BROK the InvestiGator
A downloadable game for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
Narrative-driven adventure game that blends action and investigation in never-before-seen ways. Will you use your brain... or your brawn?
In a futuristic "light cyberpunk" world where animals have replaced humans, privileged citizens live under a dome protected from the ambient pollution while others struggle to make a living outside.
Brok, a private detective and former boxer, lives with Graff, the son of his deceased wife. Although he could never elucidate her accident, recent events may shed some light on an even more tragic outcome... one that may be linked to their own existence.
Will they be able to withstand the threats of this corrupted world and face their own destiny?
FEATURES
A deep and emotional narrative-rich experience filled with characters reminiscent of classic 80s/90s cartoons.
The first game to combine a "Classic Adventure" with "Beat'em up" and RPG elements!
- Text fully translated into 10 languages
- Solve puzzles with your wits... or muscles!
- Make choices impacting gameplay and/or story
- Easy mode for pure "Point & Click" gameplay (fights can be skipped)
- Level up to beat enemies and bosses
- Combine clues to uncover the truth!
- In-game hints
- All controls supported (mouse, keyboard or controller)
- Fully voice acted
Each itch.io purchase includes a Steam key! (in addition to the DRM Free downloads)
ENJOY THIS ADVENTURE WITH FRIENDS
Up to 4 players can experience the adventure together!
Player 1 can use either keyboard/mouse or a controller.
Each co-op player requires the use of a controller. (any kind supported: Xbox, PS4, PS5...)
They can:
- Participate in fights
- Gain experience and level up
- Examine the surroundings
- Collect hidden "shadow ads"
- Buy food and hints
- React with sounds and emojis
- 6 playable characters
ACCESSIBILITY
BROK is the first full-fledged adventure game to be fully playable by blind or visually impaired players! (added in version 1.3)
- Fully narrated via quality text-to-speech and audiodescriptions (characters, locations and scenes.)
- Puzzles adapted for blindness.
- All puzzles and fights can be skipped.
- Adapted tutorials.
- Buttons to repeat the last voice speech and instructions.
- Positional audio for fights
- No online connectivity required (after the download).
- No specific device required: play with keyboard or a controller.
- Additional options: larger fonts and increased contrast (backgrounds and enemies.)
- To enter the accessibility menu, press SPACE (or Y on a Xbox controller) on the title screen, then follow the audio instructions.
- For best audio prompts, choose your type of controller in the options.
IMPORTANT: Accessibility speeches are only available in English.
However, a new option has been added to the Windows version to play speeches in other languages:
- Enable "clipboard narration" at the bottom of the accessibility menu. All the text will be sent to the clipboard.
- Install a text-to-speech software on your computer such as NVDA with a "Clipboard Reader" plugin.
- Languages supported: Simplified Chinese, French (the other languages are partially supported)
More information and plugin download: https://www.brokgame.com/accessibility.php
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system.
Windows:
Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or 11 (64 bits)
Processor: 1.5 GHz Dual Core
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Intel(R) HD Graphics 5000, Nvidia or ATI card with at least 1GB VRAM
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 2 GB available space
Mac:
OS X 10.15 Catalina or later
Processor: 2 GHz Dual Core
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Intel(R) HD Graphics 5000, Nvidia or ATI card with at least 1GB VRAM
Storage: 2 GB available space
In-game achievements (no Galaxy support)
Linux:
Ubuntu 18.04 or later (64 bit only)
Processor: 2.5 GHz Quad Core
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Modern Intel chipset, Nvidia or ATI card with at least 1GB VRAM
Storage: 2 GB available space
PLEASE NOTE: GameMaker only officially supports Ubuntu. I will not provide support for other Linux distributions, although the game will probably run fine.
iiRcade:
Since the discontinuation of these arcade machines and their digital store, I am including this build, along with configuration files. This is an option to legally get the game for iiRcade hardware owners. Please note that I will not do updates for this version.
Although this is an .apk file, I do not recommend using it on a phone as this has no touch support and some commands are bound to player 2 controls.
