Elastic Realities: Rethinking Detective Adventures in Crushed in Time

At Gamescom 2025, we had the chance to explore the intriguing world of Crushed in Time, a project emerging from the innovative minds at Draw Me a Pixel. The game reinvents the classic detective adventure with a twist that redefines the dynamic interplay between participants and their surroundings.

The new title is not a direct continuation of their previous work but rather a spin-off featuring the familiar yet eccentric duo in an unconventional realm. The game is designed to be enjoyed independently, while also offering nods to its predecessor For individuals who have already acquired an understanding of the universe.

A unique aspect of Crushed in Time is its elastic world concept. In this environment, every element—from artistic depictions to characters—can be manipulated in ways that defy traditional point-and-click mechanics. For example, one might imagine grabbing a key, extending it like a slingshot, and sending it directly into a lock to gain entry.

The visual design pays homage to classic cartoons such as the ones reminiscent of old-school animated antics, infusing each interaction with exaggerated and humorous motion. The unpredictable reactions of both objects and characters add layers of surprises throughout the gameplay.

The narrative itself subverts standard gaming tropes when a non-player character mysteriously vanishes from within the game world. This disappearance raises questions that challenge the expectations of the genre, inviting players to determine whether it is a mere glitch or something more enigmatic.

Crushed in Time is slated for release in 2026 and will be available on various platforms. The supported systems include:

• PC
• Mac
• iOS
• Android
• Nintendo Switch

This innovative approach to the detective adventure genre promises an engaging experience that blends familiar characters with inventive gameplay mechanics. Anticipation builds as players await the opportunity to dive into this elastic world.