The Painscreek Killings
Investigate an infamous cold case in the eerie, abandoned town of Painscreek. Search for evidence, connect the dots and uncover who killed Vivian Roberts. Can you expose the truth behind this town’s dark secrets?
Developer
Publisher
Release
September 27, 2017
8 years and 311 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive6,211 reviews91.0%
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Game contextLatest: IGF Team
| ContextThe evidence factors used to assess whether this game belongs on IndieGame.Fan. | Status | Notes Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes |
|---|---|---|
Updated: Jul 10, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer. | ||
Updated: Jul 15, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher. | ||
Updated: Jul 15, 2026Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified. | ||
Updated: Jul 10, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released. |
Media
11 itemsAbout the Game
The Painscreek Killings is a story-rich, murder mystery investigation game.
As Janet, a young and upcoming journalist, you have been asked by your editor to investigate the mysterious abandonment of a once lively town. Based on the information released by the media about the deaths of the townspeople, you set foot into the town thinking you would find an interesting story to publish, only to uncover secrets that were meant to stay hidden forever.
Can you expose the truth behind this town’s dark secrets?
As Janet, a young and upcoming journalist, you have been asked by your editor to investigate the mysterious abandonment of a once lively town. Based on the information released by the media about the deaths of the townspeople, you set foot into the town thinking you would find an interesting story to publish, only to uncover secrets that were meant to stay hidden forever.
Can you expose the truth behind this town’s dark secrets?
GAMEPLAY
The Painscreek Killings borrows mechanics from a walking simulator but goes beyond it by making the players think. It mimics real world investigations with logical puzzles that do not hold your hand, allow you to explore wherever your investigation lead, and a captivating story waiting to be discovered. The game encourages you to explore the surroundings carefully, collect clues and hints to help your investigation, and find evidence to expose the truth about the killings. There are no quest markers or hint systems to aid in your journey. You will be forced to think, to connect the dots and to piece things together, making you feel like a real investigator.KEY FEATURES
- Free-Roaming, Semi-Open World:
Explore wherever you want based on the clues and hints gathered during your investigation.
- Mimics Real World Investigation:
Take notes and photograph important clues. No handholding, and no quest marker or hint system is provided.
- Logical Puzzles:
Use your powers of observation and deduction to solve all that stands in your way.
- Rich and Captivating Storyline:
Uncover the conspiracies, heartaches, jealousy and hidden secrets that were meant to be buried with the abandoned town.
