The world of Detective Grimoire has always been built around the idea that a good mystery does not need to rely on constant tension or grim realism to keep us interested. With The Mermaid Mask, SFB Games once again proves that a murder investigation can be both charming and genuinely intriguing, delivering a point-and-click adventure that combines eccentric characters, clever detective work and a wonderfully strange underwater setting. The latest case sees Grimoire and Sally investigating the death of Magnus Mortuga, the captain of a mysterious submarine where every passenger appears to be hiding something. A locked-room murder, a suspicious ancient cauldron and rumors of supernatural forces create the perfect foundation for another unusual investigation.
Although The Mermaid Mask is part of the Detective Grimoire series, newcomers do not need any previous knowledge to enjoy this adventure. The story works as its own self-contained mystery, while long-time fans will appreciate the small connections to earlier cases. The strength of the narrative lies less in the central question of who committed the murder and more in the journey towards discovering the truth behind the strange collection of people living aboard the Mortuga submarine. From scientists and performers to merchants and individuals with mysterious pasts, the suspects are far more than simple obstacles in our investigation. Each character has their own personality, motivations and secrets, creating a cast that is just as memorable as the mystery itself.
The relaxed tone is one of The Mermaid Mask’s biggest successes. While the premise involves death and deception, the game never becomes overly dark, instead balancing its murder mystery with humor, playful dialogue and a storybook-like atmosphere. Grimoire and Sally remain a fantastic investigative duo, with their chemistry carrying many of the conversations and interrogations. The fully voiced cast also adds a great deal to the experience, giving even the strangest characters a sense of life and personality. Some sections of the investigation can slow down the pacing, especially when we are required to question multiple characters about every available clue, but the quality of the writing generally keeps these longer conversations entertaining.
The core gameplay follows the familiar structure of a detective adventure, with exploration, conversations and clue gathering forming the backbone of the experience. Instead of directly controlling Grimoire and Sally on screen, we examine beautifully illustrated locations, clicking on objects to discover observations, hidden details and potential evidence. The biggest improvement over previous entries comes from the way clues can be examined. Objects are presented as detailed 3D items that can be rotated, inspected and sometimes opened to reveal additional information, making the investigation feel more interactive. The case file gradually becomes a detailed collection of evidence, conversations and theories, encouraging us to think about how each discovery connects to the larger mystery.
The interrogation system remains one of the strongest parts of the adventure. Once enough evidence has been collected, we can challenge suspects by building accusations from the information gathered, creating satisfying moments where small details suddenly come together. The game also introduces several puzzles throughout the investigation, and while many of them fit nicely into the world and provide enjoyable moments of problem solving, they are not always equally successful. Some puzzles are inventive and rewarding, while others feel slightly disconnected from the narrative or lack the clarity needed to solve them naturally. Thankfully, the hint system helps prevent players from becoming completely stuck.
On Nintendo Switch, The Mermaid Mask feels particularly well suited to the platform thanks to its slower-paced investigation style and the flexibility of its control options. The traditional controls work well enough, although moving a cursor with an analogue stick can occasionally feel less precise when examining smaller objects. The touchscreen and motion options provide welcome alternatives, especially when interacting with the game’s detailed clues and puzzle elements. The presentation is where the game truly shines, with hand-painted environments that make the Mortuga submarine feel like a living illustrated world. Every room has its own identity, reflecting the personalities of the characters who inhabit it, while the expressive animations make conversations feel closer to an animated series than a static adventure game.
The audio design completes the experience with an impressive soundtrack that gives each area and character its own atmosphere. The orchestral compositions add mystery and emotional weight without overpowering the lighter moments, while the excellent voice performances bring even the most unusual residents of the submarine to life. There are some minor issues, including a few uneven puzzles and occasional pacing problems during the heavier investigation sections, but they rarely undermine the overall experience. With its clever writing, memorable cast and wonderfully crafted presentation, The Mermaid Mask is a confident continuation of the Detective Grimoire series and one of the more charming detective adventures available on Nintendo Switch. It proves that solving a murder can still feel cozy, funny and surprisingly heartfelt, especially when the investigation takes place aboard a submarine full of secrets.
Score: 8.8/10