Add one part deserted mansion, 27 parts riddle ridden rooms, throw in an amnesiatic robot, and sprinkle in some heart. Bring all ingredients to a boil and you'll have EA's latest puzzler Mystery Mania. Originally available in Java form on EA's Mobile site, this head scratcher has made its way to the iPhone and iPod touch - and we guaranty it will confound you for at least a couple of hours.
The game's lead character F8 is certainly the skeleton holding this title together. After waking up from a long sleep (we're talking years), F8 realizes he has no recollection of his past. So, players must lead him through a path of discovery helping him understand why he's here and what his mission is. All the rooms in the mansion have a secret that must be unlocked in order to progress throughout the game. Clues are placed in each room to aid in finding the solution. But it's not all roses. F8 often finds himself in a predicament such as being electrocuted or suffering from a dog bite. But he's a good sport and is always up for more mystery solving.
In Mystery Mania, you won't find much in the way of tutorials or instructions. But that is part of the game's charm. The sole method to help F8 solve each riddle is simply by using logic. Items are placed around each level. Use some objects in certain sequences to activate others. For instance, a candle on the wall can light a burner on a table. Chemicals can then, and only then, be combined in a vessel atop the burner. Make F8 drink the resulting potion and watch what happens. The process of solving the mini mysteries can be tricky at times. But we found ourselves solving them after a few attempts. The key is to be observant. Study the room to recognize some hints EA has thrown in.
Graphically, Mystery Mania is comparable to a flash cartoon. Colors a vivid, yet the sets are rather flat feeling. Overall, there isn't anything to write home about in the visual department. Since there isn't spoken audio, dialogue between F8 and guest personalities are presented in sign boards reminiscent of silent films. The music incorporated into Mystery Mania is eerie and fits the entire tone of the game perfectly. If interrupted by a phone call or otherwise quit, the game will save your progress and resume where you left off upon the next launch.
If you like games that will stump, surprise, and gratify you, give Mystery Mania a whirl. All the ingredients of a classic crime drama are neatly packaged into the game. Currently, EA is offering the game for $3.99 on the App Store. The only complaint we have about it is that its over rather quickly. We'd love to see EA throw in more levels in a update. But as it is, Mystery Mania is one who-done-it that will leave you wanting more. - 30202
The game's lead character F8 is certainly the skeleton holding this title together. After waking up from a long sleep (we're talking years), F8 realizes he has no recollection of his past. So, players must lead him through a path of discovery helping him understand why he's here and what his mission is. All the rooms in the mansion have a secret that must be unlocked in order to progress throughout the game. Clues are placed in each room to aid in finding the solution. But it's not all roses. F8 often finds himself in a predicament such as being electrocuted or suffering from a dog bite. But he's a good sport and is always up for more mystery solving.
In Mystery Mania, you won't find much in the way of tutorials or instructions. But that is part of the game's charm. The sole method to help F8 solve each riddle is simply by using logic. Items are placed around each level. Use some objects in certain sequences to activate others. For instance, a candle on the wall can light a burner on a table. Chemicals can then, and only then, be combined in a vessel atop the burner. Make F8 drink the resulting potion and watch what happens. The process of solving the mini mysteries can be tricky at times. But we found ourselves solving them after a few attempts. The key is to be observant. Study the room to recognize some hints EA has thrown in.
Graphically, Mystery Mania is comparable to a flash cartoon. Colors a vivid, yet the sets are rather flat feeling. Overall, there isn't anything to write home about in the visual department. Since there isn't spoken audio, dialogue between F8 and guest personalities are presented in sign boards reminiscent of silent films. The music incorporated into Mystery Mania is eerie and fits the entire tone of the game perfectly. If interrupted by a phone call or otherwise quit, the game will save your progress and resume where you left off upon the next launch.
If you like games that will stump, surprise, and gratify you, give Mystery Mania a whirl. All the ingredients of a classic crime drama are neatly packaged into the game. Currently, EA is offering the game for $3.99 on the App Store. The only complaint we have about it is that its over rather quickly. We'd love to see EA throw in more levels in a update. But as it is, Mystery Mania is one who-done-it that will leave you wanting more. - 30202
About the Author:
Learn more about iPhone games, including the hit cartoon wars. Stop by Eric Meister's site where you can find out all about iTouch apps and what they can do for you.
