Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst
- April 21, 2010
- Big Fish Games
Get on Steam"Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst" is a hidden object game where players take on the role of a Master Detective to investigate the mysterious Ravenhearst Manor. The game features 32 unique rooms with thousands of items to find and dozens of puzzles to solve. By uncovering hidden diary pages, players delve deeper into the manor's unsettling past and ultimately unlock its mystery.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Nintendo 3ds
Nintendo Ds
Reviews
- A nostalgic and engaging hidden object game that remains fun and challenging, appealing to both new players and those familiar with the series.
- The game features a spooky atmosphere with clever puzzles, including unique Rube Goldberg-style door puzzles that add depth to the gameplay.
- It runs well on modern systems, allowing players to enjoy a classic experience without technical issues, and offers a relaxed mode for casual play.
- The graphics are dated and can be low resolution, making it difficult to find some objects, which may frustrate players not accustomed to older games.
- The gameplay can become repetitive, with many hidden object scenes feeling similar and lacking variety in puzzles.
- Some players have reported technical issues, such as the game not fully exiting or problems with screen resolution, which can detract from the overall experience.
- story46 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story of the game revolves around Emma Ravenhearst's quest to find missing diary pages while navigating a series of puzzles and hidden object challenges set by Charles Dalimar. While some players find the narrative engaging and nostalgic, others feel it lacks depth and coherence, often suggesting that the gameplay detracts from the storytelling experience. Overall, the plot is considered a solid foundation for the series, with intriguing elements that may appeal more to those invested in the story than the gameplay itself.
“The story is a lovely setup to the Ravenhearst series.”
“Great storytelling, and lots of details around the plot hidden in the scenes to discover after your first playthrough.”
“Each illustrated pencil-drawn page tells the ongoing story of Emma and her ultimate fate.”
“The story is fine but not that engaging and has no real sense to it.”
“This game has a story, but the gameplay does not support it other than taking place in the same house.”
“However, I honestly regret even spending $10 on this and not just looking up the story for my adventure into the rest of the series.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players noting their dated and low-resolution quality, while others appreciate the unique aesthetic and improved clarity compared to previous titles. The art style contributes to a well-crafted and suspenseful experience, despite some criticism regarding the age of the visuals. Overall, while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they are deemed enjoyable and fitting for a hidden-object game.
“The seemingly amateurish display of all sorts of tools and objects combined in a contraption that I would only see in my wildest dreams gives the game a unique aesthetic that I haven't seen in any of the MCF games that came after.”
“Instantly better than the previous titles in terms of its cleaner graphics, meaning that you are able to pick out more objects easily.”
“The art style and the hidden objects do make for an experience that feels well-crafted and suspenseful.”
“This game is very dated; most of the objects it asks you to find are from the 19th century, and the graphics are extremely low.”
“Graphics are very low resolution.”
“There are truly no unfairly hidden items; there are simply hundreds of them to sort through, and the graphics, at least on my computer, are comparable to the game I already own.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay primarily revolves around hidden object mechanics, making up 90% of the experience, with puzzles introduced for the first time but lacking inventory mechanics. Players found enjoyment in the jigsaw pieces of the diary, which represent a small portion of the gameplay, while the overall style is described as "old school."
“In this title, the puzzles have been introduced for the first time; however, 90% of the game still consists of hidden objects gameplay.”
“In the gameplay, you'd see books that Charles would have read, and in the story, Emma talks about Charles' obsession with door locks and collecting random junk.”
“+ very good gameplay”
“In this title, the puzzles have been introduced for the first time; however, 90% of the game still consists of hidden object gameplay.”
“There are no inventory mechanics.”
“Gameplay: as I said before, it's old school.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of Ravenhurst is widely praised for its cozy yet spooky ambiance, making it ideal for autumn evenings. Players appreciate the eerie music and moving imagery that enhance the experience, although some find the repetitive sound effects distracting. Overall, the game successfully creates a captivating and immersive environment.
“Ravenhurst is a lovely atmospheric game, perfect for cozy autumn evenings.”
“The atmosphere and music are pretty eerie, and the puzzles are much more advanced and fun to solve.”
“The atmosphere of this game is spooky.”
“The atmosphere and music are pretty eerie and the puzzles are much more advanced and fun to solve.”
“The spooky atmosphere works; some scenes have moving imagery and a few eerie moments.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music and sound effects in the game have been noted as significant improvements over previous titles, contributing to an eerie atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the creative and suspenseful background music, which complements the challenging and engaging puzzles, making it one of the standout features of the game.
“The puzzles are challenging and fun, the music is eerie and fits the theme of the game; the story may not be the best, but it was interesting for a hidden object game.”
“The atmosphere and music are pretty eerie, and the puzzles are much more advanced and fun to solve.”
“Classic MCF: Ravenhearst is one of the best hidden object games that includes some unique puzzles and has the most creative creepy music and sound effects I've experienced in a game to set the mood.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy involves a significant amount of ads and puzzles, requiring players to invest around 30 minutes to access certain features, which some users find frustrating.
“The monetization model is incredibly aggressive, forcing players to watch endless ads just to progress.”
“It's frustrating that you have to spend real money to unlock basic features that should be available to everyone.”
“The game feels more like a cash grab than a fun experience, with constant prompts to purchase in-game currency.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly the repetitive puzzle-solving required to unlock diary pictures, but overall, the game is still recommended.
“The one thing that does get tedious is when you have to solve a puzzle for a picture in the diary each time; other than that, the game is recommended.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its absurd and ridiculous puzzles, which encourage players to engage in creative thinking and exploration to find solutions.
“The actual puzzles are hilariously ridiculous and can be solved with a little creativity and exploration.”
“The witty dialogue and absurd situations had me laughing out loud throughout the game.”
“I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously, making every moment feel lighthearted and fun.”
