Crack the Case and Uncover the Truth in Expelled!
Expelled! is a visual novel with a Whodunnit twist, developed and published by Inkle, a Cambridge-based studio founded in 2011. They are known for their storytelling and design, and have developed really good games like Overboard! and A Highland Song.
In the halls of Miss Mulligatawney’s School for Promising Girls, the air buzzes with anticipation for Prize Giving Night, a prestigious event that celebrates the achievements of the top students. Among the excited students is Verity Amersham, a bright and determined young girl who has secured her place at the esteemed institution on a scholarship. However, the morning of the prize-giving day takes a dark turn when Verity finds herself at the centre of a scandal that threatens to tarnish her hard-earned reputation.
The Scandal? Well, Verity’s world is turned upside down when she is accused of a shocking act: pushing Louisa Hardcastle, the school’s esteemed Hockey team Captain and soon-to-be Head Girl, through the magnificent stained glass window of the Library.
Just like Overboard!, the 2021 game by Inkle, every area has dialogue options and objects that they can discover, and every action advances the clock. The focus is figuring out whether their exploration will happen, where, and when, keeping in mind their time management and what they have or haven’t found with each run, so there’s no problem with losing a run since there’s always a new clue to find.
For example, they can explore the gardens or the San, basically the medical ward. Each new discovery can lead to different actions and new lines of conversation with the other characters. This allows access to secrets and other exploration areas, as well as the later goal of stopping whoever caused Louisa Hardcastle’s fall.
Expelled! effectively employs a unique repeated time-loop system that forms the backbone of its gameplay mechanics. A key component of this experience is Verity’s Filth Book, an essential journal that players use throughout their journey. The Filth Book meticulously records important details from each playthrough, including plot explanations, character motivations, and secrets uncovered along the way.
With each loop reset, players can refer back to the book once they have retrieved it, allowing them to build on their knowledge and make informed decisions about who to blame or who they think actually did it. This approach not only enhances gameplay but also deepens the player’s connection to the narrative, making each cycle feel both familiar and fresh.
The book is something that instantaneously restores all of their collected knowledge the second they pick it back up into their possession. It’s a lot like the persistent computer in Outer Worlds in that case. It not only cuts down on unnecessary and repetitive back and forth, wasting time talking to characters to gather evidence they already knew, but it also allows the player to have a lot of additional control and freedom in how they shell out their time during the current playthrough. There is a lot less stressing as the clock counts down and a lot more detective work this way.
But there are also consequently numerous other minor things that Expelled! does on top of this time- loop to actually drive the hammer down that this is, yes, one, single perpetual playthrough. It’s in the way Epelled! shows that as Verity is recounting the story to her dad, telling him all about what happened at school that day after she got kicked out, and with him little by little calling out all the outright lies she has entailed that don’t match with his own interpretation of the events, considering he would have been there for Prize Giving evening.
And if that didn’t point it out, it’s also noticeable in the short newspaper snippets that show at the start of a run, reflecting some of the advancements they’ve made on their last run, showing off that they are making progress despite Miss Mulligatawny’s ongoing brush-offs on every little bit of evidence they give.
The differences also appear in the way Miss Mulligatawny herself tells Verity on her second visit to her office that she’ll need to stand up for herself if she’s ever going to survive outside of these walls, effectively instructing her to break up her perfect, goody-two-shoes status that Verity has kept for the entire time she was at the school and to be intentionally mischievous with the dialogue and action choices the player makes, even if it seems rude or out of place at the moment.
The old-fashioned visual designs are spot-on here, especially with the jazzy soundtrack and the charming voice-acting by Amelia Tyler (known for voicing the Narrator in Baldur’s Gate 3). The designs and creativity behind Expelled! are straightforward and neat – they have the students, the teachers, and the school they’re investigating, all tied together delightfully with a delightful little bow that raises doubts about the dark secrets hiding underneath this pristine boarding school.
Each NPC has their own motives and acts independently of their involvement. They observe everything, hear everything, and can report their actions when necessary. How they navigate this sense of betrayal is entirely up to them and will ultimately shape their experience at Miss Mulligatawney’s School for Promising Girls.
The graphics in Expelled! are truly stunning and highlight the artistic vision poured into the creation of this visual novel. The vibrant art style and meticulously crafted character designs evoke the charm of a captivating comic book, drawing players into a richly illustrated world. Meanwhile, the gameplay mechanics and overall structure afford a unique, interactive experience reminiscent of a choose-your-own-adventure narrative, allowing players to navigate through engaging storylines and make decisions that impact the outcome of their journey.
The sound engineering in the game is expertly done, enhancing the overall experience. Although there is minimal voice acting, it doesn’t detract from the appeal. Much of the game’s enjoyment comes from its outstanding soundtrack and sound effects, which work together to create a rich and immersive atmosphere, making each moment more impactful.
Overall, Expelled! masterfully blends intricate storytelling, engaging gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals to create a unique experience that will captivate players from start to finish. As Verity Amersham navigates the treacherous waters of school politics and personal intrigue, players are invited to unravel secrets while managing their time effectively, making it great for simulation and puzzle game fans. The clever use of a time-loop mechanic not only enhances replayability but also deepens the player’s connection to the narrative and its characters.
