Product Info

Platform

Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC

Publisher

COWCAT

Developer

COWCAT

Genre

Action, Adventure, Fighting, Puzzle

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

2 GB

Release Date (NA)

Mar 22, 2022

Purchase From

eShop

PSN Store

Microsoft Store

Steam

Official Store

BROK the InvestiGator, the second original title from COWCAT Games, combines several gameplay styles in a point-and-click adventure that does quite well in keeping players engaged. It’s another impressive effort from the one-person indie studio.

Investigate This

The game is set in a futuristic cyberpunk-style world where humans do not exist. The majority of the characters are either robots or humanoid animals. Segregation still occurs, however. Those who are privileged stay in a protective dome and are known as Drumers (after the city’s name “Drums”), while Slumers are basically everyone else. They live in the unprotected environment of the slums where they can get sick more easily and have shorter lifespans. Basically, the world may look different, but the issues mirror our own.

In this game, you play mostly as Brok, a humanoid crocodile private investigator that lives in the slums with his stepson Graff. Unlike Brok, Graff is a humanoid feline who lost his mother during the big power outage. Unfortunately, Brok and Graff were both excluded from the Drums and now live in a rundown apartment located in the slums. So, what happened to Graff’s mother and Brok’s wife, and what lies behind the incident? It’s time to put on your investigator hat and get to work. The game takes some time to get the story going, which can turn off those new to the unique gameplay style. However, once you put enough time in, you’ll be eager to know what happens next.

While playing, you’ll jump between the stories of Brok and Graff, each with their own problems they have to face. For example, Brok is solving a case of a missing handgun, whereas Graff is trying to pass a test to become a Drumer once again. Eventually things begin to come together between the two, but playing as multiple characters with their own paths makes the game more interesting.

One Saturday Morning

The character designs in BROK are well drawn and harken back to classic ‘90s cartoons. The voices associated with each character also breathe more life into them, especially Brok. Other characters such as Graff and Shay, Brok’s mechanic fanatic friend, play significant roles and play well through the game’s story. Each scene and all the landscapes are illustrated marvelously. The world map, however, feels a bit empty, but at least having one to roam around in feels more innovative than just having a list of locations on a screen.

The game’s soundtrack carries that ‘90s vibe as well. BROK’s soundtrack, composed by Python Blue, uses a variety of tunes that fits the game’s futuristic and polluted world. It still feels like some parts could be a bit more lively, though. For example, Shay’s garage background tune is low-pitched and darker than anticipated. With Shay’s personality being more upbeat and energetic, one would expect the music to match that. Perhaps it hints at something under the surface with her? Who knows? At least the mechanical sound effect in the song’s beat fits. The “Brok Squeals” track is far more energetic and lively. It feels like playing a boss battle in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade title where players fight against Shredder. Anyway, for those who want to listen beforehand or afterward, the game soundtrack is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music and more.

A Mixed Recipe Gone Right

COWCAT’s latest game mixes a lost game style, the point-and-click adventure, with a 2D side-scrolling beat ‘em up (e.g., Streets of Rage). Those who haven’t played point-and-click games will get their chance with this one. Players will run into problem-solving situations that must be answered by a multiple-choice question or by solving a puzzle to advance to the next scene. Some puzzles can be frustrating, such as putting together pieces to make a triangle. You’ll use the game’s cursor to pick the parts or questions to solve the riddle. Picking the wrong one can result in a battle against foes like robots or in getting zapped by electricity, which depletes your health gauge. The game offers clues, but sometimes you want to figure it out on your own.

When choosing in a multiple-choice scenario, your answer can alter a character’s story. For example, if you decide to help The Tramp, a homeless ex-military character who hangs out outside Brok’s apartment, with medicine, his health will prolong. If you stay on top of his medicine through the game, you’ll earn a special reward. Otherwise, the game explains that he passed away and is no longer available. Additionally, some choices can create bigger impacts that can change the game’s ending, and there are at least ten different endings to see. That’s a lot! Still, it gives added gameplay value for those looking to view each one.

The game offers a scenario where you don’t have to fight battles within the game’s story. This is done by choosing the correct multiple choice options or carrying the correct inventory. It’s difficult to achieve this, but it’s doable. Otherwise, fighting your way out of a predicament is the easy route.

When brawling, they are set just like adventuring, on a 2D side-scrolling layout. Players will confront enemies that’ll try to take you down by either throwing objects or attacking with their hands or with weapons. If you’ve played games like Streets of Rage or Final Fight, then you know what you’re getting yourself into. Additionally, the playfield where the battles occur will have traps that make your goal a little harder. Your goal varies from taking down all enemies or reaching the end of the level by beating up enough enemies. You’re rewarded for all your hard work and gain experience to level up and increase your special attack stats. This means your special move can land harder blows on your enemy for a quicker win.

The beat ‘em up mechanics feel satisfying and are enjoyable to do repeatedly. The best part is that you can enjoy unlimited access to these battles as long as you are not currently in a restricted area during the game’s story. Your character stats can also grow like in a role-playing game, which will be necessary in future battles.

The Final Clue

BROK the InvestiGator is a solid, beautifully illustrated game that mixes various gameplay styles in a way that works really well. COWCAT has something special here and fans should look forward to what they’ll make next. Grab your magnifying glass, ready your fists, and gator done!

A PlayStation 5 review code provided for this review.