A puzzle game for those who like a good old fashioned murder mystery set in the ’60s.
Portable gaming and puzzles have always gone hand in hand. Well, with this flashy title Ubisoft is hoping to merge 3D with brain teasers and a crime theme. Does it work, or does it fall flat? Find out after the jump…
[Disclaimer: Ubisoft has graciously provided us with a review copy of the game]
A true crime caper, James Noir’s Hollywood Crimes for the 3DS aims to merge interactivity and immersion (thanks to the console’s built-in camera) and 3D puzzles that bring the genre to the next level.
“Please fill out your application to be a contestant on the show”
While most puzzle games do not have stories worth mentioning, this one does! So I guess I better fill you in on the plot…
In a nut shell, Hollywood Crimes takes place in 1960s LA, and is centred on a popular TV show about puzzle solvers. This show is aptly called “The Incredible Puzzle Masters.” Here, contestants compete against eachother by completing puzzles in rounds for a large grand prize.
Following its incredible opening, you must use a type writer to stomp in your name, birthdate and other information for the registration process.
Becoming a contestant, things become interesting when a former acquaintance shows up. A member of the FBI, he informs you that former winners of the show have been murdered. He believes that you are either in line to be killed next, or one of several prime suspects. These include the show’s host, his bitter co-host, the program’s less than friendly producer, and your opponent.
Like the board-game “Clue”, this set-up has you guessing the identity of the killer the entire time. Best of all, it even has you cast doubt yourself, as you may in fact be responsible!
It’s like that song about murder on the dance floor….sorta…
As a result, Hollywood Crimes consists of little more than story and puzzles. Basically, you find clues hidden in the murders, and then return to the game show. There, you interact with the other various suspects (without employing LA Noire’s interrogation tactics) and begin harbouring suspicions against them all. These of course are tied to motivation, clues that you discovered, and questionable things that they say.
Not just a tacked on, Hollywood Crimes’ puzzles make full use of the system’s controls. This includes having you use the 3DS’ touch screen, buttons and the circle pad. Overall, the puzzle variety ranges from mazes to number games. All are pretty straightforward, ranging from overly simple to mildly irritating. However, if you get stuck, the game will help you out with a limited number of hints. So I would conserve these, opting to instead enlist the help of a nearby friend. Thankfully, you have the use of a memo pad, though there’s a a bit of repetition and frustration to be found regardless.
Graphically, Ubisoft has done a fantastic job. This game reminds me of old interactive PC games, with a flair that is not often seen in video games today. It also captures the feeling of the 1960s very well. There are also plenty of cinematics for the drama and puzzles to unfold. As to be expected for a 3DS game, not only are the puzzles presented in 3D, but everything else is treated to a new dimension as well. The characters are actual video of actors. I like this vibe and decision, however…it doesn’t matter what the characters say, it’s the same piece of footage that’s used over and over again. This is quite jarring and a bit on the cheap side. Thankfully the voice performances are spot on.
My personal favourite visual element here is the placement of your photo within newspapers and in the reflection of the mirror in your hotel room. This adds a profound level of immersion that even the 3D cannot quite match…though the use of the two combined is stunning.
“What do you think of this?”
OVERALL SCORE:
As a fan of Clue and this sort of murder mystery set-up and puzzles, I think this game truly delivers. Obviously, you have to be keen on puzzles and the premise to appreciate this game…and it may not be enough of a challenge for those who excel at problem solving.
I give James Noir’s Hollywood Crimes a recommended 7.8/10
PROS:
-Compelling story.
-Very campy 60s atmosphere.
-Fun puzzles.
-Great dialogue.
-Excellent use of 3D and touch controls.
CONS:
-Lacklustre soundtrack and tunes.
-Character animations are recycled.
-This game will only appeal to puzzles fans.
-May not be challenging enough for puzzle fans.
Here’s the game’s dramatic trailer. No, it isn’t really a cross of LA Noire and Alan Wake:
Digg this Blog
Share on Facebook
WatchMojo on Twitter
WatchMojo on YouTube
Add to Favorites
WatchMojo Newsletter
