Toronto, Canada – January 23rd, 2024 - Independent game studio Hilltop Studios is thrilled to announce that their inaugural title, the narrative-driven deduction adventure game Lil’ Guardsman, launched today on PC, Switch, PlayStation and Xbox Series consoles for $19.99 / £ 15.99 / €19.99, plus 10% discount during the week after launch. Also available is the game OST available at $9.99 and Time Flux Edition (bundle of the game + soundtrack) for $24.99. Prepare to decide the fate of the kingdom in this highly comical narrative puzzle game!

Lil’ Guardsman is a narrative deduction game inspired by the classic point-and-click genre and the mechanics of Papers, Please. Set in a high-fantasy world with the comedic sensibility of Monty Python meets Monkey Island and other 90s Lucasarts adventure classics, Lil’ Guardsman puts players in the role of a young girl who finds herself tasked with covering for her dad as a castle gate guardsman. What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler: lots!)

As you interrogate an array of eccentric characters trying to gain entry to the city of the Sprawl, you must discover each visitor’s true intentions through cunning dialogue and a clever use of your toolbox of investigative items. Use your cypher-cracking Decoder Ring, douse travelers in Truth Spray, or threaten them with your trusty Bullwhip! You’ll have to make tough decisions as Lil, deciding who to allow into the city. Consequences can be severe and shape the story, so you must make clever use of your abilities to uncover mass conspiracies and protect Lil’s castle and family from devious interlopers.

“We’re so happy that players can finally experience Lil’s epic adventure that starts small - just a kid covering her dad’s guardshift - but goes in so many weird and wonderful directions,” said Hilltop Co-Founder and Co-Game Director Scott Christian. “With our first game, we wanted to do a modern take on the adventure genre, though LG is for anyone who likes a great narrative game with a cast of colorful characters, lots of humor, engaging puzzles, and player-driven choices. We can’t wait to hear about your adventures as Lil!”