The Last Case of Benedict Fox: Definitive Edition is releasing later this month, on March 26. As mentioned, it will be the game’s debut on the PlayStation 5, while a free update will also bring a new Limbo area where players will be able to test their combat skills, new secrets and puzzles scattered throughout the Mansion, and improvements to the combat and exploration to make for a “more fluid and dynamic” experience.

Also included are new traversal challenges, new story content focused on Benedict’s past, animation improvements, and more. Additionally, the Definitive Edition update also brings support for Brazilian Portuguese and Simplified Chinese in the game. Check out its latest teaser trailer below.

In our review of the game upon its original release last year, we awarded it a score of 8/10, saying, “There’s something wildly thoughtful and provocative about The Last Case of Benedict Fox. You’ll find it within this wondrous 2.5D Metroidvania platformer’s beautiful world that is oozing life despite death being front and center. It only wavers in its messy combat experiences with the shadow forces of limbo. Despite this particular fault, there’s still plenty to love.” Read the full review through here.

The Definitive Edition will feature several improvements to the visuals, AI, interface, and puzzles, while overhauling combat and platforming. It will also add new gameplay mechanics. Further details are pending, but in a press release, Rogue Games CEO Matt Casamassina said, “These are substantial, meaningful gameplay and visual improvements that take what was already an absolutely gorgeous, extremely engaging Metroidvania to new heights on PlayStation 5.”

Whether these improvements will come to Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC remains to be seen. If it follows the trends of other Definitive Editions, they could receive the new features via a free update. Stay tuned for further clarification.

Check out our review of The Last Case of Benedict Fox here. Along with Xbox consoles and PC, it’s also playable on Game Pass.

Set in the mid-1920s, Benedict is brought to a decrepit mansion where he becomes the chief investigator of a murder that will ultimately offer him more than he bargained for.  And thanks to his otherworldly companion, each cold corpse on the ground is a gateway to the deceased person’s “limbo” realm. It’s this strange alternate dimension where Benedict can explore the life of the case subjects at hand while battling shadowy foes.

Benedict will start in the Mansion as a sort of hub in the mortal plane. Of course, there are secrets and details to uncover in the mansion. But many of the clues to unlocking these elements are held in the limbo dimensions which are initially accessed by Benedict through interacting with a corpse. Once in limbo, Benedict can unlock anchors throughout the labyrinthine passageways that act as both fast travel points and a place to heal. Speaking of fast travel, you can travel to any anchor you’ve unlocked at any point by simply opening your map and selecting the point you wish to head to. This convenience is an incredibly welcome feature.

"Stylistically, the world is vivid, colorful, and frightening when it needs to be. The detail and artistry behind the game’s presentation are markedly evident and are easy to appreciate."

By design, The Last Case of Benedict Fox is a 2.5D Metroidvania akin to other modern titles in the same niche genre like Ori and the Blind Forest. There’s a certain grandeur offered by the game’s visual appeal. The noir setting is on point and highly atmospheric. Stylistically, the world is vivid, colorful, and frightening when it needs to be. The detail and artistry behind the game’s presentation are markedly evident and are easy to appreciate. The limbo realms are an eclectic collection of hellish landscapes and scenery from each person’s life. Many times, I found myself just gazing at the foreground and all of the oddities marking the landscape.

As you traverse each limbo, you’ll encounter hostile shadowy creatures. Benedict has two basic attacks. He can slash at his enemies with a knife for melee hits. He’s also packing a flare gun that can typically take out basic enemies with one shot. At the start of the game, until Benedict is able to make upgrades later, he only has one shot. You can refill his singular flare gun round by using melee attacks. Benedict can also use his companion to parry enemy attacks which will become highly necessary.

Combat is, perhaps, Benedict Fox’s weakest element. It’s not very fluid and enemy movements, especially in groups, are often highly imperceptible. Attacking enemies doesn’t always stagger them, they can still follow through with devastating attacks while being assaulted themselves. At a couple of points in the game, multiple creatures rushed me backing me up against a wall. I’d parry one only to be hit by the second. Then I’d jump in an attempt to leap over them only to be smacked back down. Combat can be frustrating if not approached methodically and with a bit of patience. Benedict will also be capable of performing a finishing move on some enemies that are staggered, but if there are other enemies around, engaging in the finishing move only opens him up to attack. Yes, he can be hit while performing the finisher, unfortunately.

