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detective work

Microsoft was better at software in the '90s, and these still-useful Windows utilities prove it
Winsage
September 28, 2026

Microsoft was better at software in the ’90s, and these still-useful Windows utilities prove it

Microsoft PowerToys originated during the development of Windows 95 as small programs created by engineers to test concepts and ease workloads. The first collection of PowerToys included tools like FindX, Send To X, and Tweak UI. System Configuration (MSConfig) helps isolate configuration and startup issues by allowing selective loading of services and startup components, remaining useful despite modern management shifting to Task Manager. Disk Cleanup was launched with Windows 98 to help users reclaim disk space, featuring commands that allow saving cleanup profiles, a functionality that persists in Windows 11. Task Scheduler, introduced in 1995 as System Agent in the Microsoft Plus! pack for Windows 95, automates tasks based on specific triggers. System File Checker (SFC), dating back to Windows 98, scans and repairs protected Windows resources, evolving from a graphical utility to a command-line tool. Device Manager provides an expandable tree of hardware components and reflects advancements in Microsoft's Plug and Play system from Windows 95, continuing to assist users in hardware inspection and troubleshooting. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag) was created for gamers in the late '90s to examine hardware and software configurations related to DirectX and remains available in Windows 11.
I'm unsure how much of a detective game Artificial Detective will be, but I enjoyed the bit in the trailer when your character attacks a robot with a massive drill
AppWizard
March 30, 2026

I’m unsure how much of a detective game Artificial Detective will be, but I enjoyed the bit in the trailer when your character attacks a robot with a massive drill

Vivix, a new studio formed by former developers of Dead Space, Control, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, has announced their game titled Artificial Detective during the Xbox Partner Preview. The game is set in a futuristic city where humanity has disappeared, and players will assume the role of a robotic detective. The gameplay involves exploring the city using a "flying streetcar" across ten districts, with opportunities for combat, stealth, and environmental interaction. Players will be accompanied by a small child and a robotic dog. The game is expected to blend action and exploration, with a release planned for next year.
Epic Games Store is giving away my favorite cyberpunk game for free - a dark, dystopian LA Noire
AppWizard
February 13, 2026

Epic Games Store is giving away my favorite cyberpunk game for free – a dark, dystopian LA Noire

L.A. Noire is a groundbreaking detective game known for its narrative depth and immersive gameplay. A new game, Nobody Wants to Die by Critical Hit Games, is set in a dystopian cyberpunk future in the year 2329, where players control detective James Harra investigating the mysterious death of Edward Green. The game features tools like the Reconstructor and an X-Ray tool to aid in the investigation. Harra's partner, Sara, adds depth to the narrative, which blurs the line between reality and hallucination. The game prioritizes storytelling over action and is described as a walking simulator with a runtime of four to five hours. It received an 8/10 review and is currently available for free on the Epic Games Store until February 19.
I'm obsessed with detective games, and I think these 9 prove that 2025 was the best year for the genre ever
AppWizard
December 28, 2025

I’m obsessed with detective games, and I think these 9 prove that 2025 was the best year for the genre ever

Players investigate a tech startup CEO's murder by identifying employees and their details, using evidence in an office setting. Another game involves resource management where players uncover a murder mystery while engaging townsfolk in quirky tasks. A sequel features players in a shop solving puzzles related to bizarre customer requests. Posh Cat Studio shifted from murder mysteries to lighter detective scenarios like finding a lost cat. Inkle's sequel to Overboard! has players clear a protagonist's name amidst schoolyard mysteries. At Blake Manor, players investigate the disappearance of Evelyn Deane among suspicious guests. A game about the Roottree sisters requires players to build a family tree using early internet tools. A free game on itch.io challenges players to unlock a detective's hard drive to solve a murder.
The Séance of Blake Manor review
AppWizard
November 5, 2025

