The Mermaid Mask | PC Review
Despite only finding a couple of detective-style games that I enjoy, I have been craving a good one lately. Something that is not so difficult that it feels like every deduction is obscure, but challenging enough to feel like I am actually doing some detective work. After watching the trailer for The Mermaid Mask from SFB Games, I hoped this would be the next fun detective adventure. It is safe to say that it was everything I wanted, and I immediately purchased the previous titles in The Detective Grimoire series.
Murder on the Submarine
Detective Grimoire and Sally have been hired to investigate the murder of Magnus Mortuga, who was found behind a locked door with a slash along his throat and an open cauldron that had never been unlocked. They must question the eight people who were on the submarine at the time of the murder, learning about their backgrounds and their retelling of the events on the night of the murder. Meanwhile, they must also check for clues around the entire submarine, gathering evidence to find motives and eventually capturing the murderer.
A really well-done murder mystery, The Mermaid Mask does a good job of feeling like a real detective story while simultaneously not taking itself too seriously. Each suspect has a unique backstory and characterization, accentuated by the fantastic voice acting for these characters. Detective Grimoire and Sally play well off each other, almost like they have been working together for a while. The humor, from eye-rolling dad jokes to nautical quips, keeps the dialogue lively. I never wanted to skip a moment of dialogue, because I might miss something important or a line that could have made me smile.
Good Old Fashioned Detective Work
The Mermaid Mask is a point-and-click adventure that has you finding objects in the environment to discover clues. Of the few point-and-click adventures I have played, this stands out for having a description for each item/area in the environment. While clues oftentimes are easily spotted with their vibrant color, Grimoire and Sally will have dialogue regarding anything you click, which was a nice detail.
When a clue is discovered, it will become a 3D model that you can rotate to find more detail on the clue. Sometimes, clues can have hidden items that you can find while looking at the 3D model. Also, there are several puzzles throughout the game that lead you to discover a new object. Each puzzle is unique, and most provide a satisfying challenge. A nice touch was that if you did not solve the puzzle initially, Grimoire and Sally would provide a hint by discussing it amongst themselves.
Eventually, these clues will be used to question the suspects. During your “suspicion” of the suspects, you will use the items to create accusations, either by pointing out a specific part of it or by filling in phrases to fit the accusation. Occasionally, I had difficulty matching the correct phrase or part of the clue, but I could continue attempting until I got the correct answer. Similar to games like Duck Detective, it made it feel like doing actual detective work.
The Mortuga Submarine
The detective gameplay was the major draw for The Mermaid Mask, but I also loved the art style when I watched the initial trailer. When a character is talking, they appear as a lively but flat, two-dimensional person. They all have unique style, mannerisms, and vibe, highlighted by the artwork as well as the voice actors’ incredible job bringing these characters to life. And each section of the submarine feels unique, fitting the character that inhabits the room or the atmosphere of the area. I could really see the love and care the developers, as well as the voice actors, put into making these characters and environments!
Final Verdict
The Mermaid Mask has shot to the top of my personal list for detective games. It blends a good murder mystery with a plethora of humor. Your curiosity is rewarded with some dialogue even if you did not click on a clue. Piecing together the clues and accusing suspects feels like real detective work, while the puzzles are unique and never get old. And I absolutely loved the art style and voice acting, making each character and environment feel unique. Despite this being the third title in a series, The Mermaid Mask feels like a stand-alone game and is an easy recommendation for me. I cannot wait to play the earlier entries in the series, Detective Grimoire and Tangle Tower!
To hear me talk more about The Mermaid Mask, be sure to listen to the August 5th, 2026 episode of The Gaming Outsider Podcast around the 1:20:46 time stamp.
This review is based on a PC copy of The Mermaid Mask provided by Panic Department for coverage purposes. It is also available on PlayStation 5 and Switch 1/Switch 2.
The Mermaid Mask
$19.99
Pros
- Fun Murder Mystery
- Felt Like Actual Detective Work
- Rewarded With Curiosity
- Fantastic Artwork and Voice Acting
