New York’s Finest is a narrative driven first person game about two detectives, Samuel Moore and Martin Smith. They are investigating a number of mysterious murders that took place in New York. The game takes place in 1965, a period where racism and the black rights movement were prominent in the United States. It plays a critical role in this story. Not only is the main character, Samuel Moore, confronted with it on a daily basis, it also plays a large role when it comes to the motive of the murderer whom they are investigating. Her confrontations with racism, and the associated violence and crimes, turned her into what she has become. With this game we wanted to touch on some sensitive topics that are generally rarely covered in video games.

A place the player will see a lot over the course of the game is the unmarked police car of our two detectives. It is the place where they discuss their thoughts and gathered information, and it is also the place where they come back to after visiting crime scenes, witnesses and other locations of interest. Based on the information they manage to gather, the player can choose their next destination. The player will be searching clues, statements and evidence that will help them choose their next step. Because the game touches on multiple serious and heavy subjects like racism, homicide and sexual themes, the game is meant for and adult audience. The game is a short form narrative experience and is because of this projected to be 2 to 4 hours long.

Narrative document written in collaboration with Stan Claassen.