The Séance of Blake Manor review

The Seance of Blake Manor is a mystery game set to release on October 27, 2025, priced at £17. Developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Raw Fury, the game involves investigating the disappearance of Evelyn Deane within Blake Manor, where players interact with over 20 characters, each with unique backstories. Gameplay includes listening at doors, using stolen keys, and piecing together clues from various sources. The narrative features themes of blackmail, revenge, and addiction, with a user-friendly interface that aids in investigation. The art direction employs flat colors and bold outlines, creating an unsettling atmosphere enhanced by supernatural elements. The game offers an 18-hour experience with multiple endings, encouraging replayability and exploration.
One of my most-anticipated FPS games just got hit with a delay, so it looks like blasting bad guys as Mickey Mouse will have to wait
AppWizard
October 22, 2025

One of my most-anticipated FPS games just got hit with a delay, so it looks like blasting bad guys as Mickey Mouse will have to wait

Mouse PI For Hire, a first-person shooter by Fumi Games, is set to be released in early 2026, delayed from its original 2025 date. Players will assume the role of Jack Pepper, a detective in the city of Mouseburg, combining action and detective work. The game features voice actor Troy Baker and emphasizes both combat and investigative mechanics.
"Ambitious as f**k" Warhammer 40k RPG is the first real Baldur's Gate 3 challenger I've seen
AppWizard
September 24, 2025

“Ambitious as f**k” Warhammer 40k RPG is the first real Baldur’s Gate 3 challenger I’ve seen

The author began exploring the occult through the book "A Very Short Introduction to The Devil" and has since engaged with various tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) that examine morality and power, such as "Vampire: The Masquerade," "Call of Cthulhu," and "Candela Obscura." The universe of "Warhammer 40k" presents a complex moral landscape where heroism and villainy are blurred, and players are encouraged to embrace darker impulses. The upcoming game "Warhammer 40k: Dark Heresy" focuses on the role of an Inquisitor executing the Emperor's will, emphasizing a binary moral framework. Executive producer Anatoly Shestov explains that the narrative challenges players to define good and evil for themselves. "Dark Heresy" distinguishes itself with an emphasis on detective work, allowing players to gather clues and compile reports while also incorporating combat mechanics similar to its predecessor, "Rogue Trader." The game features a turn-based combat system with a Fallout-esque targeting system and dynamic combat scenarios that encourage strategic thinking. Shestov describes "Dark Heresy" as a culmination of Owlcat's creativity, offering a larger and more intricate experience than "Rogue Trader."
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
September 21, 2025

Shadows of Doubt’s hilarious new modifiers let you play as a wall-crawling rat detective and evade a killer snail

ColePowered Games has released updates for the detective simulator Shadows of Doubt, introducing new gameplay features and modifiers. Players can now take on the role of a detective who is a rat, and there is an "immortal snail" mode where the detective is invulnerable except for interactions with a snail. Other modifiers include Ironman Mode, House Arrest Scenario, Gambling Debt Option, and Film Noir Toggle, which can be combined for varied gameplay. The update also addresses bugs and mechanical issues, such as implementing a cooldown timer for muggers and ensuring loan sharks confront players over debts. Previous quality-of-life improvements were made in April and June.
This occult detective game is a perfect sequel that sent my witchy heart aflutter
AppWizard
September 20, 2025

This occult detective game is a perfect sequel that sent my witchy heart aflutter

Strange Antiquities is the sequel to Bad Viking's puzzle game, Strange Horticulture, and offers a more comprehensive experience with an expanded map and enhanced gameplay elements. The game introduces a substantial index filled with scientific terminology and specialized books, requiring players to actively seek clues and identify items. The detective aspect is amplified, as players must navigate back and forth to uncover information without always being given item names. The co-founders of Bad Viking, John and Rob Donkin, decided to create a sequel due to player demand and aimed to build upon the original's success while introducing more depth and detective elements. Strange Antiquities is available on Steam.
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