Mystery Case Files: 13th Skull is the latest release in Big Fish Games’ wildly successful Mystery Case Files series that, as usual, pushes the boundary of the Hidden Object Game genre. This time we find our stall worth detective arriving at the doorstep of a curiously unique and historic mansion in the depths of the Louisiana bayou at the bequest of the new owner’s wife, Sara Lawson, to assist in the search for her recently gone missing husband following his peculiar abduction witnessed by their young daughter, Magnolia. Despite Mrs. Lawson’s efforts, the surly townspeople claim to know nothing of the disappearance, and are even less willing to lend a hand due to the rumored curse upon their new residence. The search for Mr. Lawson quickly leads to a world of pirates, hidden treasure maps, curious contraptions, voodoo and several, shall we say “unique,” personalities.

Mystery Case Files: 13th Skull adds a new level of engagement through the use of interactive video containing real world characters instead of the hand drawn or computer generated versions typically seen in hidden object games like 13th Skull. The “live” characters interact with the player by advancing the conversation based on the user’s inquiries; similar to a Choose Your Own Adventure model. The integration of the video is so seamless that, despite being live video in a photo-realistic scene, a player would strain to discern the difference between the two. Mystery Case Files: 13th Skull also includes a compelling soundtrack, “Snarky” and “Southern” storyline modes (in case you might feel like a little sass in your morning cup of M.C.F.), absolutely stunning visuals, an engaging storyline that continually unfolds throughout the length of the game including a huge fast paced, surprise twist at the end, and, best of all in my book, unique, challenging puzzles that will keep even the seasoned player entertained (including, my favorite: misdirection clues in the hidden object games).

I found that, despite the fact that the playing field was a reasonable size, there was a heavy requirement to run back and forth between scenes to collect various items to exchange for bits of information or clues. There was also an emphasis on exchanging collection errands for information from various characters, which bordered on tedious near the end. I would’ve like to see more variety in non-puzzle tasks. The hidden object games required little use of the hint feature, but were still difficult enough to entertain the seasoned h.o.g. player. I applaud the addition of mini-games against in-game characters for information and clues and would’ve liked to see that used more (particularly in place of some of the “collection/errand” tasks). And, if I had one disappointment with an otherwise fantastic addition to the Mystery Case Files series, it would be the choice of villains seen in the end. (Really, Big Fish? really?)

I did find the bar scene background loop particularly hilarious and ended up leaving it play on my speakers while I made a few phone calls just for kicks. And it may just have been me, but the use of (military strength?) super growth shrubbery, as a defense against rapid click overload attacks in the hidden object games was oddly humorous (see: The Knights Who Say Ni).

I would caution players to not rest solely on the video vignettes for their clues and tips as many crucial clues were found in the case reports after the video conversations had completed. And to save from running around like crazy at the end (while enduring constant nagging from one specifically testing villain), be sure to complete all of the seemingly unrelated puzzles as you come across them. They may seem disconnected, but it’ll save you confusion and annoyances later in the game.

A couple of hints that will surely help along the way:

1. The map puzzle is a doosey. So, start contemplating the early clues and what they might signify early on.
2. The weeds puzzle is unnecessarily tricky and isn’t at all crucial to the storyline. So, here’s the solution:
   
   Purple flowers grow back in 10 seconds. White flowers in 8 seconds. Yellow flowers in 2 seconds. Start in the center with purples, move left and up and around ending with the yellow flowers on the right. If you don’t make it the first time, just keep going to maintain the rhythm and progress. It might take a few rounds, but you’ll get it if you stick to it.

Overall, Mystery Case Files: 13th Skull is a genre leading addition to an already heralded series that has come to define the epitome of downloadable games.