The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker

The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker is an interactive FMV game developed by D'Avekki Studios. Released in 2017, the game blends elements of psychological horror and mystery, placing players in the role of a psychiatrist who inherits the patients of the recently deceased Dr. Dekker. Players must navigate through a series of full-motion video (FMV) interviews, solving puzzles and making choices that influence the game's outcome. The game is notable for its use of a text input system that allows players to type their questions to the characters, rather than selecting from pre-defined options.

Gameplay

In The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker, players assume the role of an unnamed psychiatrist tasked with uncovering the truth behind Dr. Dekker's murder while treating his patients. The game is primarily experienced through FMV sequences, with players interacting with patients by typing out questions. The responses from these characters depend on the players' input, making the game's narrative highly branching and allowing for a unique experience for each player.

The game challenges players to solve various puzzles and mysteries by analyzing patients' statements, identifying contradictions, and determining the correct questions to ask. The ultimate goal is to identify the murderer among the patients, each of whom exhibits some form of supernatural affliction or psychological disorder that Dr. Dekker was treating.

Plot

The narrative of The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker revolves around the mysterious circumstances surrounding Dr. Dekker's death and the bizarre conditions of his patients. As the new psychiatrist, players delve into the complex and often disturbing stories of the patients, uncovering themes of love, death, and the supernatural. The game's story is non-linear, with multiple endings determined by the player's choices and the effectiveness of their therapy sessions.

Development

Developed by D'Avekki Studios, a small independent studio known for their work on narrative-driven games, The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker was designed to push the boundaries of the FMV game genre. The developers aimed to create a game that was both engaging and thought-provoking, utilizing the FMV format to deliver a more immersive and personal experience. The game's text input system was a significant departure from the multiple-choice dialogue options commonly found in narrative games, allowing for a deeper level of interaction between players and characters.

Reception

Upon release, The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker received praise for its innovative use of FMV and the text input system, as well as its complex narrative and deep character development. Critics lauded the game for its ability to blend psychological horror and mystery in a unique and engaging way. However, some noted that the open-ended nature of the text input system could sometimes lead to confusion or frustration when the game failed to recognize certain inputs.

Legacy

The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker has been recognized for its contribution to the revival of the FMV genre, alongside other titles such as Her Story and Telling Lies. Its success has paved the way for further exploration of narrative-driven games that utilize full-motion video to create immersive storytelling experiences.