Purchase
In order to download this game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $9.99 USD. Your purchase comes with a Steam key. You will get access to the following files:
Download demo
Development log
- APK now available for Android!88 days ago
- UPDATE 1.4.7Feb 17, 2024
- UPDATE 1.4.6Dec 04, 2023
- UPDATE 1.4.5.1 Mac & LinuxNov 18, 2023
- UPDATE 1.4.5.1Nov 17, 2023
- UPDATE 1.4.5Nov 12, 2023
- UPDATE 1.4.4Nov 07, 2023
- UPDATE 1.4.2/3Nov 03, 2023
Comments
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I already purchased the game a year ago for $20.00. Now the Android Drmfree just released, do I need to pay again?
Hi, no you should be able to download it!
Would it be possible to create a port using Portmaster to be able to play on those retro consoles based on ArkOS?
Probably not, I use GameMaker and it hasn't got such export. Also the game requires at least a Switch or modern mobile hardware to run well.
So... can I get some clarification on "Can we play with him first?"
There's nothing worse than your own imagination!
Mostly all depends on if he's dead or unconscious. ...never did understand how punches lead to instant death though (apart from most squealers).
You know, you could probably earn some good money with a DLC of rather... interesting... extra scenes, like clarifying that line. or new diplomatic means of getting past the squealers, or taking up Tidy of his features. Though may alter the esrb rating. ...Hey it worked for Cult of the Lamb.
Is the side load iircade already built? Ready to push ? Or just an APK file?
Hi, I followed the advice of someone in the know who designed the device for iiRcade sideloading. So it "should" be ready but can't help much more.
Very enjoyable game for the iiRcade! I am glad that it is available for side loading.
Thank you!
Warning: It’s a straight game!! Yes I was also confused. The protagonist looks like that but remains straight the whole game. Amazing, I know.
Despite the straightness it’s a great game! There’s a lot of playtime, writing and art in this package and the price is very fair for what you get! If you like both point-and-click and beat’em up the game is a treat.
If you don’t like robot slurs be prepared to endure a lot of them because the protagonist very often uses derisive terms for robots right to their faces and he never really stops doing it.
I purchased and installed both games on my iiRcade. Thanks for making them available. I have been having a great time playing them both!
Hi, good to hear!
Bought and installed on my iiRcade. Thanks for continuing to make it available, and for including an extra game!
Thank you!
I bought this for iiRcade. Thanks for keeping it up.
Thanks for the interest!
Thank you so much for continuing to support the iiRcade.
Just seeing this now - no prob, that didn't take much time!
hi:
is the .apk file for Android? An accessible game this detailed on Android would be a blast.
Hello, this is a special version exclusively for the iiRcade machines, it's not designed to play on a phone/tablet as there are no touch controls and there are specific tweaks. Read the paragraph on this in the description.
Maybe there'll be a proper touch screen Android version someday but this would require more work.
One of the best games I've played recently!
The story is interesting and competently written, the characters are believable and indigenous to their world, not to mention interesting. You will find yourself wondering how they will react to what's coming their way, you'll want to hear their thoughts on matters at hand... And you will!
The game does a great job at getting you hooked up, outlining what to expect from it, and delivering on it fully and thoroughly.
What deserves a special note is the David Cage-style timeline with all choices picked and missed, available after completion. After the first ending I got, I was already curious what would have happened had I picked a different route of action, and then the timeline showed me just how much content was behind that choice and I just had to go back and replay the game from the diversion point!
I also laughed at the advice the game gives you regarding getting different outcomes. I was too good at paying attention, so the game advised me to be dumber and fail theexam. I was great in the action parts, so the game advised me to not be so good and lose certain fights.
My only complaint is the canon path - it's kind of grim and, looking at how it was literally the last ending I unlocked, completely avoidable. But then again, they need to end the game on a somewhat dramatic note to have some drama to solve in the second game, right?
All and all, I can't recommend this game enough. A terrific experience!
Actually, there's another complaint I just remembered - the hidden timer for when Brok needs to escape and to go to his son's school event, the game doesn't show you a timer, but you ARE on the timer.
