Wii Game Review: “Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident”

Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident

Developer: Nintendo

Released: June 27, 2011

ABOUT:

Unravel the Mystery

The seek-and-solve fun of the Mystery Case Files™ series makes its first appearance on the Wii™ system with the Mystery Case Files™: The Malgrave Incident™ game. Players must unravel the mystery behind the enigmatic Malgrave Island by using the Wii Remote™ controller to search for clues, solve puzzles and find cleverly concealed items in multilayered hidden-object scenes. The game’s puzzle-based fun is enhanced by a captivating storyline and new multiplayer modes that allow up to four friends to test their sleuthing skills together.

FEATURES:

• For the first time in the Mystery Case Files series, hidden-object scenes have three visual layers, requiring players to zoom and scroll to find certain objects using the Wii Remote controller. Each hidden-object scene contains an inventory item that will help players access new areas, solve other puzzles and unravel the mysteries of Malgrave Island. In addition to puzzles, players will encounter hidden collectible items that can unlock bonus stories.

• To aid players in locating hard-to-find items, a hint button in the form of an on-screen magnifying glass can be used to highlight the area surrounding certain objects.

• Three competitive multiplayer modes can be played with up to four players. Each multiplayer match consists of three rounds. Players can choose options such as each player’s skill level and select a hidden-object scene for each round. Multiplayer games include Swift Pick (players compete to find hidden objects first), Tick Tick Pick (players must find hidden objects and pass the bomb before it explodes) and Classic Pick (players race to find the greatest number of hidden objects). Additional controllers are required for multiplayer modes and are sold separately.

• In Adventure Mode, up to four people can play cooperatively to solve the multilayered hidden-object scenes. The main player controls the camera and additional players can join in on the adventure at any time during normal game play.

• A gripping storyline will keep players engaged as they progress through the game’s puzzle-based challenges. Legend has it that a strange dust found on Malgrave Island has the power to cure any illness. As players collect the dust, they also unearth the island’s many mysteries and raise questions about a wealthy industrialist with a secretive past.

MY THOUGHTS:

I love puzzle games, especially ones where I have to find hidden objects. While I never played any of the Big Fish Games Mystery Case Files , I am glad I checked out Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident for the Wii. It is a game where you explore an island by searching for hidden objects and solving obstacles that block your path using items you find. It is like “I Spy” for adults as it is more challenging. The items are definitely hard to find, some are so small you can easily miss them! Since this game involves an island, my sons call it the pirate game and love helping me find the objects! So far I have only played this as a a Single Player but you can play up to 4 players and challenge others to find the objects the fastest. There are different multi-player modes including one where you have to find an object and then pass a bomb to the next player who has to find their object before the bomb blows up! You can also work together to solve the mysteries.

I like the game though because the Wii remote makes it easy to explore and scroll through the screen to find the objects. There is a magnifier glass available too to help find objects. I have never played a game like this on our Wii and while it is not my typical genre of Wii games (I like Super Mario and motion games typically) it is fun and different. It is a great family game or a game to get together with a group of friends to challenge to find the objects (drinking game maybe?!)

BUY IT: Look for “Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident” wherever video games are sold or check it out online.

Mom and More Disclosure: I was sent this game to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Cher