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Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects |
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Developer: Big Fish Studios Publisher: Big Fish Studios Genre: Puzzle & Casual > Hidden Object Released: Apr 05, 2006 Players: 1 |
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Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects is a worthy addition anyone’s video game archive. This mystery title follows in the likes of its predecessor, allowing players to test their wit in uncovering the Prime Suspect. Much like Nancy Drew games, this game is viewed from a first-person point of view and has players moving from scene to scene gathering evidence for the case. ‘What is the case’ you ask? Well, players are tasked with finding the missing 800 carat blue diamond that was heisted while it was on display at the Capital City Piazza Gallery. It was on loan from the Royal Queen, and of course, it’s up to players to uncover the thief among the 20 suspects.
The game itself is rather straightforward when playing. Players are assigned one suspect at a time, and the amount of items they must recover in relation to that suspect within a time limit. For each suspect, there are many areas that can be explored via the map. However, only a few are available at the beginning of the game. As players progress more places become unlocked and the difficulty increases.
When an area is clicked, players are taken to the area where a selected number of items must be recovered in order to prove the suspect innocent or guilty. There’s only one screen that houses all sorts of peculiar looking items. Only eight items in each area must be recovered, though. Such items, that must be recovered, are listed on the right side of the screen. The panel also has a “hints� tab so players may see where some items are within that stage. Some of the stages also have attributes and whatnot where players must find special items in order to activate things like the flashlight to help see in the dark.
Recovering items, though, is only the first of two parts when investigating a suspect. The second part consists of putting together puzzles, uncovering scrambled words, finding a specific number of words within a category, or piecing together a photograph. What makes the second part of the investigation, for each suspect, even more difficult is the fact that the timer is still active even after completing the item recovery. Nevertheless, all tasks though are completed using the mouse, and the interface for each puzzle is very easy to comprehend.
That’s not to mention, that each puzzle and the items that must be recovered are different each time you play. The possibilities appear to be endless with the combination of puzzles and items regarding each suspect. Also, the amount of items that must be recovered, the time, and the secondary puzzle become far more difficult as progress is made. Fans of the original Mystery Case Files (Huntsville) will find a worthy challenge in this sequel, and mystery gaming sleuths probably won’t be disappointed.
Graphics:
While there are no moving objects, and the pictures are stationary, the graphics are made to titillate the eyes with a remarkable palette. The colors seem to jump up off the screen literally, and the objects within the backdrops contain a remarkable amount of distinction and colorful detail.
Sound:
This game is not drenched with striking melodies or an over-the-top theme song. Instead, Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects contains music for thinking...drenched in dark overtones and carrying only enough melody to progress the player’s drive for success. The ambiance also plays a heavy part in the gameplay, giving players the feeling as if they’re right in the midst of the current environment. While at the junkyard, noises of strayed creatures and nocturnal animals can be heard as if in the distance. Or while searching through the newsstand the sound of calm, hurried and leisure footsteps can be heard, as well as traffic and other metropolitan nuances. Very nice, indeed.
Gameplay:
The point-and-click interface brought back nostalgic memories of the classic Sierra days. It reminded me of having to study the screen first before clicking anything. And how the pace of the game is determined by your wit, not your weapons. There’s more brain skill required here rather than anything else. The prime focus of gameplay in Mystery Case Files is very reliant on the player’s thinking prerogative. Quick reflexes or extraordinary hand/eye coordination isn’t much of a requirement here. This game is more-so focused for the causal gamer looking to give their eyes a good workout and their mind a good jogging.
Concept:
There’s a number of puzzle-archetypes in this game that most gamers might be familiar with. However, this game has a lot of subtle changes in the way the puzzles and items must be overcome or acquired, and in turn it kept the game fresh. The color schemes, visual presentation, and audio worked out well for what Big Fish Games was out to achieve.
Value:
There’s enough content in this game to keep players busy for hours on end. With the additional downloadable content within the game, Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects extends its playtime via downloads that change how players interact with the case. This game is well-worth its price and has lots of replay values.
