Techmash

Tag: #Murder

  • Murder Graphic Novel Ashes Launching on Steam in April

    Murder Graphic Novel Ashes Launching on Steam in April

    Developed by Melbourne-based studio Plot Twist, the game is slated for a Steam Early Access release in April 2026.

    The Story: A Thriller in Regional Victoria

    Set against the eerie, isolated backdrop of country Victoria, Australia, the game follows Azar Warren, a 16-year-old skater. After witnessing a gruesome murder in the city, Azar flees to the rural compound of her estranged grandfather, Stan, hoping for safety.

    However, the “refuge” quickly turns into a psychological trap. As Azar observes her grandfather’s increasingly erratic and suspicious behaviour, she begins to fear that the secrets hidden within the compound are just as dangerous as the killers chasing her from the city.

    Key Gameplay Features

    The game stands out for its unique “playable comic book” presentation and tactile interaction:

    • Interactive Graphic Novel: The story is told through dynamic, hand-drawn panels. Unlike a traditional visual novel, the artwork is interactive, pulling the player into the “gritty depiction” of the Australian landscape.
    • Tactile Puzzles: Players must help Azar survive by solving environmental mini-games, such as:
      • Reassembling torn-up photos to find clues.
      • Cracking codes on mysterious lockboxes.
      • Practising with a rifle at a homemade shooting range.
    • Branching Narrative: The game explores heavy themes of trust, intergenerational trauma, and survival, with player choices influencing Azar’s path toward justice—or further danger.

    Development Origins

    The concept for Ashes was born during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne. Creator Cléa Frost, who has a background in film and TV production (working on hits like The Newsreader and Surviving Summer), used the period to experiment with branching narratives. Supported by Screen Australia, the project evolved from a sci-fi epic into this intimate, human-scale mystery.

    Comparison: “Ashes” vs. “House of Ashes”

    It is worth noting that this game is distinct from the 2021 title The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes. While both involve survival and mystery:

    • Ashes (2026): A hand-drawn, 2D interactive graphic novel set in rural Australia focusing on a teen witness.
    • House of Ashes (2021): A 3D cinematic horror game set in Iraq involving soldiers and supernatural creatures.

    Find out more here – https://www.ashesnovel.com.au/

    #Ashes #ashesnovel #horror #murder #graphicnovel #PlotTwist #IndiEXP #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Shadows and Secrets: Why You Need to Wishlist ‘The Murder of Ava Monroe’

    Shadows and Secrets: Why You Need to Wishlist ‘The Murder of Ava Monroe’

    The golden age of Hollywood wasn’t just about dazzling premieres and shimmering starlets—it was a time steeped in shadows, corruption, and the kind of secrets that only the black-and-white lens of film noir could truly capture. Indie developer Bunkworks is inviting players to step right into that era with their upcoming title, “The Murder of Ava Monroe,” and trust us, you’ll want to answer the call.

    The Case File: A Classic Noir Setup

    “The Murder of Ava Monroe” is a gripping detective adventure that casts you as Jack Baylor, a former police detective whose badge may be tarnished, but whose instincts are still sharp. When budding movie starlet and Jack’s one-time flame, Ava Monroe, goes missing, he’s reluctantly pulled into a twisted case that drags him through the seedy underbelly of 1949 Los Angeles.

    Forget sunshine and smiles; this game promises an experience oozing with atmosphere:

    • The Setting: An authentic, noir-inspired vision of LA, taking you from opulent mansions to murky jazz clubs and studio backlots. The visual style, described as “Cartoon” with a Point-and-Click interface, suggests a focus on rich, stylised detail.
    • The Mystery: A complex web of lies, glamour, and corruption awaits, ensuring the simple missing person case quickly escalates into something much bigger.

    Beyond Point-and-Click: The Deduction Mechanic

    What sets this game apart is its innovative approach to detective work. This isn’t just about finding items and using them on other items—it’s about deduction.

    As you explore the 25+ noir-infused locations and interrogate the 15+ fully voiced characters, you’ll gather evidence, unlock DEDUCTION WORDS, and ultimately piece together the truth. The core of your progress lies in solving a DEDUCTION STATEMENT for each scene, effectively making you connect the dots yourself and propelling the branching storyline forward.

    Blockquote: Actionable Detective Work This system promises to make players feel like true investigators, rewarding logical thinking and thorough exploration. It moves the adventure genre beyond simple puzzles to the core intellectual challenge of a true murder mystery.

    Coming Soon: The Next Must-Play Indie Noir

    While Bunkworks is keeping the exact release date under their fedora for now (it’s listed as “Coming Soon” for Windows, Mac, and iOS), the official announcement and teaser trailer have already sparked major interest among adventure game fans. Following the success of their debut, The Biggleboss Incident, Bunkworks seems ready to deliver a more atmospheric and serious, yet still cosy and twisty, narrative.

    If you’re a fan of classic detective stories, rich character development, and games that respect your intelligence, “The Murder of Ava Monroe” should be a high-priority addition to your gaming library. Get ready to put on your trench coat and solve the case!

    What are you most excited about in The Murder of Ava Monroe? The classic noir atmosphere or the deduction mechanics? Let us know in the comments!

    The Murder of Ava Monroe – http://www.bunkworks.net

    #TheMurderofAvaMonroe #BUNKWORKS #glamour #corruption #murder #movies #hollywood #detective #pcgames #steam #investigation #deduction #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Ghost Detective Game On Netflix

    Ghost Detective Game On Netflix

    Being a detective does not always mean that you are going to be safe and in this case, you might be playing the part of a good detective but unfortunately, you have been murdered. However, in a strange twist of fate, you are a ghost and you have a chance to help solve not only your murder but other crimes too.

    Netflix is fast becoming a great place to find games and not just any old game, these games are created by Netflix for their subscribers. In this case, the game is for mobile phones and is available to download now.

    Find out more about the Ghost Detective game here; https://www.netflix.com/game/81680595

    #GhostDetective #Game #Netflix #MobileGames #Murder #Detective #SolveCrimes #FindYourMurderer

  • Join Killer Frequency in VR

    What better way to up close and personal in a murder mystery is there than in VR? This is Killer Frequency you are the host of a late-night talk radio show and there is a killer on the loose!

    VR will put you right into the heart of the game, your moves are as if you are really there and every move can make a difference to how the killer reacts, who will be the next victim?

    Find out more on the Killer Frequency here; https://www.killerfrequency.game

    #KillerFrequency #VR #VRGaming #KillerFrequencyVR #Murder #Mystery