Inspector Waffles

Inspector Waffles is a charming pixel-art adventure game where players take on the role of an anthropomorphic raccoon detective tasked with solving a noir-style murder mystery. Set in a whimsical yet intricately designed world, the game blends classic point-and-click mechanics with engaging dialogue, puzzle-solving, and a cast of quirky characters. As the titular inspector, players must gather clues, interrogate suspects, and unravel the truth behind the CEO’s murder, all while navigating a visually stunning retro-inspired environment.

Inspector Waffles: A Purr-fect Homage to Classic Point-and-Click Adventures

Introduction

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of video games, few titles manage to capture the essence of a bygone era while simultaneously offering a fresh and engaging experience. Inspector Waffles, developed by Goloso Games and published by Hitcents, is one such title. Released in 2021, this charming point-and-click adventure game is a love letter to the classic adventure games of the late 1980s and early 1990s. With its vibrant pixel art, anthropomorphic cast, and emphasis on dialogue-driven puzzles, Inspector Waffles invites players into a world crafted with sincere reverence for its historical predecessors. This review will delve deep into the game’s development history, narrative, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy, providing a comprehensive analysis of its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Creators’ Vision

Goloso Games, a one-man development studio based in France, was founded in 2017 by Yann Margan. Specializing in point-and-click adventure games, Goloso Games aims to deliver quality adventure games with endearing characters. The name “Goloso” is an Italian word meaning “a person who likes to eat, probably too much,” reflecting the studio’s gourmand approach to game development.

Inspector Waffles began as a prototype created in just two weeks during the “My First Game Jam Winter 2017,” where the theme was “Cats and/or Dogs.” Despite the lack of ratings during the jam, the prototype received positive feedback, encouraging Margan to develop a full game. After several years of writing a complete story and learning the intricacies of game development, Inspector Waffles was released in 2021.

Technological Constraints and the Gaming Landscape

The game was developed using the Unity engine and the FMOD sound engine, which allowed for a seamless integration of visuals and audio. The technological constraints of the era, particularly the limitations of pixel art and the point-and-click genre, were embraced rather than overcome. This deliberate choice taps into a powerful vein of nostalgia, offering veteran gamers a comforting return to the experiences of their youth and providing newer generations with a window into the origins of modern game design.

The gaming landscape at the time of Inspector Waffles‘ release was dominated by high-budget, visually stunning titles. However, the indie scene was thriving, with a growing appreciation for games that offered unique artistic integrity and a connection to gaming history. Inspector Waffles perfectly fit this niche, appealing to fans of classic adventure games, pixel art enthusiasts, and players who valued concise, narrative-driven experiences.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

Inspector Waffles takes place in a universe populated by anthropomorphic animals, mostly cats and dogs, with common pet names like Spotty and Snowball. The player primarily assumes the role of the titular character, Inspector Waffles, a feline detective with a penchant for solving mysteries and a love for strong milk. The game’s narrative revolves around the murder of Fluffy, the CEO of Box Furniture, a company that specializes in cardboard boxes, a beloved item among the feline population.

The story begins with Waffles arriving at the crime scene, where he must gather clues, interrogate suspects, and piece together the events leading to Fluffy’s demise. Along the way, Waffles is joined by Spotty, an enthusiastic sniffer-dog who serves as his sidekick. The back-and-forth between the pair and their growing relationship is a wholesome running storyline with a satisfying payoff.

Dialogue and Themes

The game’s dialogue is replete with puns and jokes, particularly ones poking fun at cat and dog stereotypes. The idiosyncrasies of point-and-click games are even sometimes written into the universe, such as the hilarious explanation for limited-use magnets. Fourth wall breaks start in the first scene and continue throughout the game, setting the comic tone right from the get-go.

