Overboard!

Inkle

Rank: #3 / 6
Released: 2021
Studio: Inkle
Genre: interactive fiction

At a glance

Overboard! is a detective game from Inkle in which you are the murderer trying to escape blame. Set aboard the SS Hook in July 1935, the story gives you eight hours to steer suspicion toward someone else. You can investigate clues, deal with suspects and choose how to speak or act, with other characters moving independently and remembering what they see and hear. The ticking clock and shifting relationships make each attempt play out around your decisions. Overboard! is a single-player interactive-fiction adventure for Windows and macOS, with Steam Achievements, full controller support and Family Sharing. A playthrough lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, while finding an ideal ending takes longer. You can replay to uncover secrets and pursue different outcomes; the game’s story adapts to the choices you make rather than following one fixed route.

Who it is for

It suits players who want a compact, replayable detective story and enjoy manipulating suspects, evidence and relationships. It is also a match for players comfortable with interactive fiction and time-limited decisions.

What is good

Eight in-game hours to evade justice
Characters remember what they see and hear
Full controller support
Replay to uncover secrets and endings

What to know first

Single-player only
No Linux platform listed

Verdict

Overboard! centers on the unusual premise of directing the culprit’s cover-up, with a ticking clock and responsive characters. Its short individual runs invite replay, though pursuing an ideal outcome takes longer.