Usually, when the game says you need to hurry and doesn't show a timer - it means the warning was just fluff and you can butt around, and when it actually wants you to hurry - it shows you a timer.
Except for that one time. I don't know why.
Hi, this one is on purpose, I didn't want players to be pressured into doing it fast, and I didn't want players to accidentally get the "get to the fair in time" because it has heavy consequences and pretty much guarantees you won't get the canonical ending. It's extra content. (by the way, I added this very late into development)
Thanks for the nice words!
I made a short review in spanish
Nice!
How much do I have to pay to get the sound track? The way it is presented through my screen reader the soundtrack zip file is grouped with the files you get access to when you pay $14.99.
Hi, it's written below the OST: "if you pay $17.99 USD or more"
It says that you get a Steam key, does that mean that Steam is required even though it says DRM free?
Hi, no, it's an option. You get both versions.
Great! I wish that developers would note that in their game descriptions. I don't use Steam and would rather not waste time trying out any games that require it.
Hi, Yes I will attempt to patch the demo soon too. I was waiting to get feedback and make sure I have a fully stable version before patching all of them. Thanks for the interest!
I just updated the demo version!
Le retour du point n click nous montre qu'il y a encore beaucoup de pistes inexplorées ! Ce jeu est à la fois classique mais aussi innovant avec son côté beat 'em all :o
Voici ma vidéo découverte ! Un vrai plaisir
Merci !
Now this is one awesome game! I never would have thought that a Kickstarter-backed indie game that combines classic point and click adventure with beat em' up and RPG elements like BROK the InvestiGator could have paid off so well! And it’s done in the style of an early 1990s’ western animated series, particularly cartoons from The Disney Afternoon! Fully voice-acted with more than 23,000 dialogue lines recorded. In all honesty, this is easily one of the best games I played in 2022! Right next to another classic beat em' up indie game, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. Think of that crossed over with Murder Mystery. Or Sam & Max and Ace Attorney crossing over with Final Fight and Streets of Rage 2.
When everyone else praised this game, they were 100% right to do so. Because the head at COWCAT Games has just about kept his word and fulfilled all his promises to make this game an experience that nobody will ever forget. This is NOT your typical detective adventure, because he has bring over tons of new things to the table. The animations are smooth and well produced, the art style fits very well with these kind of western-developed games. It’s almost as if, animators at Disney or Warner Bros. have done it, but it was done by an independent team!
The soundtrack is nicely well composed and by hearing by ear, some of the modules used for the digital instruments really shows that the team really gave it that 1990s’ nostalgia in spirit.
The storyline is also well written and it certainly helps when even a Disney Pioneer Jymn Magon was involved leading a hand with additional ideas. The characters are great and they all have his or her own personality and I can can relate to Brok myself...and even Graff too.
The gameplay --Oh my gosh. From start to finish, it was an exciting joyride. No matter what happened, I pulled through and wanted to know what happened next, depending on the choices I made. It's a game that mixes point and click with side-scrolling beat em' up action and it's a very cool mix, with some problems you need to use your head and some you need to use your fists! Sadly, I didn't get the canon ending. Although, I still teared up a bit inside after getting one of the possible endings, the first time. I spent about a total of 18-19 hours on my first playthrough. There's several different kinds of endings to get, giving this game a very high replay value. Just for that, will make players want to come back for more and to get all those achievements through several playthroughs and get all those endings to unlock a special surprise after. The adventure's not truly over until all endings have been achieved! There's also extras in the game with fanart being one of them. Most of my fanart actually made it in the final cut. And I even helped with getting this game more known to others and I am very happy that people are enjoying it.
Thank you so much COWCAT for this wonderful experience. Here's in hopes that one day, a sequel can be made.
I bought Brok on Steam, and i had a lot of fun playing it. Great story, colorful characters and good gameplay. One of the best games i've played recently. It made me feel all kinds of emotions and i'm kinda sad it is over. I really hope we'll get a continuation of this amazing game in the future. Thank you COWCAT for creating such an wonderfull world and game
Thank you! That's the general consensus ^^
It will be available on itch.io in a few hours!
