Penelope Pendrick and the Art of Deceit

Penelope Pendrick and the Art of Deceit

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About Penelope Pendrick and the Art of Deceit

Penelope Pendrick and the Art of Deceit is a first-person point-and-click mystery game from Default Cube Games, released in 2025 on PC and Mac. You play a writer-turned-sleuth investigating three disappearances in the fictional town of Carlisle. The game blends dialogue choices with environmental puzzles, all wrapped in a noir-inspired narrative. It’s a classic whodunit with a modern twist, focusing on clue-gathering and suspect interrogation. Fans of dialogue-heavy adventures will find familiar beats here, though the first-person perspective adds a fresh layer to the genre.

Gameplay

You navigate Carlisle’s streets by clicking to move, using a magnifying glass to inspect objects, and interacting with NPCs via a dialogue wheel. Each session involves piecing together clues from items in your inventory, like a torn letter or a suspicious receipt. Puzzles often require combining objects or finding hidden items in dimly lit rooms. The camera can feel sluggish at times, but the inventory system is straightforward. Most sessions last 2-3 hours, balancing exploration with deduction. Interrogations force you to choose between confrontational or subtle questions, which subtly influence outcomes. The game rewards careful observation over speed.

What Players Think

PlayPile data shows 72% of players finish the main case, with an average playtime of 8.2 hours. Community moods are split: 45% “curious,” 30% “frustrated,” and 25% “satisfied.” Critics praise the writing but note repetitive puzzle designs. One review called it “a cozy mystery with a few missteps in pacing.” Achievement completion rates hover around 68%, with 45 total trophies. While 89% of players rate the story above 7/10, 62% cite technical hiccups like camera clipping. The price point of $29.99 aligns with most indie adventures, making it a low-risk pick for genre fans.

PlayPile's Take

This is a solid but imperfect entry in the point-and-click genre. It works best for players who enjoy slow-burn mysteries and don’t mind clunky puzzles. The first-person angle adds immersion, but the camera and inventory can feel outdated. With 45 achievements and a moderate price, it’s worth a try for fans of episodic adventures. However, it won’t convert casual players seeking tight mechanics. Stick with it if you’re in the mood for a cozy, talky mystery.

Game Modes

Single player

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