A downloadable game for Windows

Cold Case Interrogation 

Unveiled Secrets in a Coastal Town’s Dark Past

Step into the fog of Seaview, 1995, where journalist Emily Hart was murdered, her exposé on corruption silenced. The case, pinned on a drifter and closed by Chief Elias Thorne, never sat right. Now, in 2025, you’re a freelance investigator with one shot to crack it. Armed with new evidence—a DNA-matched fingerprint, a hushed confession, a shaky alibi, and Thorne’s visits to Emily’s grave—confront the retired chief in a tense video call interrogation. Your words shape the outcome: outsmart Thorne’s manipulative charm to uncover the truth, or let his secrets slip away.

In this dialogue-driven visual novel, every question counts. Type your own queries to probe Thorne’s lies, navigating his cunning deflections and hidden guilt. Can you bring justice for Emily’s family? Crafted in a stylized noir, cel-shaded 2D art style, Cold Case Interrogation is a prototype exploring psychological depth and player choice. Test your skills in lie detection, strategy, and empathy—and help shape the game’s future with your feedback!

Features:

  • Free-text interrogation: No preset choices, just your words.
  • Noir-inspired visuals: Stark, cinematic art evoking a 1995-2025 mystery.
  • Emotional stakes: Uncover truth for a grieving family.
  • Prototype phase: Short, replayable experience (~10-15 minutes) for feedback.

Note: This is an early prototype. The AI Response time will be optimized and expect minimal visuals (4-5 scenes, 2-3 characters) and a focus on dialogue mechanics. Your input will refine the experience.

Content Warning: Themes of murder, corruption, and grief. 

Play Time: ~10-15 minutes per run. 

Developed for: Prototype testing, seeking player feedback.

More information
StatusPrototype
PlatformsWindows
AuthorGreyash Dave
GenreVisual Novel, Simulation
Made withGodot
Tags2D, Brain Training, Detective, Godot, Short
Average sessionA few minutes
LanguagesEnglish
InputsKeyboard, Mouse
AccessibilityOne button

Download

Download
game pv1.1.zip 224 MB
Download
game.zip 167 MB

Install instructions

1. Extract the Game

  • Download game.zip from itch.io.
  • Unzip it to a folder (e.g., C:\Games\game on Windows using WinRAR, 7-Zip, or your system’s built-in unarchive tool.
  • After extraction, confirm the game folder contains game.exe (Windows) or the equivalent executable for your system, as well as a .env file.

2. Get a Gemini API Key

  • Go to Google AI Studio and sign in with your Google account.
  • Click "Create API Key."
  • Copy the new key (it will look like AIzaSy...).

3. Update the .env File

  • Open the .env file located in the game folder using a text editor such as Notepad, VS Code, or similar.
  • Locate the line:
    GEMINI_API_KEY=
  • Paste your API key directly after the equals sign, for example:
    GEMINI_API_KEY=AIzaSyYourKeyHere
  • Save the file and make sure to keep it private.

4. Start the Game

  • Windows: Double-click game.exe.
  • Ensure you are connected to the internet so the game can use the Gemini API.
  • If you encounter issues, double-check the API key in .env and confirm your internet connection.

Troubleshooting

  • API Key Error: Make sure your key is correct, with no extra spaces or hidden characters.
  • Game Won’t Launch: Confirm your system has at least 4GB RAM and is running Windows 10+. If problems continue, try re-extracting the game files.

Feedback and bug reports are welcome on the game’s itch.io page.

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