Mystery Case Files: Huntsville
- April 21, 2010
- Big Fish Games
In Mystery Case Files: Huntsville, players become master detectives by solving over 15 crimes through examining clues and exploring strange crime scenes. This hidden object game features more than 20 unique locations and thousands of items to find, providing a new experience with each playthrough.
Reviews
- Huntsville is a nostalgic classic that laid the groundwork for the hidden object genre, providing a fun and engaging experience for fans of the series.
- The game offers a solid challenge with time limits and a variety of hidden object scenes, making it enjoyable for players looking for a brain exercise.
- Despite its age, the game still holds up well for those who appreciate its simplistic mechanics and the charm of early hidden object games.
- The graphics are dated and often grainy, making it difficult to spot some objects, which can lead to frustration during gameplay.
- The time limits for each case can feel overly restrictive, detracting from the casual experience that many players expect from hidden object games.
- Repetitive gameplay and the need to revisit the same locations multiple times can make the game feel monotonous and less engaging over time.
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is generally viewed as lackluster, with many players finding it basic and unengaging, often feeling that the stakes are insignificant. While some appreciate the detective theme, others prefer older hidden object games that relied less on a thin narrative. Overall, the story does not significantly enhance the gameplay experience, which is primarily enjoyed for its hidden object content.
“This game has a fun story line.”
“Finally, the searching for the items itself, it is a great finder game and I really enjoy the entire series and it's fun to come back to after a bit and play again. It has a very basic story, but it is enjoyable.”
“Even has a decent story, such as it is.”
“The story placed into the game does not appeal to me as the stakes feel rather insignificant.”
“The story is not very good and the crime computer is tedious at best, so this game is not good for any reason other than the hidden object content.”
“There is a theme (a detective solving 'cases'), but no real story.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are considered outdated, with many users noting their low resolution and grainy appearance compared to more modern titles. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm of the visuals, others recommend newer collections for better graphics and varied gameplay. Overall, the graphics may appeal to fans of classic hidden object games, but they may not meet the expectations of players accustomed to contemporary standards.
“The graphics are wonderful and the puzzles aren't difficult.”
“A classic that holds up pretty well, particularly if you ignore the lower resolution graphics.”
“But although the graphics were probably nice at the time, now they just look grainy and low-res.”
“If you're looking for hidden object games and haven't played them before, then you're better off sticking to the Artifex Mundi collections. They have more modern graphics and more varied gameplay than these old MCF games.”
“A classic that holds up pretty well, particularly if you ignore the lower resolution graphics and the issues with graphics settings that don't always revert back to your original resolution when you exit.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is criticized for its simplicity and repetitive mechanics, primarily focusing on finding hidden objects, which can feel outdated compared to more modern alternatives. Players also mention the added pressure of time limits, which detracts from the overall experience by introducing stress rather than enjoyment.
“If you're looking for hidden object games and haven't played them before, then you're better off sticking to the Artifex Mundi collections. They offer more modern graphics and more varied gameplay than these older MCF games.”
“Each level consists of a time limit that you're pressured by. Though I always managed to finish with quite a bit of time left over, the stress associated with rushing through levels and scenes negatively impacted the gameplay as a whole for me.”
“As the origin of the hidden objects genre, the game mechanics are quite simple; all you need to do is find objects over and over.”
“If you're looking for hidden object games and haven't played them before, then you're better off sticking to the Artifex Mundi collections. They offer more modern graphics and more varied gameplay than these old MCF games.”
“Each level consists of a time limit that you're pressured by, and though I always managed to finish with quite a bit of time left over, the stress associated with rushing through levels and scenes negatively impacted the gameplay as a whole for me.”
“As the origin of the hidden objects genre, the game mechanics are way too simple; all you need to do is find objects over and over.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players find the game challenging and enjoyable for speed runs, enhancing its replayability. However, some express concerns about the cost relative to its replay value, suggesting it’s better to purchase on sale or in a bundle, and note issues with window resolution.
“Challenging the first time through and highly replayable for speed runs.”
“The replay value is excellent, especially if you enjoy mastering the game.”
“Challenging the first time through, but not very replayable beyond speed runs.”
“The price to replay value is disappointing; it's better to get it on sale or in a bundle.”
“The game lacks sufficient content to justify multiple playthroughs.”
- music2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally appreciated for its integration with gameplay, but many players find it becomes repetitive after a short period of play.
“The music in this game perfectly complements the gameplay, creating an immersive experience.”
“I love how the soundtrack enhances the atmosphere and keeps me engaged throughout the game.”
“The variety of music tracks keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, making each session feel unique.”
“The music felt very repetitive after only playing for the time that I did.”
“I enjoy the music and gameplay.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that while the game generally runs smoothly, certain collectible objects can be buggy, potentially causing delays and negatively impacting gameplay time.
“Some objects, however, are a little buggy to collect and can decrease time from the timer.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly criticizing the lackluster story and the repetitive nature of the crime computer tasks, which detracts from the overall experience. The hidden object content is noted as the only redeeming feature.
“The story is not very good and the crime computer is tedious at best, so this game is not good for any reason other than the hidden object content.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its abundant humor, providing players with a lighthearted and entertaining experience throughout.
“There's lots of humor to be found.”
“The witty dialogue and clever puns kept me laughing throughout the game.”
“I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously, making every moment enjoyable.”