The Little Four

Interactive fiction spans a wide plain of different content. In some games the author slams down a puzzle box in front of you and cracks jokes as you attempt to solve it. In others, the author beckons you into their car and then locks the door muttering, “Let’s go see some trauma!”

The Little Four is nothing like these. It is a handsome box of chocolates that you sample from as you take your time tidying your study. Some petit fours, so to speak.

You are the author, Captain Arthur Hastings, offsider to the great Hercule Poirot. The game itself is a gently-nudged exploration of a set of flats occupied by the men and Hasting’s children, each examination accompanied by a reminder of past exploits with Poirot or little character details. You run into other supporting characters from Poirot.

The writing is charming and lovely, with great attention to detail. I’m only mildly familiar with Poirot, but I felt there was an admiration of the books and general character in each little flourish. I was especially touched by the description of Cinderella; I had no idea of the character and walked straight into the sad backstory which was quickly but excellently captured.

I really enjoyed the story of the relationship between the author and Poirot, how things changed when they took on “The Big Four”, and how they intended to spend their twilight attending to “The Little Four”, Hasting’s children. I felt there was a queer undercurrent, which I don’t know if it’s in the original, but it works well here. I could imagine someone desperately explaining away “No, no, they’re just good friends!” even despite caring descriptions of what Poirot looks like when he’s asleep.

There’s no murder, but there is a tiny mystery to solve. Anything greater would have been a distraction.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Little Four in all its craft and warmth.