The Mermaid Mask, the latest entry in SFB Games' Detective Grimoire series, has garnered significant critical praise and player adoration, establishing itself as one of 2026's best-reviewed games. This point-and-click mystery game places players aboard a submarine alongside Detective Grimoire and his sharp-tongued assistant Sally as they unravel a murder amongst a cast of eccentric passengers.
The game distinguishes itself with a tone that leans heavily into the comedic absurdity of its murder mystery premise. While the subject matter of a death aboard a vessel is inherently dark, The Mermaid Mask embraces a laugh-out-loud approach. The narrative follows Grimoire and Sally as they investigate the demise of Captain Mortuga, found dead near a scratched cauldron. This setup serves as a springboard for introducing a colorful ensemble of suspects, including Dirk Dansom, a Hollywood actor researching a role, Godrik Gripp, a peculiar salesman with a walking stick puppet, and Symmetry Silkmoth, a dramatically inclined illusionist who provides a perfect foil for the sardonic detectives.
The ensemble cast's performances are a key element in selling the game's comedic atmosphere. The voice acting across the board is lauded for its impeccable comedic timing, contributing significantly to the game's "criminal circus" feel. This approach echoes the tonal balance found in Rian Johnson's Knives Out series, where a brilliant detective navigates a world of quirky characters and often bumbling suspects.
Beneath its humorous exterior, The Mermaid Mask offers a robust mystery. The point-and-click mechanics are employed effectively, with each room containing numerous clues to uncover and tactile puzzles reminiscent of the Professor Layton series. The game delves into complex backstories for both its characters and the submarine setting itself, providing substantial depth. However, this intricate plotting can lead to the story feeling somewhat drawn out as it approaches its conclusion, requiring considerable effort to tie up loose narrative threads.
Despite a narrative that may drag in its final stretch, The Mermaid Mask is widely considered a worthwhile experience. It successfully channels the screwball spirit of classic adventure games like The Secret of Monkey Island and applies it to an improbable murder scenario filled with outlandish characters. The game is noted as being a standalone story, meaning prior experience with the Detective Grimoire series or Tangle Tower is not necessary to enjoy this new adventure.
Paired with other recent nautical-themed mysteries, such as Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse, The Mermaid Mask highlights the versatility of the murder mystery genre, demonstrating its capacity for both serious introspection and lighthearted comedy.