Review of Overboard Switch: An intriguing murder mystery
Our Verdict
Overboard is an engaging and puzzling narrative experience, with a striking visual style and a great level of replayability to boot.
The critically acclaimed storytelling company Inkle is back at it with their gripping new game, Overboard. In this sophisticated and scandalous story of Veronica Villensey, which draws influence from classic murder mysteries such as Agatha Christie's works, you will be able to lie, deceive, and charm your way to triumph. Are you capable of escaping punishment for a murder?
Like poor Mr. Villensey, he fell into the water somewhat suddenly but with a big splash. The surprise project was first conceptualized in January 2021 and was intended to be a lighthearted, short distraction for Inkle's developers during yet another COVID-19 lockdown. Overboard, the team's first Switch game and first iOS game since Steve Jackson's Sorcery in 2016, was released this month.
Similar to its earlier work, Overboard is a captivating narrative puzzle game that has you on the edge of your seat the whole time with stunning artwork. As you make your way around the deck, covering your tracks along the way, you'll find yourself thankful for the brief but very replayable game loop. The tale revolves on your choices thanks to a powerful multiple-choice system.
You take on the role of Veronica Villensey, who has tossed her affluent but adulterous husband over the rails and is aboard a boat headed to America. You find yourself in challenging circumstances where every decision you make will have an impact. Did you inform someone else that your spouse went missing last night after inadvertently telling the steward that he was asleep? If you don't take immediate action, you can be sure it will come back to haunt you!
You are continuously forced to consider how the many objects and places at your disposal might benefit you in the given amount of time. Maybe you could put some sleeping pills in the elderly lady's drink to quiet her nose? Or maybe you might give the lustful mistress your earring? Or maybe you ought to stop by the church to get some counsel from the tall guy in the sky?
Playing the narrative again and over will have you learning a lot of secrets as you betray, befriend, and blackmail the other passengers. Occasionally, the game may make recommendations and emphasize conversation choices you've already made, all of which will assist you in accomplishing your objective of using Mr. Villensey's insurance claim to go to America, maybe accompanied by a charming new love interest.
The game has an excellent soundtrack with rolling orchestral themes that go well with the maritime scene from the 1930s and some humorous sound effects that add to the dark humor strewn throughout. Even if there aren't many moving pictures in the graphics, the engaging language gives the characters a lot of life.
Because of its brief, cyclical duration, it's an excellent choice for portability. Playable on both iOS and Switch, this charming little game is perfect for long drives or cozy evenings spent with a cup of tea on the couch. Put your problems aside for a little and concentrate on Veronica's!
Overall, Overboard is a compelling tribute to murder mysteries in general and choose-your-own-adventure tales in particular, making this unexpected release a really enjoyable one.