Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst
- April 21, 2010
- Big Fish Games
Get on Steam
Get on Apple StoreIn "Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst," players explore a creepy English manor to uncover the dark secrets of its previous inhabitants. The game is a hidden object puzzle adventure, where players must find hidden items and solve puzzles to progress through the story. As players unravel the mystery of Ravenhearst, they will encounter ghostly apparitions, uncover hidden diary entries, and delve deeper into the manor's haunted past.
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Reviews
- The game features engaging puzzles and a captivating storyline that keeps players immersed.
- The nostalgic elements, including beautiful visuals and a haunting soundtrack, resonate well with long-time fans of the series.
- The use of live actors adds a unique touch to the gameplay, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
- The game suffers from resolution issues, often running in a small window and requiring manual adjustments to play properly.
- Some puzzles can be frustratingly difficult or illogical, leading to potential player frustration.
- The game does not close properly, often requiring a full system restart to exit, which can be inconvenient.
- story52 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story in this hidden object/puzzle/mystery game is engaging and well-paced, featuring a grim backstory and a sassy detective/narrator that adds depth to the experience. While it is recommended to play the previous titles in the Ravenhearst series for context, the game provides enough detail for newcomers to follow along. The integration of diary entries enhances storytelling, and the overall narrative is praised for its creativity and emotional impact, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
“The storyline is interesting and the detective/narrator is sassy.”
“A very grim and gripping backstory, a lot of antique creepcore visuals - the puzzle systems are really tricky, but the navigation of the separate parts of the property was a bit more intuitive.”
“The mystery case files storyline is amazing and the Ravenhearst twist is even better.”
“I missed the diary entries piecing together Emily's story.”
“Decent storyline.”
“Worth picking up (if you are into hidden object games) in a deep discount sale, to see the 2nd part of the Ravenhearst story, but the PC version hasn't aged as well as the original.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are widely praised for their beauty and ability to hold up over time, featuring a grim and antique aesthetic that enhances the storytelling. While some hidden object scenes may not be as clear as in more modern titles, the overall visual experience is considered a significant improvement over previous installments, particularly in terms of exploration and intuitive navigation.
“The graphics are beautiful, though the hidden object scenes aren't quite as crystal clear as some of the more modern games.”
“The original Ravenhearst was great as far as hidden object games go, but didn't compare to Malgrave in terms of graphics, and I loved the opportunity to wander around the grounds and explore.”
“Having just finished playing the first Ravenhearst, this is a massive improvement in graphics and story.”
“A very grim and gripping backstory, a lot of antique creepcore visuals - the puzzle systems are really tricky, but the navigation of the separate parts of the property was a bit more intuitive.”
- music12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its emotional depth and creativity, with many players considering it one of their favorite soundtracks. It enhances the gameplay experience, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere and inspiring a strong emotional connection. However, some users expressed disappointment over the absence of the soundtrack in the third installment, highlighting its importance to the overall experience.
“The music is just wonderful - lovely, haunting, moving - it's one of my favorite things about the game.”
“Well, what can I say about this masterpiece in the hidden objects genre... this game opened up a whole bunch of inspiration in me towards creativity and inventiveness as a whole, since the game is so rounded with its amazing scenarios, details, complexity, and even the soundtrack which is, simply, genius!”
“Even now, years later, I play this game and I can even feel certain grief once you get into Rose's and the twins' rooms... this doesn't happen in the 3rd game just because, for some reason, Big Fish removed the soundtrack. So, please consider it if you guys are going to do a 4th part (which would be a great pleasure to play!).”
“The gameplay is fun and thrilling, and it's absolutely one of my favorite game soundtracks to date.”
“So many hours lost in this game admiring the art and music.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, particularly in the second installment of the Ravenhearst saga, which is noted for its chilling ambiance and effective use of actors to enhance the experience. While some cheesy acting moments can detract from the intended scare, the overall atmosphere remains compelling and engaging, making it a standout in its genre.
“I haven't encountered a game in this genre better than this, and the 3rd part of the Ravenhearst saga (Escape from Ravenhearst) was quite more difficult (which is great) but... didn't have the amazing atmosphere that the 2nd had.”
“Not too often and sometimes there's cheesy acting that makes me laugh (when you're supposed to be scared), but for the most part, the actors really add to the great atmosphere and chilling tale.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant optimization issues, leading to a frustrating experience for players, despite the engaging story that resonates emotionally.
“Horribly optimized.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is consistently described as fun and thrilling, contributing to an engaging overall experience. Additionally, the soundtrack has received high praise, enhancing the enjoyment of the gameplay.
“The gameplay is fun and thrilling, and it's absolutely one of my favorite game soundtracks to date.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is primarily driven by the dynamic between the characters Charles and Victor, which shifts the tone from creepy to hilariously funny, providing a standout comedic element.
“But the best is just Charles and Victor: that's where the game goes from creepy to hilariously funny.”
