Devil In The Capital is a point-and-click adventure game set in 1952 Iran during a period of political tension following the nationalization of the oil industry. Players take on the role of detective Mohammad Afshar, who is sent to the northern city of Rasht to investigate a series of murders and acts of sabotage linked to efforts to undermine the national government. The narrative unfolds through investigation of gruesome crimes, hidden conspiracies, and attempts to stage a coup, all presented in a film noir style focused on serial killings and political intrigue.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploration and deduction in a classic point-and-click format. Players navigate more than 20 locations rendered across 65 detailed 2D backgrounds, examining environments for clues and interacting with objects to progress the story. Over 12 mini-games and numerous environmental puzzles test observation and logic skills, while 95 pages of interactive daily notes allow the detective to record findings and connect evidence. Dialogue trees with 27 characters span more than 150 pages of text, revealing motives and backstories through conversations. Over 20 minutes of motion comics provide illustrated sequences that advance key plot points with precise narration. The experience totals more than 5 hours and incorporates dozens of graphic documents, newspapers, short stories, and period advertisements as collectible or readable items that deepen the historical context.
Game Modes
Devil In The Capital offers no separate multiplayer or alternate modes. It functions entirely as a single-player adventure with a linear story structure that emphasizes sequential investigation and puzzle resolution. Progression relies on completing environmental challenges and gathering information in the correct order, without branching paths or competitive elements. The design stays faithful to traditional adventure game conventions, where success depends on thorough exploration and logical deduction rather than action or strategy layers.
Story and Setting
The plot draws directly from real historical events around Iran's oil industry in the early 1950s. Foreign and domestic forces engage in sabotage across Tehran and southern regions, while northern operatives attempt to steal oil resources. The murder of a Rasht representative who supported the national movement, along with several police officers, triggers the investigation. Detective Afshar must identify killers while uncovering a larger treasonous scheme designed to distract the public and pave the way for a coup. The film noir tone highlights moral ambiguity, hidden alliances, and the personal cost of political maneuvering in a rarely depicted cultural and temporal setting.
Visuals, Audio, and Presentation
Hand-drawn 2D art delivers high detail across all backgrounds and character portraits. Motion comics integrate seamlessly to illustrate pivotal moments with animated panels. A dedicated soundtrack of 60 minutes of film noir-style music underscores tension and atmosphere throughout the investigation. Interactive documents and notes serve both narrative and gameplay purposes, allowing players to review collected evidence at any time.
Is It Worth Playing?
Devil In The Capital suits players who enjoy methodical point-and-click adventures and stories rooted in specific historical periods. Its mixed reception on Steam, with 46 percent positive from a small number of reviews, reflects appreciation for the unique Iranian setting and detailed documentation alongside criticism of pacing and production values typical of an independent 2017 release. The game remains available as a complete single-player title with no post-launch updates or additional content. Those drawn to noir mysteries, puzzle-heavy exploration, and political thrillers from lesser-covered eras will find the most value, while players seeking modern graphics, voice acting, or replayability options may prefer other options in the genre.
