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This touch-and-go game, which was originally just a PC game series, showcases hidden object searches that stimulate the brain and pushes problem solving challenges on players who click on specific objects (close to 1000) to help solve the mystery of the disappearance of millionaire Phil T. Rich…yeah, there’s lots of clever wordplay, with 12 suspects with equally clever names like Ron N. Hyde and Cole Minor (guess what he does).
The DS makes searches more accessible while providing a wide viewing area that uses both the top and bottom screen. Clue objects appear throughout the environments, so you must comb through to find the ones on the list using the stylus or D-pad. Other objects appear when using special equipment such as an X-ray machine, underwater googles, or a flashlight.
Developers also like to pull the rug out from under you by throwing an occasional challenge. These challenges might prompt you to resort to random tapping all over the screen until you get lucky, but that strategy rarely works. You must analyze the visual surroundings carefully to succeed. Developers should incorporate more story elements into these surroundings next time to create more interest and connection with the audiences. Besides the special equipment, developers utilize the microphone for print dusting and blowing out fires. Not cool enough? How about modifying existing objects to match the clue list?
You get a limited amount of hints and the assistant crime computer along the way. The puzzle elements and mini games also add some challenging gameplay. You see something different each time as you progress to the ultimate goal of solving the mystery. You can conquer the mystery in rookie (not timed) or detective mode (timed). A third mode also opens up as gameplay progresses. The game doesn’t end after the mystery is solved though. Multiplayer options include co-operative or competitive play modes in real time. You can also share the game through DS Download Play.
If you haven’t experienced the PC series, you might at least reminisce about picture searches on diner place mats after playing Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir. This game is part of the new Touch Generations game series, which includes Wii Fit with a total cache of almost 20 games and still growing. Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir is an affordable title with great detail and high replayability.
Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB for violent references.
