Cat Detective Albert Wilde

Cat Detective Albert Wilde is a comedy, sci-fi, detective noir narrative game that transports players into an anthropomorphic world set in the 1930s. The game follows Albert Wilde, a hard-boiled detective who narrates his journey as he unravels a bizarre and ever-twisting mystery. It’s a stylish, atmospheric experience that pays homage to the classic noir films of the past while adding a humorous, animal-filled twist.

From the very first moments, it becomes evident that the developers were deeply inspired by noir classics. The game features a grainy black-and-white aesthetic, moody jazz music, and a mysterious fog-drenched city that exudes old-school detective charm. The visual style is very effective, immediately enveloping players into a world that feels both familiar and fresh. Every section of the map, every dimly lit alleyway, and every shadowy figure lurking in the mist contribute to the game’s strong sense of style.

Adding to the immersion is Albert Wilde’s internal monologue, one of the highlights of the game, which provides a steady stream of gruff, cynical, and very hilarious observations that feel ripped straight out of a Raymond Chandler novel with some silliness blended in. His commentary is both hilarious and insightful, giving players a deeper connection to the world around them. As he interacts with other characters and unravels the mystery, his personality shines through, making him a compelling protagonist in an already engaging setting.

One of the strongest aspects of Cat Detective Albert Wilde is its writing. The humour is sharp, witty, and genuinely entertaining, ensuring that the game never takes itself too seriously. Every character, from Rudy the Moose to Officer Betty the Doe, has a distinct personality that adds depth to the world. The dialogue strikes a delicate balance between noir-style seriousness and absurdity, making every interaction engaging and unpredictable.

The city itself feels alive with its eclectic mix of characters. Their stories intertwine seamlessly, creating a vibrant setting full of unexpected twists and comedic moments. While the main storyline follows Albert Wilde’s efforts to crack a tough case, the side conversations and interactions with the city’s eccentric residents add an extra layer of richness to the experience. Players will find themselves eager to engage with every new character they meet, just to hear what ridiculous or insightful thoughts they might say next.

The humour in the game is worth highlighting. It doesn’t rely solely on slapstick or animal-related puns (though there are many). Instead, it thrives on clever dialogue, witty banter, and a deep understanding of noir tropes. The game is unafraid to poke fun at its own genre while still respecting the elements that make noir storytelling so compelling. This self-awareness adds to the game’s charm, making it a joy to experience from start to finish. I laughed audibly on several occasions throughout the story.

Beyond its strong narrative and atmosphere, Cat Detective Albert Wilde also delivers a satisfying detective experience. The gameplay consists of classic point-and-click mechanics, where players gather clues, interrogate suspects, and piece together information to solve the case. The investigation mechanics are well-executed, offering players a sense of agency in how they approach solving the mystery. Players must pay close attention to details, as missing key clues can lead to dead ends or incorrect conclusions. The game rewards thorough exploration and careful deduction, making it a satisfying experience for fans of detective games. There are also moments of light puzzle-solving, where players must use logic and reasoning to progress. These puzzles never feel overly complex, but they add a layer of engagement that keeps the gameplay from becoming too passive. The game strikes a good balance between storytelling and player involvement, ensuring that it remains interactive while still delivering a compelling narrative.

While Albert Wilde’s narration is fully voiced, conversations with other characters rely solely on repetitive animal sounds. These noises persist throughout the game and become increasingly distracting, especially during lengthy dialogue exchanges. This design choice, while likely intended to be humorous or stylised, ultimately detracts from the experience.

At first, the animal noises are amusing and add to the game’s quirky personality. However, as the mystery unfolds and longer conversations become unavoidable, these sounds start to wear on the player. They make it difficult to focus on the otherwise stellar dialogue and, in some cases, can completely pull players out of the immersive experience. A simple option to reduce or mute these effects would greatly enhance the experience, allowing players to focus on the fantastic dialogue without unnecessary distractions. Given how much effort was put into crafting engaging conversations and compelling character interactions, it feels like a misstep to have such an intrusive audio element overshadow them. Hopefully, future updates or sequels will address this issue by giving players more control over sound settings. One thing on the accessibility side that I appreciated as a result of this was the subtitles provided for all dialogues.

Thankfully, the soundtrack is another highlight of the game. The slow, melancholic piano tracks perfectly complement the eerie, foggy streets of the city. Whether Albert is driving through the rain, piecing together clues, or sharing a tense exchange with a suspect, the music enhances the overall mood, pulling players deeper into the noir setting. The use of jazz is particularly effective. The soft hum of a saxophone or the gentle plinking of piano keys instantly evokes the feeling of an old detective film, reinforcing the game’s dedication to its aesthetic. Each track feels carefully curated to match the tone of the moment, ensuring that players remain engaged with the unfolding story.

The sound design, apart from the distracting animal noises, effectively immerses players in the detective atmosphere. From the distant honking of old cars to the quiet murmurs of the city, every element feels meticulously crafted. The game does an excellent job of using sound to create a believable world, making it easy to get lost in the experience.

I really found myself captivated by Cat Detective Albert Wilde. Despite the criticisms I have, the characters and dialogue are hilariously charming and not something I will soon forget. Fingers crossed this is not the last time we see or hear from Albert Wilde, as he’s far too crafty and good a dancer to retire. Hopefully this could be the start of a series of short detective stories, as I would love to see our feline protagonist return one day.