Mystery fans searching for a game that allows them to actively investigate a case rather than simply watch events unfold may want to take a closer look at The Mermaid Mask. Developed by SFB Games, the point-and-click adventure reunites Detective Grimoire and Sally for another eccentric murder investigation filled with unusual suspects, handcrafted locations and puzzles that reward careful observation.
Released in July 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, The Mermaid Mask continues the detective series previously explored in games such as Detective Grimoire and Tangle Tower. Although returning players will recognize its central investigators, the new case is designed around a separate setting and mystery.
A Murder Beneath the Ocean
The investigation begins inside the Mortuga, an extraordinary submarine hidden in the dark waters near an abandoned fishing town.
Captain Magnus Mortuga has been discovered dead in a locked room beside an ancient stone cauldron. The circumstances surrounding his death seem impossible, while stories about the captain only make the situation stranger. Some believe he possessed supernatural abilities, while others claim that a curse may have been responsible for his fate.
Detective Grimoire and his assistant Sally must determine whether the killing was connected to the mysterious cauldron or committed by one of the submarine’s eccentric residents. With the suspects trapped together beneath the ocean, the game transforms its unusual vessel into a compact locked-room mystery.
Players Must Build the Case Themselves
Rather than automatically revealing each discovery, The Mermaid Mask asks players to search rooms, question suspects and examine evidence closely.
The Mortuga contains dozens of clues scattered across rooms designed to reflect the personalities of their occupants. Players can rotate and manipulate fully rendered 3D objects, allowing hidden compartments and small details to become part of the investigation. These interactive items are incorporated into the game’s otherwise hand-painted visual presentation without abandoning the series’ distinctive 2D character style.
Finding evidence is only the beginning. Players must connect information through deduction sequences and complete statements using the correct facts. The game also includes mechanical and logic-based puzzles involving unusual objects, locks and devices found around the submarine.
An optional hint system is available when progress becomes difficult. It provides additional direction without punishing the player, helping the investigation continue while still allowing players to reach conclusions themselves.
Grimoire and Sally Remain the Heart of the Story
The relationship between Detective Grimoire and Sally gives the investigation much of its personality. Grimoire approaches each situation with determination, while Sally’s sharper observations and humor frequently keep their conversations entertaining.
Their exchanges prevent the story from becoming overly serious despite the murder at its center. The writing moves between mystery, comedy and character drama, creating a tone that feels closer to an animated detective series than a traditional crime thriller.
The submarine’s crew also plays an important role. Each suspect has a distinctive appearance, personality and manner of speaking, making interrogations feel like character encounters rather than simple information-gathering exercises. The cast is fully voiced in English, while the detailed animation gives even smaller reactions a noticeable sense of personality.
Hand-Painted Art Meets Interactive 3D Clues
One of the game’s most interesting visual achievements is the way it combines expressive 2D characters with three-dimensional evidence.
SFB Games created a custom visual process that gives the 3D objects painted textures and deliberately uneven outlines. As a result, clues can be rotated and opened without appearing disconnected from the illustrated environments surrounding them.
The creators chose to retain hand-drawn characters because facial expressions and exaggerated body shapes remain central to the series’ identity. The additional 3D technology is mainly used to make examining evidence more interactive rather than replacing the established art direction.
The presentation is supported by an original orchestral soundtrack performed by the Budapest Art Orchestra. Character themes, investigation music and puzzle tracks help establish the strange atmosphere of the Mortuga without overwhelming its dialogue-heavy scenes.
Reviews Differ Slightly on the Ending
Polygon describes The Mermaid Mask as one of 2026’s most positively received games and recommends it for its humor, cast and imaginative mystery design. However, its assessment suggests that the adventure loses some strength as it approaches the finale.
Other reviewers have responded more enthusiastically to the conclusion. Game Informer awarded the title a score of 9 out of 10, praising its final reveal, puzzle variety, animation and voice performances. The publication also described it as the strongest Detective Grimoire adventure released so far.
The disagreement appears to concern the execution of the final portion rather than the overall quality of the experience. Both perspectives recognize the game’s memorable characters, detailed presentation and ability to make players participate directly in solving the case.
A Strong Recommendation for Mystery Fans
The Mermaid Mask does not attempt to reinvent the point-and-click genre. Instead, it strengthens the formula through expressive animation, interactive clues and a setting that remains visually interesting throughout the investigation.
Its unusual submarine location gives the murder an immediate identity, while Grimoire and Sally provide enough humor to balance the darker elements of the case. Players who enjoy questioning suspects, inspecting objects and gradually constructing a theory should find plenty to appreciate.
Even though opinions about its ending may vary, The Mermaid Mask stands out as a carefully crafted detective adventure—and one of the most appealing mystery games released in 2026.
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