"The Stoneville Mystery" is a terrific example of fine gameplay. Puzzles are challenging but not impossible, and very satisfying. Each step leads to a logical next step. The dialogue is minimal (which I prefer) and witty (which made it particularly enjoyable). There seems to be no randomness; each clue means something, and, in the end, all items are necessary and important, rather than a mish-mosh compilation of things just for the sake of collecting. As well, item clues are simple, without being elementary, which I appreciate. I am annoyed by games that have clues so vague and irrelevant that I have to work overhard to connect the dots.

The original artwork in cut scenes and the menu add to the overall aesthetics, giving a spooky and moody atmosphere to the game.

As for story, although a son searching for his father (in hopes of saving him) isn't exactly a new idea, "The Stoneville Mystery" uses the trope with a fresh voice through dialogue and gameplay, and makes the story enjoyable because it feels a little different.

Music and sound effects layer to create a really connected tale, adding to the experience by putting a sound byte just in the right place at the right time.

And the detail! So many items are interactable! And it’s worth it to click on them, because they contain little nuggets of narration that really add to the overall personality of the game. I’m impressed that the developer took the time and effort to give me so much in so short a time – what I thought was twenty minutes or so of playing was actually over an hour. I’d say that’s actually my favorite part of the game: clicking to see if the developer had anything to say about that object, or this object, only to discover, yes! And in a funny and charming way, too.

I’ll keep an eye out for more games from this person, and hope the next ones are available soon!