[JJ-x]

Game: MCF Return to Ravenhearst v1.0.7
Developer: Big Fish Games
Category: Hidden Object Game
Price: $1.99
IAP: N/A

Hidden Object Games (HOG) are hugely popular on PC, so it was obvious that they would soon be added onto Android. Return to Ravenhearst is the 5th out of 9 games in the Mystery Case Files franchise. A sequel to 2006’s Ravenhearst, Return to Ravenhearst sends players back to the haunted Ravenhearst Manor. Right from the get-go, you’ll realize that Return to Ravenhearst is going to make you work for every significant advance. And by “work” I mean solve puzzle after puzzle after puzzle. You like puzzles? Welcome to Ravenhearst! From sliders in many various forms to pattern matching exercises, jigsaws, and math formulas, there are more brain teasers in this game than most modern adventures. Hints are plentiful and infinite, and the only consequence for using one is an increase to your total time calculation, otherwise presenting no practical concern. The only con is waiting for the hint to load (which takes a while). Of course there are hidden object sequences as well, requiring you to find a random list of objects from cluttered locations for no particular reason.

Just like any old adventure game, you’ll be collecting items as you go, with upwards of ten or so objects at any given time. Sometimes items are collected from a hidden object sequence, while others you simply find by interacting with the environment. You can’t combine inventory items and object use is generally straightforward, but it adds a nice layer of personal involvement. The scenery in Return to Ravenhearst is fairly appealing, albeit in purposely creepy ways. There are no jump-out-of-your-chair moments, but the hand painted artwork is just stylized enough to give the game a slightly surreal feel. Small touches of animation help support the unnerving atmosphere, like a spider descending from the mouth of a broken doll, or even the face of kitten appearing at a hole in the wall. Yes, dolls and kittens are creepy; laugh now, agree later.

At the end of the day, it’s obvious that Return to Ravenhearst isn’t your typical adventure game. It offers up a host of familiar puzzles with a splash of hidden object sequences that provides an engaging diversion without being too overbearing. But for those seeking something a little different, you may just find a visit to Ravenhearst worth a closer look.

Pros:

• Beautiful artwork in a fantastic setting.
• Fitting sound effects for good immersion.
• Better integration of puzzles, storyline, and exploration than standard hidden object games.

Cons:

• Hint timer is slow.
• Puzzles can be a little difficult.
• Off-putting character commentary.

Reviewer rating:
Device/OS used: Coby Kyros MID9742 / Ice Cream Sandwich v4.0.3

Purchase at Google Play
Mobilism: MCF Return to Ravenhearst v1.0.7