"Combat is, perhaps, Benedict Fox’s weakest element."

As you progress in Benedict’s journey, he’ll be able to upgrade his companion’s abilities by receiving tattoos from a mysterious woman. Benedict pays for these tattoos with ink that you collect from slaying creatures out in limbo. Keep in mind, that if you die while carrying ink, you will lose it. But if you find an anchor, you can “secure” ink to keep it protected. These tattoo upgrades will give Benedict other offensive abilities. Tentacles will emerge from him that can slam enemies or pound the ground depending on the ability you’ve unlocked. This is where things can get a bit more interesting, and these powers will make life a tad easier.

The journey is ultimately guided by the investigative trail so-to-speak. As you uncover relics, notes, or other noteworthy clues while progressing through limbo, you may need to hop back to the mortal plane to progress. For instance, in limbo you might find an area that looks like a ruined version of the same study in the mansion in the mortal plane and you located a code for the desk drawer. So, you can then return to the mortal plane, go to the mansion’s study, and use that solution on the desk drawer. Other times, your companion will speak to you as you make progress in limbo alerting you to “new life” present in the mansion meaning that there is someone new in the mortal plane you can speak to. It’s important to really pay attention to the dialogue and clues throughout the world in order to know what your next move is.

Of course, if you enjoy a good puzzle, The Last Case of Benedict Fox is right up your alley. One of the game’s biggest hooks will be using a cipher tied to both letters and numbers to unlock areas within limbo. You’ll have to use the combination of a device and a diary page with all the symbols’ numeric equivalents in order to solve the cipher lock at hand. These aren’t just throwaway puzzles for the sake of adding variety to the game. They have significance and stimulate your brain enough to think about each entry you punch in for a solution. I found that making progress through the use of puzzles, a dab of basic mathematics, and the cipher is a quality and engaging mechanic.

"If you enjoy a good puzzle, The Last Case of Benedict Fox is right up your alley."

The platforming elements of Benedict Fox are smooth and intuitive. Eventually, Benedict will be able to double jump with the help of his companion. Once this ability is gained, the world within limbo opens up even more. The more abilities you unlock, the more areas you can access. For instance, there is a ground-pounding ability you will eventually gain that not only serves as an attack but also a method of breaking through weak floor boards to areas below. I really have no complaints here as the controls are tight and responsive. Any time I missed a jump, fell into a pool of ink, or slid into the maw of a ravenous man-eating plant, I knew that it was my fault alone.

The story at the center of Benedict Fox is engaging and steeped in mystery. Each new discovery leads you down a twisted trail involving an occult organization and the livelihoods of the individuals’ deaths you now investigate. It’s easy to soak up the lore behind each new relic you find as everything within the world of Benedict Fox is saturated in history and the connectivity it all has to other aspects of the narrative. This is one title that I found to be more engrossing the further I went.

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

Set in a glitzy city of Jazz Noir, with shady organizations lurking in the shadows, the story concerns Fox and his demonic companion as they investigate a decrepit mansion. After a young couple dies, their child goes missing, and it’s up to the duo to find them. Benedict’s father is also seemingly caught up in things, adding to the mystery.

With the power to explore the minds of the recently deceased, players explore inner worlds comprised of memories, emotions and past trauma. Fox can protect himself with a knife and firearm but also utilize demonic powers to slam and throw enemies. For more details, check out our feature here.

However, another title has been looking better and better with each reveal, and out soon. Developed by Plot Twist and published by Rogue Games, The Last Case of Benedict Fox is a side-scrolling action-adventure Metroidvania with gorgeous visuals, an alluring art style and heaps of cosmic horror.

It releases on April 27 for PC and Xbox Series X/S while launching day one on Game Pass. If you want a compelling noir action game with investigative elements, The Last Case of Benedict Fox may be worth checking out. Here are 12 things you should know before jumping in.

