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About Methods: The Detective Competition
Methods: The Detective Competition is the first entry in the Methods series, featuring a contest where one hundred detectives and criminal masterminds vie for a million‑dollar prize and a life‑changing opportunity. A criminal victor also receives parole regardless of the crime’s severity.
Presented as a visual novel, the game blends narrative reading with simple crime‑investigation mechanics. Players examine evidence and answer multiple‑choice questions across 100 chapters, with a typical playtime of around ten hours, though actual duration varies with reading speed.
01 / THE GUIDE
Story premise
The narrative centers on a secret competition in which detectives and criminals each attempt to solve or create mysteries. Success awards a million dollars and a unique opportunity, while a criminal win grants the same monetary reward and parole, establishing high stakes for both sides.
This dual‑sided contest creates tension throughout the 100‑chapter arc, as players must consider both deduction and the possibility of antagonistic schemes while following the unfolding plot.
- Observe how each character’s motivation aligns with the competition’s rewards.
- Track when the story shifts focus between detectives and criminals to anticipate plot twists.
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Gameplay mechanics
Methods delivers a visual‑novel framework where players examine presented evidence and answer multiple‑choice questions. The simplicity of the investigation system means progress hinges on reading comprehension and logical deduction rather than complex controls.
Answering the multiple-choice questions correctly moves the investigation forward, encouraging careful consideration of the information provided.
- Take brief notes on each piece of evidence before selecting an answer.
- If uncertain, review earlier clues to confirm connections.
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Content length
The game comprises 100 chapters with a total word count of approximately 139,000. This extensive narrative provides a substantial amount of reading material for players who enjoy story‑driven experiences.
Typical playthrough time is about ten hours, though individual reading speed can cause the total duration to vary significantly from player to player.
- Allocate a consistent time block for each chapter to maintain steady progress.
- Use the chapter list to monitor which sections you have completed.
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Audio & visual assets
Methods features an original soundtrack and over 25 interactive crime‑scene CGs, alongside expression and background galleries, a music room, character bios, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes material. These assets contribute to the investigative atmosphere.
Exploring these galleries can reveal visual cues that complement the textual clues, while the soundtrack reinforces the mood of each scene, enhancing overall immersion.
- Browse the CG gallery after chapters to spot visual hints tied to evidence.
- Listen to the soundtrack during play to gauge scene tension.
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Platform features
Methods is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, supporting single‑player mode. The Steam integration includes Achievements, Trading Cards, and Family Sharing, allowing the game to appear in shared libraries.
These Steam features let players track completion milestones, collect virtual cards, and make the title accessible to other accounts linked through Family Sharing, without specifying simultaneous play.
- Check the Steam Achievements page to gauge your progress.
- Review the Trading Card set for a fun collectible goal.
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