Death Sketchbook

Death Sketchbook is a short mystery game developed by Koro Games that combines detective work with interactive drawing. The story follows a detective investigating a strange case using a sketchbook that appears to have supernatural properties. Set in a moody, vintage-style environment, the game relies on exploration and hand-drawn input to reveal clues and unravel the truth. The player’s task is to observe and to record what they discover by sketching, which becomes the central mechanic for uncovering key parts of the narrative.

Investigation through drawing

Unlike typical point-and-click games, Death Sketchbook centers its progression around a drawing system. As players explore the scene, they must observe important details and then replicate them within the sketchbook. The notebook is more than a tool—it is directly linked to the case and holds influence over what can be discovered. Each accurate sketch helps the player uncover more of the case, unlocking new dialogue, areas, or story pieces. This approach makes the player’s engagement with the environment more active, as progress depends on careful attention to visual cues.

Main gameplay components

The structure of the game is based on a blend of traditional adventure mechanics with creative input. It includes:

·         First-person movement across a limited investigation area

·         Interactive drawing to document observations

·         Puzzles that rely on accurate sketch-based input

·         Narrative scenes triggered by discovery of key clues

·         A cursed notebook that ties into the story’s central mystery

These components work together to create a brief but focused experience that encourages visual memory and interpretation over item collection or inventory use.

Atmosphere and user interface

The game’s visual design leans into muted colors and slow pacing to support the quiet tension of the investigation. Interiors are simple but filled with subtle details, guiding players to think carefully about what might be important. The drawing interface is responsive, allowing players to freely sketch with a limited set of tools. Version 1.0.1 added improvements to the brush and eraser tools, fixed UI overlap issues, and optimized performance during transitions between scenes. These updates aimed to refine the experience without altering the game’s short structure.

Reception and potential continuation

Death Sketchbook was released as a short demo but has already received positive feedback for its creative mechanics and unusual concept. Players responded well to the blend of mystery and interactivity, especially the way sketching influenced story progression. Several comments expressed interest in seeing more cases developed using the same format. While the game can be finished in under ten minutes, its structure suggests room for expansion and a series of similar investigations.