Welcome back to the grimy, glittering streets of the big city, P.I. After the… fragrant events of the last chapter, you’ve been nudged by the enigmatic Vivian to poke your snout into the disappearance of Betty Deux-Fiddle. The trail leads us to the one and only Tinsel Bros. film studio, a place where dreams are made and, more often than not, shattered. It’s time to go behind the scenes, and I have a feeling it won’t be all glitz and glamour.
Main Objectives
Your main goals in this reel of the investigation are to:
- Head to Tinsel Avenue and get inside the main studio building.
- Find someone who’s willing to talk—a fella by the name of Gabe Clarkle.
- Locate the Pyrotechnist.
- Have a chat with a stuntman who’s found himself in a tight spot.
- Solve an ancient-looking idol puzzle.
- Search the dressing rooms for clues.
- Finally, present your findings to Vivian and pin the Tinsel Ave. clues to your board.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Getting Into the Studio
Once you arrive at Tinsel Bros., you’ll find the front gate is less than welcoming. The doors are blocked, so you’ll need to find another way in. Before you go sniffing around, be sure to snap a photo of the burning truck; it’s a key piece of interest. Look for a dog house near a fence. A little hop and a skip will get you onto a balcony and through an open window, leading to a handy safe with some ammo. You never know when you’ll need it.
After you’ve looted the secret area, you’ll find yourself in a bar. Check the vents for another hidden spot. Eventually, you’ll need to activate a switch to lower a platform to cross a gap. Your main goal is to find a way to breach the main building. Look for a wrecking ball and a switch—you can probably guess what comes next. Smashing!
The Main Lot
Once you’re through the wall, you’ll be in the studio’s parking area. Prepare for a fight, as the studio’s director isn’t too pleased to see you and will send a welcoming party of goons your way. Once you’ve cleared them out, a gate will open, leading to a bridge. The director will make another appearance, shutting the door and sending another wave of enemies to deal with. Show them your best side—the one holding the Boomstick.
With the second wave down, you can finally enter the main building. It’s time to find your first lead, Gabe Clarkle. He should be somewhere around the main set. After your chat with Gabe, you’ll be pointed in the direction of the Pyrotechnist.
Idol Puzzle and Dressing Rooms
This is where things get a little strange. You’ll encounter a puzzle involving several idols that need to be returned to their plinths. Pay attention to the clues in the environment to solve it. While you’re exploring the sets, you’ll also find a trapped stuntman. Have a word with him; he might have some useful information.
After solving the idol puzzle, your next stop is the dressing rooms. Search them thoroughly for any clues related to Betty’s disappearance. Once you have what you need, it’s time to leave the studio and report back to Vivian. Don’t forget to pin your new clues to the board back at the office.
Collectibles & Side Jobs
The Tinsel Bros. lot is a sprawling place, and it’s packed with secrets. While we’re still cataloging the exact locations of every collectible, here’s what you should be looking for:
- Comics, Newspapers, and Baseball Cards: Keep your eyes peeled in every room, on every desk, and in every corner. These are often left lying around in plain sight.
- Schematics: Check behind loose panels, in maintenance tunnels, and in secret rooms (like the one you found above the bar). Tinsel Bros. is full of hidden pathways.
- Figurines: These are the trickiest to find. Look for out-of-place objects or listen for their tell-tale chime.
This mission also features a side job from your old friend Wanda, “The Things We Keep.” Make sure to pay her a visit before or after your trip to the studio to pick up this task.
Boss Fights & Tough Encounters
While there isn’t a formal boss fight in this chapter, you’ll face several tough ambushes orchestrated by the studio director. Here are a few tips:
- Use Cover: The movie sets are filled with props and scenery. Use them to your advantage to avoid incoming fire.
- Stay Mobile: Don’t stand still for too long. Dash and jump to make yourself a harder target.
- Keep Your Boomstick Ready: You’ll be facing enemies in both open lots and tight corridors. The Boomstick is perfect for close-quarters combat, while your trusty pistol can pick off goons from a distance.
That’s a wrap on Tinsel Bros. for now. Good luck out there, P.I. It’s a jungle out there, and you’re the biggest mouse in it.