If you have ever found yourself more interested in the quiet, methodical work of crime scene technicians than the high-octane pursuits seen in typical police dramas, Forensics: Crime Scene Detective is likely aimed directly at you. The title launches today on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, trading Hollywood-style shootouts for the patient, science-based reality of criminal investigation.

Quick Facts

  • Developer: Binary Impact and Alchemical Works
  • Publisher: Aerosoft
  • Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC
  • Price: £20.99

Authentic Investigation Mechanics

Rather than casting players as a traditional detective with a badge and a firearm, the game puts you in the role of a forensic specialist. Gameplay begins only after the emergency services have secured the area. From that point on, your success depends entirely on your ability to process a scene, which can include locations like basements, bars, and private apartments.

To solve each case, you must utilize authentic investigative equipment to perform tasks such as dusting for fingerprints, recovering digital evidence from mobile devices, analyzing blood spatter patterns, and calculating ballistic trajectories. Once the field work is complete, you will head to a dedicated laboratory to piece together the evidence.

Built With Expert Guidance

The developers, Binary Impact and Alchemical Works, leaned heavily into realism during the game's creation. By working alongside professionals from Germany’s State Criminal Police Office Rhineland-Palatinate (LKA RLP), the team implemented procedures and tools that mirror real-world forensic methodologies.

The game moves away from standard detective tropes like dialogue trees or intuition-based puzzles. Instead, the focus is on logic and scientific reasoning. You are tasked with determining whether a scene represents a tragic accident, a case of self-defense, or a staged crime. Because every piece of evidence is vital, missing a single clue can lead to a failed investigation or the incorrect identification of a suspect.

Forensics: Crime Scene Detective is available now on the Xbox Store, Steam, and PlayStation 5, with a physical edition also planned for the latter platform.