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2023 is already a better year for Xbox, with Tango Gameworks’ Hi-Fi Rush making an impact in the first quarter and big-name titles like Minecraft Legends and Redfall coming up soon. Then there’s Starfield, which arrives in September, and the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase in June should provide some more announcements and shadow drops.
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.
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