Noir Syndrome
Released Jun 2014
Noir Syndrome is a procedurally generated Detective Murder-Mystery with a new story every time! Featuring slick pixel art animations and a jazzy soundtrack, the player is thrown right in to a highly stylized vision of film noir.
66% positive · 183 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $4.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
We couldn't confirm these stores carry this game.
Green Man Gaming Steam key Search IndieGala Steam key Search Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site
Evaluation
Noir Syndrome launched on Steam on June 4, 2014 and received a series of free content updates throughout its first several months — adding new game modes, locations, items, costumes, and gameplay systems through versions 1.3 through 1.8. The developer then published a clear statement on October 27, 2014 announcing that their focus was shifting entirely to a new project (Defragmented), and that Noir Syndrome had reached a state they were "comfortable leaving as is." While the developer left open the distant possibility of revisiting it someday, they explicitly stated that active development was over. A follow-up post on May 30, 2015 confirmed the developer was now fully focused on Defragmented, with no new content planned for Noir Syndrome. There are no unreleased DLC listings, no roadmap commitments, and no developer communications of any kind after May 2015. The game launched as a complete product and received its final meaningful update on October 27, 2014.
Evidence
Developer confirmed full focus on Defragmented Kickstarter campaign, with no new content planned for Noir Syndrome. Last official communication from the developer.
Developer explicitly announced that focus is shifting completely to a new project (Defragmented), and that Noir Syndrome is in a state they are comfortable leaving as-is. Acknowledged this would likely be the end of active development.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Glass Knuckle Games
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player
About this game
Noir Syndrome is a procedurally generated Detective Murder-Mystery with a new story every time! Featuring slick pixel art animations and a jazzy soundtrack, the player is thrown right in to a highly stylized vision of film noir. Visit locations, interrogate suspects, search for clues, and eventually solve the case before the killer escapes - or you wind up dead yourself.
Features:
- Procedural generation: Murder mystery scenarios with a new culprit and clues each time, every play-through is unique.
- Permanent choices: NPCs, interactions, death, and a slew of other features will all persist until a new game is started. Every action counts!
- Notebook: Collect vital clues in the detective's notebook to help narrow down suspects and solve the case.
- Investigation: Interact with and examine numerous objects and characters in a number of environments in the search for more information on the killer.
- Countdown: Given a set number of days to solve the mystery, each area visited will decrement the time left, adding to the urgency of every case.
- Freedom of choice: Attempt to solve the case, or live out your remaining time doing as you please - be it fighting the law, going after gang members, or just seeing the city.
- Gunplay: Combat is generally to be avoided as a single bullet will take down the player. However, when necessary, the revolver is always available for use.
- Badges: Complete a variety of challenges to earn unique badges which directly influence future playthroughs.
- Statistics and Scores: Statistics and high scores for a wide variety of topics will persist through every game.
- Costumes: Multiple unlockable costumes can be earned in game. Play as the default male or female detective, or unlock a variety of new outfits.
- Challenges: Optional challenges unrelated to the main case are generated each game. Every challenge completed provides permanent bonuses to all playthroughs.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 28, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content