I see that the Itch release of the full game is coming pretty soon, is there any chance the Itch copy comes with a Steam key? I like purchasing games through Itch and reviewing on Steam since I think that's the best way to support a creator! Also, DRM free copy!
Hi, coincidence - I asked Steam for keys earlier this morning and just added this info on the page :)
Only difference when using keys to review games on Steam: your review does not count towards the store page score.
Oh wow, I didn't know that! That's kinda shitty on Steam's part.
Some devs exploited this to get better review scores.
I didn’t necessarily grow up with this style of game but I ended up loving what’s here quite a lot! Everything is very well designed and written and I loved the art and characters. I particularly like how it appears that there are multiple ways to complete puzzles via the gimmick of swapping the game between a beat-em-up and a point-n-click. It kind of allows you to pick your own difficulty on the fly if something is stumping you.
I see a lot of potential with this project! I wish you all the best!
Thank you!
一定要坚持下去，拜托，这个游戏太有趣了，网页翻译可能不准确，抱歉
A very nice Demo you should definitely try if you’re a story-rich game enthusiast looking for an interesting in-game setting and interactive elements.
Looking forward to the full release!
You can read more about it in my review (https://gyepitypes.wordpress.com/2022/02/05/videogame-reviews-brok-the-investiga...)
Thanks for playing and for the review! :)
i loved the demo, i cant wait for the game to be released but will there be any more public updates before the release?
Hi, thanks! I don't intend to update the demo, I'm focused on the full game. Maybe there'll be a small update to include recent fanarts though.
I am wondering if this will have a linux release?
Hi, yes, but only some time after the full release. I want to make sure I don't have to update many builds at once.
The Prologue should be fully playable via Proton right now though!
Eu queria saber se o jogo funciona com o joiplay emulador
Hello, I wasn't aware of such emulator but it appears this is for RPG Maker games, and mine isn't. (it's made with GameMaker)
gorgeous
Thank you! ^^
I am in love with this game. I can feel the love poured into it! Can't wait to play more of it! I regrettably was on a time crunch when I tried it out!
Nice, and please do :)
Would you consider (as several others have done in the racial justice bundle and promise for the ongoing bundle) providing the full release to Palestinian Aid bundle supporters?
Hi, there's no full release yet :p I'm still working on the game.
I have posted my game Demetrios to be included though. But it seems the bot hasn't picked it up yet / they haven't refreshed.
Hi i play it on steam. is it different from steam version?
Hi, it's the same version everywhere :)
Will there be 18+ scenes?(Будут ли сцены 18+?) ^ ^
Hi, no this should be a T rated game - the adult stuff is on a morale level, not graphical XD I want everyone to be able to play it. Thanks for asking though! Try the prologue and see if you like it! :)
No problem ^^ Thanks!
Like the mix of rpg with beat'em up, great game! It is in my week's Top 5!
Check my video!
Awesome, thanks for the video!
Quite a bit of slowdown though, maybe because you were recording? I know the game is a bit demanding on the graphics card.
yes the game was a little bit slow with recording.
Why Only For Windows I requested Android Please if you want To Release I appreciate
Hi, sorry, making a game like this is complex so I can only focus on one version at a time. PC is priority right now but when the game is complete, I'll consider a mobile port! (my previous game Demetrios is available on mobile)
Thanks I will Keep Waiting For Mobile Version ❤
Hire others? my best idea
Until the game is complete, that wouldn't help. Another issue is the monetization. Games with "premium" price barely sell on mobile and adding microtransactions would modify the core gameplay.
ok. Sorry for the suggestion
No problem! ^^ I may still release it on mobile someday but this will need special adaptations. We'll see
Looks like fun, and you're bringing it to all PC platforms. Thumbs up.
Thanks! Not only PC platforms but to all consoles, I always make my games available on as many machines as possible :)
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Awesome, thanks for the video! :)
It'll be on Kickstarter next monday! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cowcatgames/brok-the-investigator
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:D i have play all game cowcat ;D i want give special kiss all team cowcat ..alwasy give key ;D (keymailar) ...:* and wait version playstation --hope ... cowcat is best :D
^^