{"id":2253,"date":"2014-06-17T18:00:57","date_gmt":"2014-06-17T16:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-murdered-soul-suspect-ps4\/"},"modified":"2025-05-10T02:02:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T00:02:13","slug":"review-murdered-soul-suspect-ps4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-murdered-soul-suspect-ps4\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Murdered – Soul Suspect (PS4)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Murdered: Soul Suspect<\/em> presents a compelling premise for a detective adventure infused with supernatural elements, but is hampered by technical shortcomings and somewhat flawed stealth mechanics.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ronan O’Connor is a seasoned detective, burdened by a criminal past, cigarette perpetually in mouth, and fedora tilted with a classic Philip Marlowe flair. His life is defined by tragedy and loss, yet his latest case is unlike anything he could have envisioned: his own murder. After being thrown through a window and fatally shot by a masked assailant, Ronan discovers that his spectral form endures, compelling him to solve the mystery of his demise.<\/p>\n

\"I'm<\/a><\/p>\n

Players assume control of Ronan from a third-person perspective, reminiscent of titles like Last of Us<\/em> or Warframe<\/em>. He quickly encounters other spirits who elucidate the rules of his new existence. He learns to manipulate certain objects, phase through specific doors and walls (though not all), and discovers that his earthly abilities are amplified in his spectral form. However, he must now contend with demons \u2013 formidable entities that consume the essence of spirits. Ronan can evade these demons by concealing himself within residual traces of other spirits or by possessing living humans, granting him the ability to influence their memories or glean their thoughts. He can also execute a stealth takedown from behind to permanently defeat the demons.<\/p>\n

The graphics are adequate for an early next-generation title, particularly in terms of atmosphere and design. The game maintains a consistent 60 frames-per-second, resulting in smooth gameplay. This performance is likely aided by the somewhat simplified and generic environments, characterized by less detailed objects and facial models. While the animations aren’t cutting-edge, they generally function as intended, albeit with a degree of stiffness. The setting, Salem, Massachusetts, provides a fittingly atmospheric backdrop, although the juxtaposition of the modern setting with Ronan’s noir-detective persona, complete with vest, ever-present cigarette, and old-school cynicism, feels somewhat anachronistic in 2014.<\/p>\n

\"Den<\/a><\/p>\n

The sound design is commendable. The impactful bass establishes the tone from the outset, complemented by clear dialogue. The voice acting is generally well-executed. Furthermore, the sound effects are skillfully balanced, creating a surround mix that accurately conveys directionality and enhances the atmosphere and playability. Players can effectively use audio cues to locate and navigate environments, and react accordingly to approaching threats.<\/p>\n

The core concept of Murdered: Soul Suspect<\/em> is compelling, drawing inspiration from films such as Ghost<\/em>, where the protagonist must adapt to a disembodied existence, and evoking the atmosphere of dark detective stories like Angel Heart<\/em> and True Detective<\/em>. Developing a game of this nature demands a delicate touch, and while Square Enix achieves notable successes, the execution is not without its flaws. The narrative is engaging, motivating players to uncover the truth behind Ronan’s murder. The question of whether the culprit is as obvious as a disgruntled colleague, and whether Ronan can aid other trapped spirits, provides a compelling framework. The detective gameplay, primarily focused on locating a specific number of clues, is enjoyable, and piecing together the evidence is satisfying. The deduction phase requires players to select the three most pertinent clues to reach a conclusion. This mechanic is novel, and even though it is often possible to guess the correct clues through trial and error, the incentive to deduce the answer from the outset is rewarding and relatively unique.<\/p>\n

\"Grafiken<\/a><\/p>\n

A weaker aspect of the game is its action, specifically the stealth sequences. The developers likely sought to introduce the demons as a suspenseful element to complement the clue-hunting and dialogue, which is understandable. Initially, this works. The immersive sound design effectively creates tension when a demon’s scream is heard, prompting players to react. However, the stealth mechanics prove to be clumsy, imprecise, and frustrating. Despite a clear plan, players can easily fail because the game’s environment interaction is finicky, requiring precise positioning to trigger a hiding spot. This introduces an element of trial and error, resulting in frustrating deaths and extended loading times. (The digital version, tested via PSN, is otherwise well-optimized and exhibits minimal loading.)<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the extensive hand-holding during investigations diminishes the excitement over time, and the player may prioritize solving their own murder over assisting other spirits with their unresolved issues. Nevertheless, resolving a spirit’s mission and witnessing their ascension to the “next world” provides a satisfying sense of closure.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Ultimately, Murdered: Soul Suspect<\/em> remains an enjoyable experience, particularly for players who appreciate puzzle-solving and noir-inspired detective narratives. The flawed action\/stealth sequences detract from the overall impression, and the game’s mechanics lack extensive variety. Players seeking action and freedom of choice may prefer other titles, but those who value engaging storylines and meticulous investigation may find this ghost story with a detective twist to be a worthwhile diversion.<\/p>\n