Global Launch: Scheduled for March 9, 2026, on Steam and the Stove Store.
Active Deduction: A quarter-view adventure that moves beyond traditional text-heavy mystery games to offer real-time field investigation.
Solo Achievement: Developed entirely by a single creator, from coding and pixel art to music and translation.
Playable Now: A deep demo covering Chapters 0 through 2 is available during Steam Next Fest (Feb 23 – Mar 2).
The 19th-century detective novel is coming to life in a new way this spring. Connected Clue, a quarter-view detective adventure from South Korean solo developer Alpheratz Games, is set to make its global debut on March 9. Ahead of the launch, the game is making waves at Steam Next Fest, offering a substantial preview of its unique “hands-on” approach to deduction.
A Detective Who Actually Walks the Beat
Set in the town of Salomon, the story follows private investigator Diana as she hunts for three stolen national treasures: a crown, an orb, and a scepter. While most mystery games rely on static text menus, Connected Clue encourages players to physically explore every corner of the town.
- Field Investigation: Players must physically navigate the crime scenes, collect physical evidence, and verify alibis through real-time movement.
- The Detective’s Wall: To solve the case, players must manually connect testimonies, documents, and physical clues on a logic board to reconstruct the truth.
- Tactical Infiltration: Use a disguise system to sneak into high-security restricted areas and secure evidence without being caught.
- High-Stakes Interrogation: Break down a suspect’s lies by presenting the perfect piece of evidence at the right moment, followed by a QTE-based arrest sequence if they try to flee.
The Labor of a Single Visionary
The game is the brainchild of Sunghwa Jung, a former cartoon creation major who handles every aspect of development. After establishing a reputation with indie titles like Wicce and Nevaeh, Jung has spent the last few years meticulously crafting the atmosphere of Connected Clue—even composing the game’s soundtrack—while balancing life as an after-school teacher.
Game Profile: Connected Clue
| Category | Details |
| Developer | Alpheratz Games (Solo: Sunghwa Jung) |
| Publisher | CFK Co., Ltd. |
| Release Date | March 9, 2026 |
| Platform | PC (Steam, Stove), Nintendo Switch (Late 2026) |
| Aesthetic | 19th-Century Pixel Art (Quarter-view) |
| Next Fest Demo | Chapters 0–2 (Approx. 2 Hours of Gameplay) |
Initial Reception: A Breath of Fresh Air
Early players from festivals like BEAVER ROCKS and Women-Led Games 2025 have praised the game for its immersive 19th-century vibe and the tactile nature of its puzzles. By integrating the narrative directly into the environment and movement, Connected Clue successfully captures the feeling of a Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot novel while making it feel modern and interactive.
Where to Play
The current Steam Next Fest demo features three main quests and four sub-quests, allowing players to experience the core mechanics before the full launch. Following the Steam release on March 9, the game will expand to the Nintendo Switch in the second half of 2026.
Steam Store Page: Connected Clue on Steam
Stove Store Page: Connected Clue on Stove
