In the early months of 2025, the gaming landscape was graced by the critically acclaimed puzzle game, Blue Prince, which garnered PC Gamer’s prestigious ‘best design’ Game of the Year award. However, it wasn’t the sole standout in the genre. The Roottrees are Dead, another intriguing title, invited players to immerse themselves in a narrative-driven mystery, primarily through the lens of a computer interface. This innovative approach to storytelling quickly captured the attention of gamers, leading to a surge of similar projects in its wake.
Emerging Successes in the Detective Genre
Developer Evil Trout has been diligently crafting its own follow-up, which has recently made waves in the gaming community. The Incident at Galley House, released just this past Tuesday, has already amassed over 600 reviews on Steam, with an impressive 97% of players expressing their approval. This new title builds on the success of its predecessor, which was initially launched on Itch.io last year.
In a collaborative effort, the creative minds behind The Incident at Galley House—including developers William Rous and Johnson—worked together to enhance the gaming experience. Rous contributed design elements and additional content, while Johnson focused on coding and game development. The result of their partnership is a visually engaging experience that transcends traditional text-based gameplay.
As they brainstormed ideas for their next project, the team was inspired by another free mystery game, Type Help, developed by Rous. This text-based adventure was recognized by PC Gamer contributor Abbie Stone as one of the standout titles of 2025, highlighting its captivating narrative and the thrill of deduction despite its intentionally challenging interface.
With The Incident at Galley House, the developers have embraced a more dynamic format, incorporating a visual novel-style presentation complete with 2D illustrations, a unique 3D interface for exploring memories, and voice acting. This evolution reflects the growing trend in the detective genre, which often draws inspiration from classics like Return of the Obra Dinn, while also carving out its own identity.
Currently priced at (£17.75) on Steam, The Incident at Galley House is available at a 10% launch discount until July 21, making it an enticing option for fans of narrative-driven gaming. The collaboration between Rous, Johnson, and Evil Trout appears to have struck a chord with players, promising to further enrich the detective genre in the years to come.
