In “Her Story,” players are immersed in a unique investigative gameplay experience, where they engage with the “L.O.G.I.C. Database” to unravel the intricacies of a narrative centered around the character Hannah Smith. The game artfully converts the traditional detective work into an interactive digital format, leveraging keyword searches to unlock a trove of video clips containing police interviews.

The database comprises 271 distinct video clips, each representing a fragment of Hannah’s interviews. From the outset, players have access to a few default search terms, such as “murder,” which serves as a gateway to explore initial clips. This mechanic invites players to explore deeper into the story by analyzing the transcriptions available alongside each video. As clips are watched, players can pick up on new words and phrases used by Hannah, which can then be inputted into the search bar to unveil additional clips, creating a cascading effect of discovery.

The gameplay requires strategic thinking; players must carefully consider their search terms, which are fundamental to unearthing the narrative layers hidden within the interviews. Each clip viewed provides a visual cue in the interface, marking them as “watched,” which serves both as progress tracking and a mechanism to prevent redundant searches. This design choice creates an engaging user experience reminiscent of navigating a 1990s computer desktop, placing players in a detective’s shoes, where they must exercise analytical skills and attention to detail to weave together the overarching narrative.

Furthermore, players have the option to save clips and create personalized tags, enhancing their organization of the content and simplifying future searches. This tagging system transforms the database into not only a collection of clips but also an evolving resource that players curate as they delve deeper into the story. The inclusion of supplementary desktop files that offer instructions and track progress further enriches the gameplay experience, fostering immersion and engagement.

Ultimately, “Her Story” transcends standard storytelling by transforming it into a keyword-driven puzzle, where intuitive searching and meticulous tracking are essential for piecing together the narrative. This innovative approach not only deepens player involvement but also emphasizes the investigative aspect of the gameplay, making every search a vital step in unraveling the complex tale of Hannah Smith.