Case Solved: The London Files is a cosy point-and-click logic puzzle game from Minimol Games that wraps classic deduction challenges in a light noir detective skin. Set in a stylised, rain-tinged version of London, you take the role of an investigator cracking a series of self-contained cases. There is no sprawling narrative, branching interrogations, or action sequences. Instead, the game focuses almost entirely on pure logic puzzles inspired by Einstein’s Riddle (or zebra puzzles).
Each case follows a straightforward loop. You speak with a handful of suspects or witnesses who point you toward environmental clues. A short point-and-click search yields the necessary evidence, which then populates a deduction board. From there the real work begins: matching people to attributes such as clothing, items, locations, and arrival order using a grid of interlocking statements. Early puzzles are gentle introductions that teach the system, while later ones introduce more variables and contradictions, requiring careful elimination and multi-step reasoning. The satisfaction of watching the final piece click into place is genuine and rewarding.
The presentation supports the relaxed tone. Hand-drawn 2D art delivers expressive characters and atmospheric locations. Each character is depicted as a cardboard cutout, with your detective shuffling between points of interest and suspects. It works though. It gave me Cluedo vibes, whether that was intentional or not. A smooth jazz soundtrack and vibrant color palette create a comfortable, low-pressure atmosphere that encourages you to take your time. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, which is essential when juggling multiple categories of information.
The main campaign is short, clocking in around two or three hours for the core cases. But a large set of locked side cases extends the experience considerably. Codes hidden in the game world, menus, and even outside materials unlock a total of 42 additional puzzles that range from straightforward to quite demanding. I’m keen to get the platinum trophy, but this will definitely require a guide for me to find the remainder of the codes to unlock all classified levels.
The game is not without limits. Clue gathering feels more like a brief formality than meaningful detective work, and the writing, while functional and occasionally humorous, lacks depth or strong character presence. Players seeking cinematic storytelling or complex investigation systems may be left wanting. A couple of minor inconsistencies in clue presentation also appear in places.
Nevertheless, for anyone who enjoys logic grids, cosy puzzle games, or quiet evenings spent methodically ruling out possibilities, Case Solved: The London Files delivers exactly what it promises. It respects the player’s intelligence, never resorts to cheap tricks, and pairs its cerebral challenges with a charming, stress-free presentation. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game.
-Craig 🧐