Story

The story focuses on Benedict Fox, a detective with a strange gift/curse. He has a demon with him, providing consul and helping him solve cases. With its power, Benedict can dive into the minds of the recently deceased to look for clues.

But when a mysterious case about a murdered couple and their missing child arrives on his doorstep, Benedict and his companion must delve into a world of arcane secrets, shady organizations and Lovecraftian horrors to learn the truth. How does it relate to his past? Why does the game’s store page call Benedict a “self-proclaimed” detective? What is his companion’s true goal? Just a few more mysteries to add to the pile.

Characters

Benedict Fox and his demon companion are the central two characters, and you can expect a lot of back-and-forth discussion as they analyze the case particulars. That doesn’t necessarily mean Fox is without allies. Harry Houdini – yes, the legendary escape artist – is a merchant and will sell items that can help in dire situations. A mysterious Tattooist also hangs around and can help Benedict learn new abilities. The process can be a little traumatizing, and hearing her refer to Benedict as “my beautiful canvas” doesn’t help, but whatever gets the job done.

Setting

Set after World War 1, the world of Benedict Fox is one of glitz and tension, with strange events and murders happening in the shadows. The mansion that Benedict and the demon explore is large, with numerous secrets. Benedict will discover various documents, mementos and evidence, leading him deeper into the abyss. There are plenty of threats to deal with, but the true horrors arguably await in the world of Limbo.

Limbo

With his ability to enter the minds of the deceased, Benedict and his companion can venture into another reality called Limbo to search for evidence. Limbo seems to manifest in different ways depending on the victim, with various memories and trauma creating unique worlds. One area may involve platforming across chandeliers in a snowstorm. The other may feature copious overgrowth and demonic Venus Flytraps. The Burton-esque aesthetic shines here, with copious amounts of vivid colors and shadows.

Structure

The Last Case of Benedict Fox is a 2.5D Metroidvania-style game. Anyone that’s played Metroid Dread can expect plenty of hidden areas, secret items, and collectibles in addition to platforming challenges and puzzles. As you unlock new abilities, you can backtrack to previously locked-off areas and progress further, revealing a brand-new location with assorted terrors.

Puzzles

It wouldn’t be an action-adventure game without puzzles. Some include locks picked with a Kogai Pin, except the bolts in question are fingers connecting a disgusting maw. Another involves collecting items for some golem ritual. You also have to examine photographs for hidden descriptions and analyze other records to find solutions, but it doesn’t seem too complex (at least in the early going).

Enemies

Benedict and his companion will encounter various demons and monsters to slay, from flying Lovecraftian eyes that dive-bomb to creatures with shields and nimble foes with tails that can knock you back. There are also bosses to fight, from a massive multi-fanged horror with tentacles called The Librarian to a giant flying eye. Interestingly, you won’t just fight demons, as enemies from other factions will appear.

Combat

As recent gameplay trailers have shown, combat is a mix of hack and slash, with Benedict wielding a knife, and gunplay, as you can aim and shoot enemies from a distance. Benedict can also slide through enemies to knock them into the air, backstep to avoid attacks and block. Blocking at the right moment can also hurt foes, opening them up to slower but more damaging Heavy Attacks. Of course, for all his skills, it’s a good idea for Benedict not to get backed into a corner or avoid any fights he can’t win.

Powers

Benedict’s companion isn’t just there to provide moral support with an ethereal voice. He can also lend assistance by way of special powers. You can use dark tentacles to grab and throw enemies, then shoot them mid-air, with subsequent upgrades increasing the grapple’s range. Slam is useful for breaking through fragile surfaces and pushing back weaker enemies. Other abilities have yet to be detailed, but a healthy range of options is available.

Items

Houdini also provides some assistance with various items, like Stoneskin. It makes Benedict impervious to damage, though he can’t move while the effect is active. You also have the Flashlight, necessary for areas called Twilight Zones to ward away the creeping darkness, which can slay Benedict if he isn’t careful. In addition to picking locks, Kogai Pins can also snare enemies, stunning them temporarily. Items also have upgrades, increasing the amount carried and the item’s effectiveness, like the duration of the Kogai Pin’s snare.

