Mystery Stories (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

The lasting popularity of the Where's Waldo or I Spy books has meant games developers rapidly worked out that your average missing objects based game is just as easy to produce as a puzzler. There have been a number of these types of games on the PC and Mac and we've even seem Nintendo release Mystery Case Files late last year. Mystery Stories hopes to mix things up a little with the inclusion of puzzles, but what's it like?

Gameplay

Unlike some of the other hidden object games Mystery Stories attempts to spin an elaborate tale, involving a New York journalist holidaying on a peaceful Caribbean Island only to be disturbed by kidnapping and murder. This obviously leads you to a number of investigations, in a variety of locations, and so the search for the hidden objects begins. There are over 1000 different objects to collect here but the real difference is the manner in which the story and gameplay unfolds where, rather than just give you endless lists of objects, the developers have instead attempted to inject some much needed variety into the genre. You may be given a list of clues describing the object, or only one object may be listed at a time (against the clock for a little more pressure) and the occasional location will be in darkness meaning you'll need to use a flashlight, which only illuminates a small section of the play area making for a much more challenging experience.

It's not all about hidden objects either so you'll also have to work your way through a number of different mini-games including jigsaws and spot the difference. It's this type of variety which will keep you coming back for more and other developers should take note: if you are going to do a hidden objects game then Mystery Stories is probably one of the best templates around. In fact you'll be playing Mystery Stories for some time to come and even though there's little in the way of replay value (other than simply revisiting the various locations) the first play though is very satisfying indeed.

Controls

Because the play area is significantly larger than the DS screen will allow, you need to use the d-pad to scroll around the screen with an indicator at the bottom telling you exactly where you are. This all works rather well and is certainly much better than a zoom or magnifying glass option.    

Graphics

Whilst it's generally about clarity in games of this nature, the visuals are actually quite nice and the decision to allow the user to scroll around the play area certainly helps matters. Along with the odd spot animation to bring the otherwise static backgrounds to life there's a whole bunch of photographs that tie the story together, although if you're anything like us you may want to skip this section and get on with the game.

Sound

Average music and sound effects which is a shame really as it would have been much better to have something decent to listen to while you are looking for that elusive last object.

Dual screen

The main reason why these games have been so successful is their simplicity. In this game as you only have to tap, select or occasionally drag objects to another area, there's little chance of even the most inexperienced gamer getting confused.  

Final comments

Mystery Stories could have been just another hidden objects game but fortunately it's so much more. Simply by adding a number of gaming types the developers have made an engaging and enjoyable little game. There's a variety of puzzles and the hidden objects section is presented in a variety of different ways making the gaming far less predictable and avoiding the usual type of repetition. Its biggest strength though is its immediate accessibility. Mystery Stories should appeal to all those 'Touch Generations' gamers who are looking for something new to give their grey matter a work out after playing with Dr. Kawashima for the past year or so.

Pro: Simple Gameplay
Con: Average Music and Sound Effects, Little Replay Value
Final score: 7.3

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