Mystery P.I. - Lost in Los Angeles
- July 27, 2009
- SpinTop Games
- 9h median play time
In Mystery P.I. - Lost in Los Angeles, you are a hired detective tasked with finding hidden objects in various locations throughout Los Angeles. The game features over 2,500 items to find across 30 levels, with mini-games and puzzles to solve along the way. Your mission is to help a wealthy starlet recover her lost keepsakes and uncover the secrets of her past.
Reviews
- The game offers a nostalgic experience, providing fun for both new players and those revisiting it from childhood.
- The art and graphics are well constructed, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere for hidden object gameplay.
- The relaxed mode allows players to enjoy the game without time constraints, making it accessible for all ages.
- The gameplay becomes repetitive, with many levels requiring players to revisit the same locations multiple times.
- Some clues are poorly written and vague, making it frustrating for players who may not have a strong grasp of English.
- The final puzzle is poorly designed and can cause the game to freeze, detracting from the overall experience.
- graphics5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally well-constructed and serve their purpose, particularly in the hidden object scenes, which are mostly fine despite some messiness typical of the genre. However, some users feel that the visuals are mixed and could be improved, noting that other games in the genre have aged better and offer less repetitive experiences. Overall, while the graphics are adequate, they may not stand out compared to competitors.
“Art and graphics are well constructed.”
“The hidden object scenes are the key to the game, and they mostly are fine - no real issues with translations gone awry I can remember, the scenes are at least slightly naturalistic (if extremely messy, but that is the nature of the genre), and the graphics are good enough for the purpose.”
“I will recommend it, but other games have done what this game sets out to do, less repetitively, with graphics that have aged better and placement of items that feels much less random.”
“The visuals are a little mixed.”
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story is considered minimal and serves primarily as a backdrop, lacking depth or significant impact on the overall experience. Players are advised not to expect a compelling plot, as the narrative mainly adds a light flavor to the gameplay rather than driving it.
“The story with the search for the lost film, as a private investigator, adds a unique flavor to the game.”
“It's a fantastic game to shut down and relax to, offering a laid-back experience rather than a complex plot line.”
“The narrative serves as a charming backdrop, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game.”
“The story with the search for the lost film, as a private investigator, is just a little flavor for the game.”
“The plot feels disjointed and lacks depth, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character development is minimal, leaving the players feeling disconnected from the narrative.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The gameplay is enjoyable for relaxation but suffers from repetitive locations and items, leading to an unnecessarily extended playtime of over 10 hours. Players should not expect a groundbreaking plot or innovative mechanics, as the experience is more about unwinding than engaging in complex gameplay.
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging and offers a perfect balance of challenge and relaxation.”
“It's a fantastic game to unwind with, perfect for those looking to escape without needing a complex plot or groundbreaking mechanics.”
“The controls are smooth and intuitive, making it easy to jump right in and enjoy the experience.”
“Sadly, they felt the need to stretch the playtime of this game by repeating locations, even with all the same items in them. The loot system is disappointing, as this gameplay should not be extended to a 10-hour (or more) experience.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged for long periods.”
“I found the mechanics to be clunky and unresponsive, which detracted from the overall experience.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is fondly remembered by players, who find it both entertaining and nostalgic, making it enjoyable for extended play sessions. Its comedic elements not only engage individual players but also encourage family interaction, as they join in the fun of searching for items and competing for scores.
“This game is a legend! I played it many years ago, and once I saw it on stream, I just had to buy it again. It's so funny to remember all the moments, and it keeps you busy for around 20 hours. Once you're done, your family can have a go and try to beat your score, which makes it a very nice game. I often play, and when a family member passes by, they start searching for items with me.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the clue-solving aspect at the end of each case to be tedious and reminiscent of mechanics from other hidden object games, particularly criticizing its lack of originality.
“The clue-solving aspect at the end of each case is really tedious and feels like a copy of another hidden object franchise, Mystery Case Files.”
“Grinding in this game is a chore; it feels like I'm just going through the motions without any real engagement.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes the gameplay feel stale and uninteresting after a while.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The music remains consistent with previous installments, maintaining the same soundtrack and core themes, while only the visual elements have changed.
“The soundtrack is still the same, the core too; as I've said, it's just a change of scenery.”
“The soundtrack is still the same; the core elements haven't changed. It's just a change of scenery.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I expected a fresh soundtrack, but it seems like they just recycled old tracks.”