An Elementary Adventure: “Crushed in Time” Brings Holmes and Watson Back in a “There is No Game” Spin-off

Fans of the absurd, meta-narrative world of There is No Game: Wrong Dimension have a new reason to celebrate. Developer Draw Me A Pixel, the creative minds behind the critically acclaimed anti-game, have officially announced a spin-off title: Crushed in Time. This new adventure, revealed at Gamescom 2025, sees the return of two fan-favorite characters from the first game’s most memorable chapter: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. However, this is no ordinary point-and-click detective game. Crushed in Time promises to be a “meta-time travel” adventure that bends the rules of reality itself, offering a “wildly elastic and infinitely meta” experience. The game is slated for a 2026 release on PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.

The announcement of a spin-off is a smart business move for Draw Me A Pixel. The original There is No Game: Wrong Dimension was a massive success, praised for its clever puzzles, fourth-wall-breaking humor, and innovative design. By focusing on a beloved portion of the original game, Crushed in Time can leverage the established brand loyalty while offering a fresh, standalone narrative. This strategy is an effective way to attract a new audience while guaranteeing a high level of interest from the existing player base. As a premium, one-time purchase, the game’s business model is a key selling point, as it promises a complete, ad-free experience without the need for intrusive monetization tactics.

An Elastic World: The Gameplay and Premise

The premise of Crushed in Time is as delightfully bizarre as its predecessor. A new video game starring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson has just been launched, but a bizarre bug has caused an NPC to mysteriously disappear. It is up to the duo to solve this “meta-mystery” by traveling to the very heart of their game’s creation. The gameplay is described as a “surprising and elastic point-and-click adventure.” The core mechanic revolves around an “elastic world” where players can grab, pull, and stretch elements of the environment and even the characters themselves to solve puzzles. The trailer’s visuals, with their exaggerated, cartoonish style, draw inspiration from classic animated shorts like Looney Tunes, hinting at a playful and unpredictable experience.

This “elastic” mechanic is a new and innovative take on the point-and-click genre. It moves away from the traditional inventory and puzzle-solving and instead encourages players to think outside the box, much like the original game. The game’s humor, a cornerstone of the There is No Game franchise, is expected to be in full force, with witty dialogue and clever gags that break the fourth wall. The developers have stated that you do not need to have played the original game to enjoy Crushed in Time, but fans will find plenty of references and inside jokes to appreciate. This approach makes the game accessible to newcomers while rewarding the loyalty of the original fanbase.

• Meta-Narrative: The game continues the tradition of its predecessor by playing with video game conventions and breaking the fourth wall.
• Innovative Puzzles: The “elastic world” mechanic is a unique twist on the point-and-click genre, encouraging creative and unconventional problem-solving.
• Classic Humor: The game is expected to be filled with the witty, self-aware humor that made There is No Game a hit.

The Future is Now: A 2026 Launch

While the announcement of Crushed in Time is exciting, fans will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on it. The game is set to release in 2026, a timeframe that gives Draw Me A Pixel plenty of time to polish the game and ensure it lives up to the high standards of its predecessor. The game will be available on a variety of platforms, including PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, ensuring it reaches a broad audience. The mobile version, in particular, is a perfect fit for a game with a focus on intuitive, touch-based puzzle-solving. The one-time purchase model is a welcome breath of fresh air, as it allows players to enjoy a complete experience without any financial pressure after the initial purchase.

In conclusion, Crushed in Time is more than just a simple spin-off; it’s a testament to the creative genius of Draw Me A Pixel. By taking a beloved side-story from their breakout hit and turning it into a full-fledged adventure, they are providing a new and innovative experience that promises to be just as clever and charming as the original. For fans of puzzle games, detective stories, or simply a good laugh, Crushed in Time is a game to watch out for. It’s a journey into the ridiculous and a reminder that sometimes, the most fun can be had when you’re not playing a game at all.