Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth Collector’s Edition invites you to don your deerstalker and channel your inner sleuth in a charming, hidden-object mystery that manages to be both clever and unexpectedly touching. In this game, you’re tasked with solving a series of murders where the elusive killer leaves behind a red hyacinth at every crime scene.
Gaming Heaven
The game’s strength lies in its artful presentation and varied puzzles. The story unfolds over three engrossing chapters, with an additional bonus chapter that lets you assume the role of the killer. Yes, you read that correctly. The developers have gallantly offered a glimpse into the mind of the villain. The graphics are crisp and meticulously hand-drawn, lending an air of authenticity to each meticulously designed scene. The user interface is refreshingly neat, ensuring you’re never left wondering which icon is which – except perhaps for your own self-doubt as you scrape through puzzles. The background music is subtle and well-chosen, perfectly complementing the overall mood without overwhelming your ears (or your patience).
Gaming Hell
Minor niggles do arise; occasionally, the dialogue in cut scenes plays with a frustrating lag, as though the characters are too busy sipping tea to speak promptly. Additionally, while the hint system is handy, it sometimes gives away too much, robbing you of the satisfaction of applying any detective work yourself.
Final Judgement
Overall, Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth is an unexpectedly compelling mystery that rewards careful thought and an appreciation for narrative twists. It may not revolutionise the detective genre, but it’s certainly a well-crafted, engaging romp.
