The Agency: Chapter 1 (2016)

Developer: Sapphire Dragon Productions
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres: Adventure, Casual, Simulation
Rating: 3.2 of 5, 56 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 1.8 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A story-driven mystery with steampunk aesthetics, featuring puzzle minigames and a serious investigative tone.

mysteriousstory richatmosphericpuzzlingdetectivecinematicseriousmoody

What players say

Players say this is a very short visual novel with simple sliding picture puzzles and a steampunk setting, but choices do not affect the story. Opinion splits on whether the writing and voice acting are charming or bland, and long-time players point out it was abandoned after only two chapters.

Screenshots

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More by Sapphire Dragon Productions

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.