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Translation or cipher

Translates or decodes a document in another language or in code.

In the game

The translation or cipher test comes in when the case has a document nobody in the room can read: a note in another language, a letter in code, a scribble full of symbols. In real life, simple substitution ciphers are broken by matching symbols to letters, and a cipher wheel does exactly that. In the game, the card says which document goes to the expert.

The report has a note from the expert and the text of the document already translated, on a sheet of paper. A decoded note can set up a meeting, reveal a threat or show who wrote to whom. Whatever turns up becomes a fact in your notebook and unlocks or supports a question; the text shortens the road, but it never hands you the culprit.

It costs 5 to 50 coins, depending on the case, and the purchase only counts for the game in progress; on a new attempt, after a loss, you pay again. The minigame happens right away; the report arrives after a while, with the option to rush it. Forensics never use up questions.

Translation or cipher

How the minigame works

  1. The note shows 8 symbols, 3 of them highlighted with 1, 2 and 3 dots underneath. Next to it is the cipher wheel: a fixed brass ring and a wooden ring that turns.

    The note shows 8 symbols, 3 of them highlighted with 1, 2 and 3 dots underneath. Next to it is the cipher wheel: a fixed brass ring and a wooden ring that turns.

  2. Turn the wooden ring by dragging with your finger or mouse; it snaps at each symbol. Put each highlighted symbol under the arrow with the same number of dots. If you take too long, amber rings mark the 3 symbols on the wheel.

    Turn the wooden ring by dragging with your finger or mouse; it snaps at each symbol. Put each highlighted symbol under the arrow with the same number of dots. If you take too long, amber rings mark the 3 symbols on the wheel.

  3. With the 3 symbols in place, the stamp comes down on the note and the translation report opens.

    With the 3 symbols in place, the stamp comes down on the note and the translation report opens.

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Other forensics

FingerprintsReveals prints on objects and surfaces at the scene.DNA testMatches genetic material from the scene against each suspect.ToxicologyLooks for poisons, medicines and other substances.BallisticsLinks a bullet or a weapon to the shot.Search warrantCombs the scene for whatever was left behind.Security camerasReviews camera footage from the time of the crime.Phone recordsPulls the calls and messages of everyone who was there.Digital forensicsUnlocks a seized phone or laptop and recovers deleted messages.Records and platesPulls someone's record or the owner of a license plate.Medical examiner's reportReads the medical examiner's chart for marks the summary left out.Handwriting analysisCompares the writing or signature on a document with a suspect's.Scene photosOpens the folder with the crime scene photos.