New Developer Diary Unveils Core Mechanic of Human-Dog Interaction in Upcoming Co-op Mystery Game Finch and Archie

Take a deep dive into the core mechanics of Finch and Archie, where players take control of a detective and his canine buddy in a series of investigations  

In the second instalment of their dev diary, indie developer Octarine Arts talks about the core mechanic of the human-dog interaction behind their upcoming co-op mystery adventure Finch and Archie. The design philosophy behind the game focuses on creating a different immersive experience with their upcoming game. You can find out more about the design process as well as more information about the game in the dev diary here. 

"We didn't just want two characters", the team writes. "We wanted two ways of seeing the same world."

The design motto is the concept of a "limited but clunky in-game communication"-- a deliberate design choice to promote both the theme and core mechanic of the game, as well as organically built around the concept of two characters designed for disagreement, but ultimately built for a bonding experience. 

ABOUT THE GAME

After losing his previous canine partner, Finch swore never to work with another dog again. But then Archie appeared —a newly graduated police dog who changed his life. Together, Finch & Archie must track down a serial murderer that's on the loose while solving various criminal cases in 1930s America. This new team will have to learn to work together, communicate efficiently and interact with each other to catch that serial killer and restore peace to the city.

As an online co-op game, Finch & Archie will challenge players to find creative ways to communicate —since Finch isn't fluent in barking and Archie doesn't speak English. Each character has a distinct set of skills to help them uncover clues. Interrogating suspects and witnesses is also crucial: through their interrogation techniques, Finch & Archie can question alibis, expose contradictions and catch criminals red-handed.

KEY FEATURES

• Play in online co-op as either Detective Finch or his loyal dog Archie. Each one has unique skills —Finch's magnifying glass and Archie's excellent sense of smell— that are essential for solving cases. And remember, fighting over who gets to play as the dog is strictly forbidden!

• Communicate creatively with your partner. Since Finch can't bark and Archie doesn't speak English, players must find innovative ways to share information and solve puzzles together.

• Interrogate suspects and gather clues. Every suspect and witness may hold vital information. Question their motives, verify alibis, poke holes in their testimonies, and use evidence to expose contradictions. 

• Solve a series of mysteries set in the Great Depression. And, yes, that elusive serial killer will eventually find his way behind bars.

ABOUT OCTARINE ARTS

Octarine Arts is a new studio based in Perth, Australia. Founded in 2023 by a team of six passionate developers, the studio is dedicated to crafting innovative and thought-provoking games with compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression. Their first title, Finch & Archie, is an online co-op noir detective adventure game, supported by funding from Screenwest and Screen Australia. The game will be released later on Steam.