solve cases, one clue at a time.
Investigate four unique cases, starting simple and building toward a thrilling final mystery that ties everything together. Trade, bargain, and uncover hidden clues from a cast of over 50 characters — each with their own secrets, needs, and personalities.
Explore a hand-crafted world.
Wander through a lively city where 2D and 3D art styles blend seamlessly. Stroll past food carts, dance stages, and busy bazaars, soaking up the sights, sounds, and spirit of India. Every street corner holds a potential lead, a valuable item, or an unexpected encounter.
Barter, bargain, and buy your way to the truth.
Nothing comes easy in Dotson’s world — you’ll need to haggle like a pro to get what you need. Buy incense sticks, street food, Bollywood memorabilia and more, and trade them smartly to open up new conversations, gather intel, and move closer to solving each case.
Play mini-games and earn your keep.
Jump into fun mini-games scattered around the city, including street cricket and Bollywood dance-offs. Winning games means better bargaining power — and sometimes, vital clues.
Meet an unforgettable cast.
From mischievous shopkeepers to notorious gangsters, the city is full of colorful characters waiting to help (or hinder) Detective Dotson. Charm them, outwit them, or catch them red-handed — how you interact can change the outcome.
A mystery with heart (and a lot of samosas).
As you crack each case, a deeper, more personal story begins to unfold — one connected to Detective Dotson himself. Expect surprises, laughs, and a love letter to the rich culture and chaotic charm of India.
Screenshots
User Reviews
The game is enjoyable but a bit short. The standouts are definitely the art style and the character designs although I wish the Dotson's disguises were used more often. My main gripe is the central game mechanic being mostly fetch quests because it got really frustrating at some point, but the NPC interactions were funny nonetheless. The mini-games were fun and I can appreciate the love that the devs put into the tiny-details of the world (shop item names and such). Overall , I would have liked the game a lot more if there was more variety to the case-solving beyond just the item trading for coins.
the gameplay is basic and repetitive, but the story is absoultely fire 🔥🔥🔥
System Requirements
Minimum
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: AMD FX-4300 (4 * 3800) or equivalent / Intel Core i3-3240 (2 * 3400) or equivalent
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: Radeon HD 7750 (1024 VRAM) or equivalent / GeForce GT 640 (2048 VRAM) or equivalent
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 400 MB available space
FAQ
How much does Detective Dotson cost?
Detective Dotson costs $14.99.
What are the system requirements for Detective Dotson?
Minimum: Minimum: OS: Windows 10 Processor: AMD FX-4300 (4 * 3800) or equivalent / Intel Core i3-3240 (2 * 3400) or equivalent Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: Radeon HD 7750 (1024 VRAM) or equivalent / GeForce GT 640 (2048 VRAM) or equivalent DirectX: Version 12 Storage: 400 MB available space
What platforms is Detective Dotson available on?
Detective Dotson is available on Windows PC, macOS, Linux.
Is Detective Dotson worth buying?
Detective Dotson has 57% positive reviews from 7 players.
When was Detective Dotson released?
Detective Dotson was released on Apr 24, 2025.
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