GamesBeat recently asked indie game developers to give us their best pitches in 140 characters or less. Picking our favorites was hard, but after many rounds of voting, some shouting, a little crying, and one trial by combat, we managed to come up with what we feel are the 10 best entries. Number three on the list is a quirky point-and-click adventure game out of the UK.
The game: The Adventures of Bertram Fiddle
Availability: iOS, Android, and PC
The pitch:
The Adventures of Bertram Fiddle – If Monkey Island was directed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle #GamesBeatPitch pic.twitter.com/SSAVQDm4Wp
— Alexander Birke (@AlexanderBirke) September 3, 2014
Why I picked this: I’m a fan of point-and-click adventure games, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and comedy. A game that combines all three is totally in my wheelhouse. Thanks to titles like The Walking Dead and Fables, this classic genre is enjoying a bit of a resurgence, and mobile platforms with touch screen technology are a perfect way to experience these new interactive stories.
What is it? The Adventures of Bertram Fiddle is an “intriguing, dark humoured murder mystery, full of intrigue, dark humour, murder, and mystery,” according to the official website. Drawing inspiration from classic adventure games, ’70s Hammer Horror films, and late Victorian novels, it features a befuddled explorer, his cyclopean sidekick, a serial killer named Geoff, dodo massage, and oddly designed noses.
Is it good? I don’t know. It’s not out yet! While the premise is promising, and the art style is odd but charming, the voice acting seems a little rough. But, ultimately, The Adventures of Bertram Fiddle will be judged mainly by two things: the quality of its storytelling and its puzzles. It’s vitally important for a narrative-driven game to nail the narrative, and comedy is a tough genre to write. After all, one man’s Louis C.K. is another man’s Gallagher. Hopefully, freshman studio Rumpus Animation is up to the task.
Look for it: The first episode, “A Dreadly Business,” is expected to launch in autumn 2014.
For more info: The official Adventures of Bertram Fiddle website
This is the eighth of 10 selections from our “Pitch us in one Tweet” contest. You can find the rest of our choices by following this tag.