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Review of J.B. Harold Murder Club on Nintendo Switch

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Aug 2017
Cover image of J.B. Harold Murder Club on Switch
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 10 Aug 2017
Genre: Adventure, Visual Novel
Developer: Riverhillsoft, Althi
Publisher: Riverhillsoft, Micro Cabin, Kyodai, Hudson Soft, FonFun, SETA Corporation

Introduction

Welcome, dear gamers, to a world where every corner hides a secret, and every character has more issues than Vogue. J.B. Harold Murder Club on the Nintendo Switch catapults us into the murky waters of homicide, where you get to play the world's second-best detective, J.B. Harold. Sure, the graphics look like they belong in a time capsule from the '80s, but hey, that's part of the charm. Grab your magnifying glass (or your Switch) and let's solve some murders, one pixel at a time!

Gameplay

The gameplay is a wondrous blend of puzzle-solving and detective work. You'll navigate a grid map like it's a game of 3D chess, not entirely sure which corner holds a clue and which one is just an empty coffee shop. Each location features still photographs, because apparently, moving images were considered overrated when this game dropped in '86. As you traverse the scenic locales, you'll find yourself interrogating suspects who seem to have their motives stuck in the '80s, which is fitting, considering the game's release timeline. Interacting with characters is more complex than trying to explain TikTok to your parents. You choose from potential dialogue options, hoping you don't accidentally convince them you're a culprit in disguise. The puzzles range from "aha!" to "what on earth am I doing here?" and while fans of the genre may find delight in the challenge, others might just throw their Switch out of frustration. It's all about piecing together a narrative that's as tangled as your earbuds after a laundry day. You delve through the mystery of Bill Robbins, the victim - a wealthy man with a heart of gold and the morals of a paperclip. You'll hunt for clues, talk to quirky characters, and gather hints that sometimes lead to dead ends (no pun intended). Be prepared to jot down notes because your memory isn't nearly as impressive as J.B. Harold's. And before you say, 'why not just use your phone?', remember that the '80s called; they want their nostalgia back.

Graphics

Ah, the graphics! If you've ever wondered what it's like to descend into a time machine and be thrust into an 8-bit world, then J.B. Harold Murder Club has you covered. With still photographs like those taken at family reunions, one can't help but appreciate the vintage vibe - the more you muddle through the mystery, the more you'll swear the character portraits are trying to communicate with you through the medium of awkward smiles. Colors were certainly used! There's a lovely palette of colors that can be described as 'what you'd find in a thrift store from the late '80s'. The visuals might not win any awards in 2023, but don't dismiss them just yet! There's an undeniable charm to the nostalgia, like an old family photo that makes you cringe and laugh all at once.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of things, J.B. Harold Murder Club is a wild, kooky adventure back to the dawn of video game mysteries. While here at gaming headquarters, we believe games should evolve like your favorite Marvel character, this retro experience proves there's something captivating about its simplistic approach. Sure, it might drive you nuts, and you'll likely need a good Google search at some point (or a friendly neighborhood wiki guide), but it's also a blast to uncover each layer of the mystery. Bottom line: if you're looking for high-octane action and flashy graphics that make your eyes sparkle, this game might not be your jam. But if solving mysteries in a retro landscape sounds like a rainy afternoon hangout, dust off your notebook and switch to J.B. Harold. It could be one hell of a pixelated ride.

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