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Murder mysteries are a fantastic way to waste hours of your life. Getting your grey matter activated and picking through mountains of clues is fascinating. However, many games in this genre get things wrong! They are either too easy or much too hard. The result is a frustrating time that pisses everyone off. Thankfully, Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth gets things just about right.
This interesting detective game was developed by Dominic Games and Mataboo and published by Legacy Games. Unsurprisingly, it is a single-player experience, and each case has unlimited hints and tips to keep you on track. Though some may frown at this helping hand, I appreciated the guidance. Yet, the balance wasn’t always right, and the game occasionally gave away too much, too soon. This was unfortunate, but not enough to put me off.
Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth tells a twisting story.
Murder is a heinous crime. Thankfully, most people never have to deal with the stench of death. Yet, when you are a detective, this is your everyday existence. Luckily, though, serial killers are few and far between. However, when one strikes, the nation is captivated, and you’d best work quickly to apprehend the menace behind the killings.
This is the crux of Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth. A murderer leaves a red Hyacinth as a calling card at every blood bath. Your job is to piece together every clue and put aside your feelings. This is easier said than done, as many of the victims are known to you. Professionalism must be your priority, and an eye for detail and a meticulous mindset are your key to success.
Brilliantly paced.
The story, dialogue, and pacing are practically perfect. Every scene is laid out with incredible detail. Moreover, each piece of the puzzle is plain to see. However, every chapter has a sting in the tail and combining the obvious clues isn’t always as straightforward as you’d like.
This blend of information and tantalising clues is perfect for would-be detectives. The balance of obvious moments and headscratchers was just right as well. There were moments when I refused to use the free hint system, and the result was euphoric. Yet, whenever I couldn’t understand the final piece to the puzzle, the tips were a lifesaver.
This approach from the developer keeps the action moving nicely. Furthermore, you never feel like you are cheating. This makes Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth a perfect title for veteran and newbie gamers.
Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth looks fantastic.
The idea of a fixed-screen game with limited animation may not impress. However, Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth looks fantastic. Each location has a delightful layer of detail and vibrant colours. Moreover, the incredible UI helps you to focus on important tasks without wasting your time.
The audio is suitable without blowing your mind. In all honesty, I can’t recall anything that stood out. Yet, there wasn’t anything that disgusted me either. This balanced approach won’t impress, but you will not be disappointed by what you hear.
Simple controls.
The aforementioned UI and hint system help to make Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth a joy to play. Though this would be better with a mouse and keyboard, I have no complaints. The inputs are well considered, and working through each case was a cinch.
Replay value is limited. As you progress, there are limited reasons to return. Unfortunately, this is the main shortcoming of a detective experience. Once you know what has happened, things can rarely be undone. Consequently, replay value and longevity are pretty low.
Unsolved Case: The Scarlet Hyacinth is a pleasant detective game.
Whether you love this genre or not, this game is well worth your time. The story develops quickly, and the characters and dialogue are interesting. Moreover, the helpful hint system gets things right 99% of the time. The result is a balanced game that holds your hand when absolutely necessary. I enjoyed it and recommend buying it here! Can you prove your worth and solve the crimes? Explore every scene, piece together the clues, and thwart the Hyacinth killer.
