Brightstone Mysteries
Brightstone Mysteries: Paranormal Hotel takes you on a journey with Detective Bridget “Biggi” Brightstone as she explores a hotel that holds many mysteries. This is a classic Cateia game, like many others G5 has published for iOS, and I love the way they put together games that combine hidden objects and puzzles in a story-based adventure.
Type of app: Adventure Game
Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version available here); available in the iTunes App Store
Developer: Cateia Games / G5 Entertainment
Description:
? 50 arduous levels to conquer
? Five intriguing chapters to navigate
? 15 puzzling mini-games to master
? 16 rewarding achievements to earn
? 13 unforgettable characters to meet
? Three difficulty modes: casual, adventure, challenging
Major features:
One of my favorite things about Brightstone Mysteries: Paranormal Hotel is that it doesn’t overplay its hand at the start. You are investigating a robbery and attempted murder, but what is REALLY happening isn’t revealed for quite a while.
The game is story-based adventure, with loads of puzzles and hidden object elements intertwined. The characters range from the hero ‘Biggi’ to her detective boss, a snippy French investigator, the hotel clerk, the husband and wife running the hotel … to the dead girl, her sister and historical figures from Cleopatra to King Arthur!
For me the best part of the game is how naturally it flows. You are just investigating the crime, following leads, working to solve the mystery. You will stumble across things that don’t make sense, then investigate further to get more details. While investigating you get to choose your responses, and depending on those you can get different achievements.
I got a special achievement for completing the game in less than two hours, so that gives you an approximate time for completion. I was surprised it was that short as I would have guessed closer to four hours. It is one of those experiences that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the end.
Ease of use/Overall performance:
The game uses the touch interface efficiently – you can move around from place to place, touch items to pick them up, interact with objects in the world, combine items and so on.
Would use again/recommend?: Definitely! Cateia has a way of making their casual games feel like interactive story books while still loading them with interesting puzzles and hidden objects and other elements that keep you engaged.
Suggested changes/wish list for updates: Nothing
Source: Publisher provided review code
Price: Free download (In-app purchase $4.99 for iPhone, $6.99 for iPad)
Here is the trailer:
