
Release Date: November 12, 2024
A point-and-click detective adventure game and a sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol. The Rise of the Golden Idol has us solving fifteen investigations and trying to figure out how they're related to the titular Golden Idol.
The Rise of the Golden Idol is a point-and-click detective adventure game and the sequel to 2022's The Case of the Golden Idol. Like the first game, it was developed by Color Stray Games.
The Rise of the Golden Idol is set in the 1970s, three centuries after the first game. Despite the passage of time, the legend of the Golden Idol is still alive and reaping a bloody harvest. We play as a treasure hunter following its trail, needing to solve fifteen criminal mysteries.
The Rise of the Golden Idol has us conducting investigations, ranging from murders to other crimes. The player will meet various characters, each with a different personality and hidden motivations. They include people from the upper classes, TV presenters, convicts and those seeking enlightenment.
The gameplay revolves around solving increasingly more difficult puzzles. To solve them, we must thoroughly search the locations for clues, leads and evidence, then figure out a coherent cause-and-effect sequence. This lets us explain how the event unfolded and who was involved in it.
Unlike the first game, which made use of pixel art, The Rise of the Golden Idol features a colorful artstyle reminiscent of the 1970s.
Platforms:
PC Windows
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Android
Apple iOS
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Color Gray Games
Publisher: PlayStack
Age restrictions: 16+
System Requirements for The Rise of the Golden Idol Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Dual Core 1.7 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card Intel HD 4600 or better, 2.5 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.
Game Ratings for The Rise of the Golden Idol Video Game.
But Why Tho?: 8.5 / 10 by Eddie De Santiago
The Rise of the Golden Idol scratches a very specific puzzle-solving itch and provides plenty of “Eureka!” moments.
NintendoWorldReport: 7 / 10 by Willem Hilhorst
There is plenty to enjoy here, but the brilliant pacing, focus and storytelling from Case of the Golden Idol looms large over its sequel. It's a shame it doesn't live up to that potential, while still reinforcing the great ideas that are the foundation of the gameplay. Let's hope the Golden Idol shows up once more in the future to bring both styles together for a spectacular conclusion.
Expansive: 4 / 5 by Laurie Jones
Rise of the Golden Idol is a smart sequel that doesn’t massively reinvent what the brilliant Case of the Golden Idol did but adds some smart new additions, updates the visual style and UI, and makes its storytelling more cohesive with a well paced difficulty curve. While the UI can get a bit cluttered and disruptive with questionable controller navigation and the game can get bogged down in semantics and its mechanics, it’s one of the most enjoyable, entertaining narrative experiences I’ve had in some time and a series you absolutely must make the time to check out!