The world of detective noir games has evolved to include anthropomorphic animal protagonists, with titles like Chicken Police and Duck Detective already establishing this unique subgenre. The Shadow Syndicate continues this tradition but adds a supernatural twist to the formula, featuring a canine detective in an alternate 1933 Brooklyn populated by various animal species.
What sets this game apart is the protagonist Sam Marlowe’s magical Sacrifice Ring, which grants extraordinary abilities beyond typical noir detective skills. The game’s trailer showcases Marlowe teleporting through shadows and manipulating time to gain tactical advantages. According to information released about the game, this mystical ring also allows players to stun enemies or eliminate them instantly, though these powers come with consequences—a curse that intensifies as the game progresses.
The gameplay balances supernatural-enhanced stealth and combat sequences with traditional detective work. Players will question witnesses and analyze evidence while investigating the disappearance of Marlowe’s mentor. This investigation leads to an occult conspiracy that appears to have connections to the rise of fascism during this historical period.
The Shadow Syndicate offers more than just its main storyline. Players can enjoy leisure activities in a Brooklyn hub area between missions, including darts, blackjack, bowling, and various side quests. This addition of recreational gameplay elements suggests influences from series like Yakuza, alongside the obvious inspirations from Max Payne and Wolf Among Us.
Colombian independent development studio KillaSoft, based in Barranquilla, recently unveiled The Shadow Syndicate at Gamescom Latam. The studio indicated that release information will be shared in the coming months, though no specific dates were provided.
The game’s noir elements align with classic detective fiction, though the name “The Shadow Syndicate” deviates from the traditional noir naming convention of “The Big Something or Other” seen in works like The Big Sleep or The Big Lebowski. Perhaps calling it “The Big Dog” might have made for a more memorable and fitting title.