Avinash Rohra 
I distinctly remember playing my first computer game on a borrowed computer. Jordan Mechner’s Prince of Persia had me hooked as the protagonist leaped across ledges, battled foes, and uncovered secrets. But even back then, I found myself wishing for a game with an Indian flair.
Fast forward to 2024, and that wish seems closer to reality with Detective Dotson. This upcoming single-player, narrative-heavy game stars a distinctly Indian private investigator in the setting of modern small-town India. Dotson is a struggling actor who stumbles into detective work after a series of unexpected events, blending the charm of a Bollywood-style comedy with action-packed intrigue. Adding to the allure is the soundtrack, composed by Nikhil Rao of Indian Ocean fame.
Interestingly, the developers, Masala Games Studio, have also created an animated feature film that ties into the game’s main storyline. The film premiered at Hyderabad Comic Con, creating buzz among fans. Intrigued, I fired up Steam to try the demo and see just how flavorful this offering is. Spoiler alert: it’s spicy!
Art Style: A Feast for the Eyes
The art style is easily my favorite aspect of Detective Dotson. The developers have masterfully blended 2D pixel art with low-poly 3D elements, reminiscent of Square Enix’s HD-2D style. Dotson himself is rendered in crisp 2D, navigating through parallax backgrounds filled with uniquely Indian settings—low-poly buildings, vehicles, and bustling streets.
The vibrant, distinctly Indian art style shines through every frame. NPCs, temples with priests performing aarti, colorful shop banners in Hindi, and even roadside wedding celebrations add life and authenticity to the environment. It’s a visual treat that perfectly captures the essence of small-town India.
Gameplay: Sleek and Engaging
Detective Dotson is primarily a side-scroller. Dotson navigates his city by running, jumping, climbing, and even gliding with his trusty handkerchief! The movement is smooth and responsive, making exploration a joy.
The world feels alive, with NPCs behaving naturally and details that immerse you in the setting. You can crash a roadside wedding, pick up side quests, and interact with adorable dogs running through the streets. The Hindi shop signs, colorful temples, and bustling bazaars add a layer of authenticity and charm. I also loved that they have placed tower viewers near important buildings which zooms out the camera perspective to show the complete scene.
Gameplay mechanics include collecting evidence and piecing it together on a board similar to The Case of the Golden Idol. It’s a clever touch that adds a layer of investigative depth to the game.
What I Loved
The standout for me is the coherence and distinctiveness of the game’s art style. From the meticulous design of NPCs and environments to the overall performance and polish, Detective Dotson feels like a labor of love.
And yes, you can pet the dogs and even play fetch with them—how can you not love that?
Final Thoughts
Detective Dotson offers a delightful blend of Indian aesthetics, engaging gameplay, and an immersive world. It’s a fresh take on indie gaming that has me eagerly waiting for the full release. Masala Games Studio seems to have cooked up something truly special, and I can’t wait to savor the complete dish.
Detective Dotson is set to launch on Steam on 3rd April, 2025. It will also come with a Local Co-Op Mode and launch on Xbox as well. You can wishlist the Steam version here.