Recommendation:
The 60 minute trial may not be enough playtime for casual gamers looking for an engaging mystery game. While I’m tempted to say “buy it�, the large number of strategy elements may or may not be what some mystery fans are looking for. Regardless, it’s still a very good game and definitely worth trying if you like mystery games.
The game itself is rather straightforward when playing. Players are assigned one suspect at a time, and the amount of items they must recover in relation to that suspect within a time limit. For each suspect, there are many areas that can be explored via the map. However, only a few are available at the beginning of the game. As players progress more places become unlocked and the difficulty increases.
When an area is clicked, players are taken to the area where a selected number of items must be recovered in order to prove the suspect innocent or guilty. There’s only one screen that houses all sorts of peculiar looking items. Only eight items in each area must be recovered, though. Such items, that must be recovered, are listed on the right side of the screen. The panel also has a “hints� tab so players may see where some items are within that stage. Some of the stages also have attributes and whatnot where players must find special items in order to activate things like the flashlight to help see in the dark.
Recovering items, though, is only the first of two parts when investigating a suspect. The second part consists of putting together puzzles, uncovering scrambled words, finding a specific number of words within a category, or piecing together a photograph. What makes the second part of the investigation, for each suspect, even more difficult is the fact that the timer is still active even after completing the item recovery. Nevertheless, all tasks though are completed using the mouse, and the interface for each puzzle is very easy to comprehend.
That’s not to mention, that each puzzle and the items that must be recovered are different each time you play. The possibilities appear to be endless with the combination of puzzles and items regarding each suspect. Also, the amount of items that must be recovered, the time, and the secondary puzzle become far more difficult as progress is made. Fans of the original Mystery Case Files (Huntsville) will find a worthy challenge in this sequel, and mystery gaming sleuths probably won’t be disappointed.
Graphics:
While there are no moving objects, and the pictures are stationary, the graphics are made to titillate the eyes with a remarkable palette. The colors seem to jump up off the screen literally, and the objects within the backdrops contain a remarkable amount of distinction and colorful detail.
Sound:
This game is not drenched with striking melodies or an over-the-top theme song. Instead, Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects contains music for thinking...drenched in dark overtones and carrying only enough melody to progress the player’s drive for success. The ambiance also plays a heavy part in the gameplay, giving players the feeling as if they’re right in the midst of the current environment. While at the junkyard, noises of strayed creatures and nocturnal animals can be heard as if in the distance. Or while searching through the newsstand the sound of calm, hurried and leisure footsteps can be heard, as well as traffic and other metropolitan nuances. Very nice, indeed.
Gameplay:
The point-and-click interface brought back nostalgic memories of the classic Sierra days. It reminded me of having to study the screen first before clicking anything. And how the pace of the game is determined by your wit, not your weapons. There’s more brain skill required here rather than anything else. The prime focus of gameplay in Mystery Case Files is very reliant on the player’s thinking prerogative. Quick reflexes or extraordinary hand/eye coordination isn’t much of a requirement here. This game is more-so focused for the causal gamer looking to give their eyes a good workout and their mind a good jogging.
Concept:
There’s a number of puzzle-archetypes in this game that most gamers might be familiar with. However, this game has a lot of subtle changes in the way the puzzles and items must be overcome or acquired, and in turn it kept the game fresh. The color schemes, visual presentation, and audio worked out well for what Big Fish Games was out to achieve.
Value:
There’s enough content in this game to keep players busy for hours on end. With the additional downloadable content within the game, Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects extends its playtime via downloads that change how players interact with the case. This game is well-worth its price and has lots of replay values.
Recommendation:
The 60 minute trial may not be enough playtime for casual gamers looking for an engaging mystery game. While I’m tempted to say “buy it�, the large number of strategy elements may or may not be what some mystery fans are looking for. Regardless, it’s still a very good game and definitely worth trying if you like mystery games.
By: William Usher
Posted: Saturday July 29, 2006
Posted: Saturday July 29, 2006
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