The Rise of the Golden Idol Transforms an Excellent Puzzle Game into Something Even Better.
There are still more enigmas to uncover about the golden statue.
The sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol, titled The Rise of the Golden Idol, has surpassed expectations by improving all aspects of the original game, which was already one of the highlights of 2022. Although there were doubts about whether a continuation could maintain the complexity of its puzzles and its intriguing narrative, the new game unfolds in the 1970s, approximately 200 years after the events of the first title, and each case immerses you in specific moments, usually during or shortly after a homicide.
The main objective is to unravel the mysteries behind each case, starting by exploring the scene for words and names that are stored in a menu. These words are used to solve puzzles within the case, which can include identifying the individuals present, describing how the murder took place, or even interpreting parts of a dance or discovering who won a contest. This system forces the player to pay attention to every detail, transforming the process into a complex puzzle that combines diverse elements.
As you progress through the game, there are more layers of difficulty, as to move on to the next chapter, you must solve puzzles that span multiple cases. Some recurring characters will appear throughout the chapters, which helps to create a more cohesive narrative. Although it is not necessary to have played the first title to understand Rise, there are references that will be familiar to fans of the previous game.
The problem-solving system remains with some imperfections. Just like in the previous game, if you make a mistake while fitting words into a puzzle, you will receive feedback on what is incorrect in your guesses. Generally, this allows for adjustments, but sometimes it may lead to trying several solutions before arriving at the correct one. Although Rise features challenging puzzles, I have so far managed to solve all of them without resorting to online guides, thanks to an improved hint system that offers up to three tips per puzzle.
The game, on the other hand, does not skimp on grotesque aspects. Unlike the pixelated style of the previous title, which leaned towards the unsettling, Rise presents a more painting-like aesthetic, resulting in more realistic depictions of lifeless bodies. The scenes have repetitive movements that add an air of liveliness, but they can also be uncomfortable. From strangulations to electrocutions, the scenes may shock some players, although these disturbing sequences are part of what makes the game appealing. Each new case generates curiosity about the horrific events to be uncovered.
After more than 15 hours of gameplay, I find myself nearing the end of one of the last cases out of a total of 20, and while it has taken me several days, the satisfaction of solving each puzzle promises to be rewarding. After completing all the cases, there will be four downloadable content packs scheduled for next year, indicating that there is still much more to discover about the enigmatic golden idol.
