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The ocean, a vast expanse covering 71% of Earth’s surface and 90% of its biosphere, remains largely unexplored, even by leading scientists. Yet, it has served as an endless source of inspiration for storytellers throughout history. Authors like Ernest Hemingway, Herman Melville, and of course, H.P. Lovecraft, with his iconic “The Call of Cthulhu,” have drawn upon its mysteries. The Innsmouth Case, a visual novel inspired by Lovecraft’s work, attempts to quench the thirst of Lovecraftian horror fans. Does it succeed? Let’s dive in.

Your Own Twisted Tale

The Innsmouth Case is a visual novel, requiring players to absorb substantial text and make crucial decisions that shape the narrative. Choices are permanent (until the game’s conclusion), leading to a unique “choose-your-own-adventure” experience. With 27 possible endings, the game offers high replayability, each playthrough offering a different perspective on the story’s events.

A screenshot from The Innsmouth Case showing a character in a dimly lit room.

My initial playthrough felt reminiscent of a 1920s detective film. Playing as an unnamed detective, I was preparing to leave my office after a long day when a young woman knocked on the door. She requested help with a cold case involving her missing daughter. After a brief, oddly specific conversation about yo-yos, I agreed to assist and embarked on a journey to the eerie fishing village of Innsmouth.

A screenshot from The Innsmouth Case depicting the creepy town of Innsmouth.

Innsmouth proved far more unsettling than anticipated. Strange villagers, a hotel that changed its name daily, unsettling nocturnal sounds, and chilling maritime legends created a pervasive sense of unease. The deeper I delved into the mystery, the harder it became to find a way out.

Each playthrough presented a wildly different narrative. One moment, I was investigating a bizarre cult and facing a fiery demise at the hands of a fanatic. The next, I was experiencing a chilling death in my sleep. The choices significantly impacted the storyline, often diverting from the initial goal of finding the missing girl. The central question became: am I saving a monster, or myself? Am I the monster, or are those I perceive as monstrous actually human?

The Innsmouth Case demands that players carefully consider their choices, as each decision can dramatically alter the course of the story.

A Clash of Tone and Expectations

For those who aren’t avid readers, the game is relatively short, taking approximately four hours to complete a single playthrough. While this length is acceptable, considering the multiple endings, it clashes with the game’s marketing.

A screenshot from The Innsmouth Case displaying a humorous illustration that contrasts with the game's serious tone.

The developers emphasized the game’s humor, a claim seemingly supported by the lighthearted illustrations. However, the game itself is surprisingly serious. The writing, storytelling, and the detective’s problem-solving approach all contribute to a somber tone. This disconnect between the visuals and the narrative undercuts the game’s potential for depth and creates a jarring dissonance.

The sheer number of storylines also presents a drawback. The quality varies, with some feeling rushed and lacking emotional impact. This can diminish the player’s curiosity and desire to explore the remaining narratives.

A screenshot from The Innsmouth Case showing the game's title screen.

Conclusion

The Innsmouth Case offers a compelling premise and a branching narrative that encourages exploration. However, the tonal dissonance between its humorous art style and serious storyline, coupled with the uneven quality of some endings, prevents it from fully realizing its potential. While it provides an interesting take on Lovecraftian horror, the execution ultimately falls short.

Game Information:

• Developer: RobotPumpkin Games
• Publisher: Assemble Entertainment
• Genre: Visual Novel
• Release Date: January 2nd, 2020
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Minimum System Requirements:

• OS: Windows 7/8/8.1/XP/Vista (32 or 64 bit)
• CPU: Dual Core CPU – 2.6ghz
• RAM: 4 GB
• HDD: 1 GB
• GPU: Nvidia 260 GTS, Radeon HD 4850 – 512 MB