The Detective (video game)

The Detective is a 1994 point-and-click adventure game developed by ICOM Simulations and published by Electronic Arts for Macintosh and Windows PCs. The game is notable for its incorporation of QuickTime video segments featuring live actors to portray characters within the game world.

The gameplay revolves around the player taking on the role of a private investigator hired to solve a murder. The player navigates environments, interacts with non-player characters (NPCs) through dialogue trees, and collects clues to piece together the events leading to the crime. The game is structured around a mystery that unfolds through exploration, observation, and deduction.

The Detective distinguishes itself from other adventure games of the era through its extensive use of full-motion video (FMV). The actors' performances, although sometimes criticized for being campy or of varying quality, contributed to the game's immersive atmosphere and overall appeal. The integration of FMV allowed for more realistic and dynamic character interactions than could be achieved through static character portraits or sprite-based animation at the time.

Critically, The Detective received mixed reviews upon release. Some reviewers praised the use of FMV and the engaging mystery, while others criticized the acting quality, the sometimes-clunky interface, and the relatively short length of the game. Despite these criticisms, the game is remembered as a notable example of early FMV games and a distinctive entry in the adventure game genre.