The underlying themes of Inspector Waffles revolve around murder, investigation, corruption, and mystery, all set in a city entirely populated by anthropomorphic animals. The commitment to world-building is extreme and hilarious, with tongue-in-cheek references, excruciating puns, and delightfully zoological puzzle solutions playing beautifully off the rather dark subject material.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

The gameplay and mechanics used in Inspector Waffles will be familiar to genre fans. The player has access to an inventory (backpack) and a notebook used to record clues and questions. The core gameplay loop involves exploring various locations around the city, collecting evidence, and piecing together clue fragments. The player clicks on elements in each scene to interact with them and can check Waffles’ inventory and notebook at any time to combine or use items.

Combat and Character Progression

Unlike many modern adventure games, Inspector Waffles does not feature combat mechanics. Instead, the focus is on puzzle-solving and narrative progression. Character progression is tied to the player’s ability to solve puzzles and uncover clues, with the story unfolding as the player makes progress.

UI and Innovative Systems

The game’s UI is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with a highlighted text option available for players who might want additional direction. The hint system is seamlessly integrated into the story by having the player call Waffles’ mom, a former inspector. This system is not only functional but also adds a layer of immersion and charm to the gameplay.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Inspector Waffles is set in Cat Town, a city entirely populated by anthropomorphic animals. The game’s setting is richly detailed, with various locations to explore, each with its unique atmosphere and characters. The pixel art style contributes to the game’s simpler difficulty, with each scenario only being able to contain a finite number of interactable objects. This design choice reduces the level of “pixel-hunting” required, a welcome blessing for any point-and-click adventure game.

Visual Direction

The game’s visual direction is a vibrant pixel art style with a bright color palette. The blocky character models and abstract shapes representing each scene allow for just enough structure for the player’s imagination to fill in the blanks. Cutscenes feature some special hand-drawn artwork to emphasize dramatic moments, such as flashbacks to Waffles’ traumatic past. While the artwork is gorgeous, only employing it for specific cutscenes does feel a little jarring.

Sound Design

The music in Inspector Waffles is reminiscent of Final Fantasy and Nobuo Uematsu, with a frequently jaunty and chipper soundtrack. The soundtrack is included in the universe in a meta way as the music on the jukebox at the Metal Heart bar. The game has chosen to go the no voice acting route, which feels appropriate for a retro-style game. The sound effects tend to make sense, such as the inclusion of a polaroid sound effect for the save menu, which is designed to look like a collection of polaroids.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Inspector Waffles received positive reviews from critics, with an average score of 90% based on one rating from Adventure Gamers and unscored reviews from Gameplay (Benelux). The game was praised for its amusing dialogue, entertaining cast of characters, and engaging plot. Players also gave the game a positive rating, with an average score of 4.0 out of 5 based on one rating.

The game’s success highlights a broader shift in player preferences, with a growing appreciation for titles that offer unique artistic integrity and a connection to gaming history. Inspector Waffles perfectly fits this niche, appealing to fans of classic adventure games, pixel art enthusiasts, and players who value concise, narrative-driven experiences.

Influence on Subsequent Games and the Industry

Inspector Waffles has had a significant influence on subsequent games and the industry as a whole. Its success has demonstrated the viability of retro-inspired titles in the modern gaming landscape, encouraging other developers to explore similar themes and mechanics. The game’s dedication to theme and world-building has set a high standard for future adventure games, proving that a well-crafted narrative and engaging gameplay can resonate with both nostalgic veterans and curious newcomers.

Conclusion

Inspector Waffles is a purr-fect homage to classic point-and-click adventures, offering a charming and engaging experience that resonates with both veteran gamers and newcomers. With its vibrant pixel art, anthropomorphic cast, and emphasis on dialogue-driven puzzles, the game captures the essence of a bygone era while providing a fresh and modern take on the genre. Its success highlights the growing appreciation for titles that offer unique artistic integrity and a connection to gaming history, setting a high standard for future adventure games. In the grand tapestry of video game history, Inspector Waffles stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted narratives and engaging gameplay, proving that the past is not just something to be remembered, but something to be continually engaged with and reinterpreted for a new generation.