Supports 60 FPS and 4K Ultra HD

Though its resolution and frame on Xbox Series X/S has yet to be revealed, the Xbox page does confirm 4K Ultra HD support. It also lists 120 FPS, so there are likely graphical modes for playing at 4K/60 FPS or 1080p at 120 FPS. We still need more confirmation, but everything looks smooth and sharp based on the gameplay shown.

System Requirements

The Last Case of Benedict Fox has some hefty requirements on PC, especially for those playing at recommended settings. Everyone requires Windows 10 64-bit, DirectX 11 and 8 GB of installation space, regardless of the other hardware. Minimum requirements include an Intel Core i5-7400 3.00 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1400 3.20 GHz, 12 GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce 1050 Ti or equivalent AMD GPU.

The recommended requirements include an Intel Core i5-10600K CPU 4.10 GHz or an equivalent AMD CPU, 16 GB of RAM and a GeForce RTX 3060 or similar AMD CPU. A fairly-demanding game, especially compared to the classics of the genre.

Combat is described as “precise and tactical,” where planning ahead and not getting cornered is key. Fox can slide and backstep and timed blocks to deal damage to enemies. You can then finish them off with a heavy attack. Of course, if things get too dicey, use Stoneskin to turn impervious or throw a Smoke Bomb to evade foes.

Some items also have multiple functions. The Kogai Pin can stun enemies, but it’s also helpful for opening locked doors (via a creepy mini-game where Fox pries fingers off a door). Be wary of the Twilight Zone since its dark tendrils can kill Fox quickly. Purchase a flashlight and use it to ward off harm.

In addition to demons, Fox will face other factions, though they’ve yet to be detailed. The Last Case of Benedict Fox is out on April 27th for Xbox Series X/S and PC while also launching on Game Pass.

The story concerns the titular detective, who is bound to a demon. Taking on the case of a couple’s murder to find their child, Fox explores their dark mansion. Aside from battling monsters, including massive bosses that benefit from the Tim Burton-esque art style, there are puzzles to solve and minds to explore.

The twist is that Fox can jump into the minds of those recently deceased to learn more from their memories and emotions. Using a dagger, firearm and the demon’s powers, the duo must solve the mystery and emerge unscathed.

The Last Case of Benedict Fox is out on April 27th for Xbox Series X/S and PC. It’s also playable on day one with Game Pass.

The trailer shows off a variety of environment, offering glimpses of the twisted world that players will be traversing in the Lovecraftian Metroidvania title, while also showing bits and pieces of combat with various enemies. The focus of the trailer is primarily the game’s story, which will see titular detective Benedict Fox diving into a decaying and demonic world of memories as he looks to unlock the secrets of a mysterious mansion. Check out the trailer below.

The Last Case of Benedict Fox launches on April 27 for Xbox Series X/S and PC. It will also be available via Game Pass at launch.

In a recently-published Xbox Wire article, it has been confirmed that The Last Case of Benedict Fox will launch on April 27. The game will see players stepping into the shoes of the titular detective, who must uncover the secrets of his dead father by diving into his mysterious memories. Equipped with melee attacks and a deadly pistol, players will also earn several new abilities along the way while also crossing paths with “spine-chilling” demons.

The Last Case of Benedict Fox will be available on Xbox Series X/S and PC. It will also be available day one via Game Pass.

Along with investigating different clues and tarot cards, players can also visit Houdini to obtain items. He’ll also inscribe various skills, resulting in a rather painful tattooing process. Some skills include Slam, which allows for breaking through weak floors. You can also use lock-picks to bypass some doors. Of course, Fox and his companion aren’t the only ones who can explore the Limbo. Various threats await, so you’ll have to be cautious.

The Last Case of Benedict Fox is out in Spring 2023 for Xbox Series X/S and PC, along with launching day one on Game Pass. For more gameplay, head here. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.